Grand Teton National Park Climbing & Backcountry Information: 05/15

AVALANCHE DANGER REMAINS HIGH - May 30, 2015

Significant wet snow avalanche activity was observed throughout the Teton Range today. Evidence of both point release and slab avalanches was visible on Teewinot's East Face and rangers reported that wet slides were easily triggered by human travel. Warm temperatures, recent heavy rain and snow, and strong solar radiation have produced a very weak snowpack in the alpine. While these conditions remain please use EXTREME CAUTION when deciding whether or not to travel on or under steep snow slopes.

REMINDERS:

Baxter’s Pinnacle and its southwest descent gully remained closed due to an active peregrine falcon nest. Please respect this closure while they attempt to successfully raise more young.

Backcountry camping permits are required year-round for all overnight trips into the backcountry of Grand Teton National Park. Climbers and hikers can obtain backcountry camping permits at the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center. Detailed information can be found in the links on the right.

SNOWY CONDITIONS PERSIST IN THE HIGH COUNTRY - MAY 25, 2015

With over a week of snowy wet weather the high mountains and backcountry of Grand Teton NP are still in winter conditions through the Memorial Day weekend and into the near future. Although a low snow year has the Valley Trail and some lower canyons melted out, expect to encounter snow above 8,500 ft (aspect dependent). Many wet loose avalanches have been observed through the weekend in steep alpine terrain. Avalanche awareness and caution are advised in the alpine.

Middle Teton and Garnet Canyon Meadows - 5/26/15

Garnet Canyon Meadows and the South Fork of Garnet Canyon - 5/26/15

BAXTER'S PINNACLE CLOSED - MAY 1, 2015

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Beginning Friday, May 1st, an area including Baxter’s Pinnacle and its southwest descent gully will be closed due to an active peregrine falcon nest.

In 2011, a peregrine falcon pair established a new nest near Baxter’s Pinnacle; this is the fifth year in a row that a closure will be levied to protect both climbers and falcons. As the peregrines reclaim this previous nest area, it is an especially critical time for them; therefore, it is important that climbers comply with the posted public closure.

Peregrines are territorial and aggressive birds especially while nesting and incubating eggs; they become even more protective after their chicks hatch. This area will remain closed indefinitely until the young birds have fledged or biologists determine there is no longer a risk to either climbers or the falcons.

The peregrine falcon is among the world’s fastest birds, flying at 40-55 mph and diving at more than 200 mph while defending territory or striking prey. This poses a safety risk to climbers who could be knocked off the route and injured.