FALL SEASON MEANS BIG CHANGES - SEPTEMBER 30, 2020

The Grand in typical fall conditions

 Fall is here and with its arrival there are many changes that climbers, hikers and backpackers need to be aware of:

1.  The nights are getting cold and the days are getting shorter. Be prepared for alpine conditions in the mountains which means snow and ice holding on shaded aspects and at higher elevations.  Be sure to leave the trail head with adequate gear, clothing, and a headlamp.

2.  Backcountry permits are required for all overnight stays in the backcountry and can be obtained at the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center in Moose until October 31st.  Click here for current hours of operation.

3.  Staffing in the Park is extremely limited this time of year.  Rescue response times will be dramatically longer than during peak summer season! 

SNOW IN THE MOUNTAINS - SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

The Range from the Teton Park Road on 9.9.20

Monday night's storm in the Tetons (which called for 2-4" on the Grand) exceeded the forecast significantly with over 5" of wet, heavy snow in areas around Jenny Lake in the valley. Despite sunny weather yesterday, temperatures were well below freezing in the valley last night and the mountains in Grand Teton remain coated in snow and ice. Climbers interested in summiting the Grand in the coming week should not expect to find favorable conditions. Although some lower elevation rock climbs on sunny aspects may dry out towards the weekend, expect anything up high to hold snow and ice for several days. North-facing aspects may provide alpine conditions for the remainder of the year depending on weather in the coming weeks.

The Jenny Lake Ranger station is now closed for the season. Permits are still required for any overnight stays in the backcountry. The permit offices at the Craig Thomas visitor center in Moose and the Colter Bay visitor center remain open from 9am-5pm daily.

As we enter the fall season in Grand Teton, the nights are getting cold and the days are getting shorter. Be prepared for alpine conditions in the mountains, and be sure to leave the trail head with adequate gear, clothing, and a headlamp.