FALL UPDATE - SEPTEMBER 24, 2012

Clouds drape over the high peaks of the Teton Range - 9/24/12

After two weeks of hot and smokey weather, the Teton Range is experiencing another period of unsettled weather with precipitation expected in the high country.  As we move into fall, climbers and hikers should be prepared to deal with the changing conditions, including: 

• snow, ice and verglas in shaded areas, especially on north and west aspects above 11,000 feet
• freezing overnight temperatures - don't count on water at the Lower Saddle!
• shorter days - usable light only lasts until about 7:30 - 8:00 pm 

Specific route condition updates will be limited as we move into fall and staffing is reduced to winter levels.  The HOMEPAGE will continue to provide updates on general conditions in the Teton Range throughout the winter.

The Jenny Lake Ranger Station is closed for the season.  Backcountry camping permits can be obtained at the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center in Moose. Call 307-739-3309 for more information.

CHANGES IN THE HIGH COUNTRY - SEPTEMBER 8, 2012

The "Catwalk" on the Owen-Spalding Route - 9/5/12

Conditions in the high country have changed over the past week with the passing of two significant weather events.  Frozen precipitation accumulated above the 11,500 foot elevation in both events leaving behind snow, ice, and verglas in shaded areas and aspects.  The west and north aspects are holding the most snow and ice, but be prepared to encounter it anywhere above 11,000 feet.  Check the route conditions pages for specific information.

The Jenny Lake Ranger Station closes for the season at 5pm on Sunday, September 9, 2012.  Backcountry permits can be obtained at the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center in Moose.  Call 307-739-3309 for more information.

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UPDATE - AUGUST 27, 2012

Sunrise on Mt Owen & the Grand - 8/21/12

Campsites 14A, 14B & 16 at Leigh Lake have re-opened.  Climbers and hikers must still remain vigilant in the backcountry as bears remain active throughout the Teton Range. 

Route conditions changed very during the past two weeks with hot, dry weather persisting.  Overnight temperatures have remained above freezing in all but the very highest parts of the range.  However, a thunderstorm last night left behind a small amount of snow and ice on the Owen-Spalding Route with reports that the Owen Chimney was iced up in the morning hours.  By early afternoon the route was fairly dry and the snow and ice did not cause much problem.  Keep checking back for updates as we enter the time of year when conditions start to fluctuate frequently with the late summer/fall weather.