Conditions Report - June 30 2010


NORTHWEST:

-- Leavenworth report: The north end of Snow Creek Wall is closed.
-- Mt Erie: Anacortes Parks and Recreation reports:
"A climber called me yesterday from Snag Buttress to report that the falcons were agitated when she and her climbing partner made it to the top. She referred to this area call "on eagles' wings" as the spot where the falcons became most agitated."

-- Mark Klassen reports on the Public Mountain Conditions Report:"June 19: Sharkfin SE Ridge, Boston Basin, N Cascades National Park. Snow starts at 5000 ft and it is pretty punchy in this area above 6000 ft. Slow travel. Route has snow on the upper section which slows things down a bit. Major glide crack avalanches on steep rock slabs in this area.June 22: Tricouni Peak N Ridge, South Coast (near Squamish). One of the creeks has eroded the road at about 3500 ft. It was impassable for us in the Tacoma but a spade, pick axe and some imagination might get you through it. Snow starts just over 4000 ft. Good travel all day. The route is in winter shape with steep snow and glide cracks on the traverse from the col to the N ridge. The ridge is mostly snow free. The descent is a bit tricky to regain the S ridge after bypassing the steep section, again with steep snow, cornices and glide cracks to negotiate. Foggggy in there yesterday. "-- North Cascades NP update: Just a reminder that the Wilderness Information Center will go
to extended summer hours beginning Sunday, June 7. Hours will be DAILY: Fri- Sat 7 - 8, Sun - Thur 7 - 6. Also, starting this weekend June 25 there will be a Wilderness Ranger at the USFS ranger station in Winthrop, so that station will be able to be open DAILY as well.

--Forecast for the West Slope of the Cascades.

--Forecast for the East Slope of the Cascades.

--Webcam for Leavenworth and the Stuart Range.

--Sno-Park permits are available for purchase in Washington State. To purchase a permit and/or read more about them click here.

--Forecast for Mount Rainier.-- Route and Conditions Report from Mt. Baker Rangers: Mount Baker Climbing Blog.

--Forest Service Road Report for Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

--Mount Saint Helens, Mount Adams conditions and recreation report.

--Webcams for Mount Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, Leavenworth.

--An up-to-date ski and snow report for the Northwest may be found here.

--Up-to-date Pacific Northwest ice conditions may be found here.

ALASKA RANGE:

-- Our last Denali Team summited yesterday!
For the most current updates on Alaska, please see our Dispatch Blog.

--Forecast for Dena
li.

SIERRA:


Looking down at Iceberg Lake from East Buttress of Mount Whitney on June 26. Photo Credit Ian McEleney.



Mount Whitney with the Mountaineers Couloir on June 27. Photo Credit Ian McEleney.



AAI Guide Ian McEleney, Mt Whitney, earlier this month. Photo Credit Doug Grove.




--
AAI Guide Ian McEleney reports June 28th:

The North Fork trail is 99% snow free to Upper Boy Scout Lake. From there to Iceberg there is still a lot of snow cover but it's going fast. At Iceberg there are few melted out sites. The Mountaineers Couloir still has a lot of snow, an ice axe is recommended, crampons are recommended for early morning. Ice axe and crampons are not necessary for the final couloir. The Northwest Face variation still has a lot of snow.

--Looks like there is still snow and plenty of mosquitoes in the high country. A detailed report for Lyell Lake and Evelyn Lake area can be found here.

-- A Tioga road plowing report can be found here.

-- Mt. Whitney lottery info can be found here.

--For up-to-date avalanche and weather reports in the Eastern Sierra, click here.
--Webcams for Bishop, June Lake, Mammoth Mountain, Mono Lake, Tioga Pass.



ALPS:


--Chamonix and Mont Blanc Regional Forecasts may be found here.

--Webcams for Chamonix Valley, Zermatt and the Matterhorn.


RED ROCK CANYON:


--Forecast and average temperatures for Red Rock Canyon.

--Webcam for Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.--The late exit and overnight permit number for Red Rock Canyon is 702-515-5050. If there is any chance that you will be inside the park after closing, be sure to call this number so that you don't get a ticket.--The entrance to the scenic drive had a parking area for those who wanted to carpool up until approximately April of 2009. That lot has now become employee parking and people who want to carpool are required to park at the lot outside the Scenic Drive exit.

--The scenic drive currently opens its gates at 6 in the morning.

JOSHUA TREE:

-- Some campgrounds will close for the summer season. See here for more info.

-- Joshua Tree Park Ranger Don Roberts reports: "...temporary closures known as Towers of Uncertainty, The Seitch and Rattlesnake Canyon have been rescinded by the Superintendent. Thank you for observing these closures as it is very important for the nesting of some of the park's wildlife. At this time, you are welcome to resume your activities in these areas."

--Forecast and average temperatures for Joshua Tree National Park.

--Webcam for Joshua Tree National Park.