It has been a wet and cool spring here in Grand Teton NP and in the backcountry conditions are changing rapidly. The trails in and around the valley are melted out and wildflowers are blooming. As you climb up into the canyons and onto the peaks conditions change quickly and snow is encountered between 8000-9000ft depending on aspect. An ice axe and crampons are standard tools required for traveling the passes and peaks this time of year. The snowpack is transitioning and travel will vary greatly based on the air temperature and time of day. On warm afternoons expect soft conditions with poor footing and post-holing likely. Other times you may encounter very firm snow that only the points of your crampons will penetrate. When traveling on snow use caution around drainage bottoms and where snowfields meet boulder fields or cliff bands, this is where moats and weakening snow bridges could be encountered. Plan ahead, check the weather forecast, pack your bag accordingly and get out and enjoy the mountains!
Baxter's Pinnacle closure is in effect for the protection of nesting peregrine falcons and their young. This closes the Baxter’s Pinnacle climbing route to human traffic as well as the social trail that branches from the horse trail and serves as the approach route to the climb. See the previous post for details.