SNOW-FREE CONDITIONS ON THE GRAND & PAINTBRUSH DIVIDE - JULY 20, 2022

An ice axe/crampons are no longer needed for the Owen-Spalding route on the Grand Teton or to traverse Paintbrush Divide.  There will be potential delays on Paintbrush Divide starting July 21st while trail crew works to improve the badly damaged trail below the divide. See previous post below for details. 

Warm temps continue to melt seasonal snow patches across the range. Climbers that are venturing to some of the bigger routes in the range such as the Grand Traverse or the North Face should still expect to deal with patchy snow and ice. 

The Grand and Owen from Teewinot 7/21/22

LOWER SADDLE APPROACH & PAINTBRUSH DIVIDE UPDATE - JULY 14, 2022

Climbers:  On July 3rd, significant hazardous rockfall occurred at the fixed line on the approach to the Lower Saddle of the Grand Teton.   Melting snow may continue to pose a hazard in this area.   Pay close attention to changing conditions and move through this zone quickly if you can. 

As snow continues to melt, the summer route is now the preferred way to gain access to the Lower Saddle.  There are still some snow crossings to negotiate above the Caves. Depending on temperature and time of day the Lower Saddle Approach still involves snow travel that may necessitate an ice axe for some parties to navigate safely.  It is recommended to have one for the approach to the Lower Saddle.

Recent reports indicate that the snow is melting fast and there is very little left to negotiate along the Teton Crest Trail! However, the small, steep snow drift below Paintbrush Divide still remains and an ice axe is recommended to traverse Paintbrush Divide.  There will be potential delays on Paintbrush Divide starting July 21st while trail crew works to improve the badly damaged trail below the divide. See below for details. 

Last steep snow crossing just below Paintbrush Divide - Taken 7.5.22

SUMMER HAS ARRIVED IN THE MOUNTAINS-ROCKFALL HAZARD ON LOWER SADDLE APPROACH-JULY 4, 2022

 Lower Saddle Approach from the lower moraine camping zone

A significant rockfall event occurred on the afternoon of July 3rd in the area of the fixed line on the approach to the lower saddle, nearly 40 mins of continuous rockfall was observed.   Warm temps have contributed to significant snow melt in the last week and the slope above the fixed line is saturated which has loosed the rocks and dirt on that slope.  The coming days will be telling as to whether this is an isolated event or there will be continued instability on this slope.  Extreme caution is advised when traveling in this area, many climbers and guides are choosing to avoid the area for the next couple days.  Moving through this area quickly and avoiding it during the heat of the day is advised.