UPDATE: BAXTER'S PINNACLE CLOSED - MAY 13, 2022

Effective immediately, the Baxter’s Pinnacle area is closed to public entry.  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.  The National Park Service has determined that the closure is necessary for the protection of nesting peregrine falcons and their young. The peregrine falcon is a state Species of Greatest Conservation Need and is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

The winter wildlife closure protecting bighorn sheep habitat has been lifted and the Teton Park Road from Taggart Lake to Signal Mountain is now open to motorized traffic.  

Conditions in the backcountry remain winter-like. The valley trails are in difficult shape, with significant snow coverage throughout and many lakes still partially covered in ice.  Above 8,000' the Teton Range remains in full winter conditions.  Travelers should be cautious while traveling in the backcountry, and be prepared to deal with elevated avalanche danger during warm afternoons and when overnight lows remain above freezing.  Lakes that are covered in ice are thawing and should be considered suspect this time of year.  

The visitor center in Moose is now open and park information and backcountry camping permits can be obtained there from 8am to 5pm.  Backcountry camping permits and bear canisters are required for all overnight trips into Grand Teton NP.  

CONDITIONS UPDATE - APRIL 28, 2022

 

The Teton Park Road opens to vehicle traffic on 5/1

There's still plenty of snow out there!

The season's are slowly trying to change, but the conditions and weather have been variable and we haven't seemed to fall into a good spring cycle. Recent new snow keeps adding to the snowpack, which is good, but the warm temps will keep you guessing and the corn harvest really hasn't quite come around yet. 

For those heading into the backcountry, please keep in mind that the bears are out and about, and you should take precautions accordingly. 

Though the BT Avy Center has finished it's daily forecast for the year, they're still a valuable source of data to help make your own informed decisions. Check out the 'Data Center' for the 24-hour summary and look at specific weather stations to inform your decisions about where you're thinking of heading:

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center (jhavalanche.org)

Time to start looking forward to the summer season... See you in the hills!

SPRING IS HERE! - MARCH 19, 2022

 

View of the Cathedral Group from 25 Short - 3.19.22

Tomorrow marks the first official day of Spring and the valley is desperately clinging on to the snow that remains.  Patches of dry ground are starting to appear in a few low elevation southerly aspects!  Yikes!  Road crews are cutting out the Teton Park Road and warmer temperatures are starting to have an impact in the afternoon.  In the high elevations of the Teton Range winter still reigns supreme, with about 15 welcome inches of snow accumulating during the past week.  The snow pack in the high elevations is highly variable, and in many places shallow as well.  Expect a variety of crusts at many elevations and on most aspects.  

Please remember to check the latest avalanche forecast before you venture out!   

You can also check out our GTNP snowpack summaries to get a sense of how the snowpack has evolved this season.

Stay safe out there!

FEBRUARY UPDATE - FEB 17, 2022

 

North side of Prospector's with Apocalypse Couloir visible

We're sorry to report that on Sunday, Feb 13, there was a fatal accident in the Apocalypse Couloir on the north side of Prospector's. Our deepest condolences go out to the victim's family and friends. 

Teton County SAR and Jenny Lake Rangers, with the TCSAR helicopter, jointly responded to the accident. We owe a huge thank-you to our friends at Teton County SAR for their hasty and professional response.

This accident is a tragic reminder to us all to slow down and be mindful of all of the risks we face when we leave the trailhead behind. 

Don't forget to keep checking the Bridger Teton Avalanche Forecast

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center (jhavalanche.org)

And the GRTE Park-Specific discussion:

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center (jhavalanche.org)

Be careful out there.