MOUNTAIN PASSES MELTED OUT; TETON CREST TRAIL DRY - August 4, 2018

As of August 4th the Teton Crest Trail is primarily snow free.  Paintbrush Divide is primarily melted out leaving one small section of wet, loose rock that must be navigated below the lingering snow patch on the eastern side of the divide. An ice axe and crampons are not needed to complete this short, exposed traverse, nor are they needed anywhere else along the Crest Trail.

Paintbrush Divide on July 23, 2018

In Garnet Canyon, access to the Lower Saddle in the North Fork is entirely snow free, and climbs like the Owen-Spalding and Exum Ridge are dry; no ice axe necessary. Be aware of any recent precipitation causing icy conditions or verglas in the early morning. In the South Fork of Garnet Canyon, patches of steep snow remain in the drainage above the Meadows when accessing the standard routes on the Middle and South Tetons. Although some of this snow may be avoided, an ice axe is still recommended. Continue to check the blog for updates on conditions throughout the season.