Conditions Report -- October 22, 2008

RED ROCK CANYON:

-- The Fall climbing season in Red Rock Canyon is underway!

A climber on Cat in the Hat (II+ 5.6+)
(Jason Martin Collection)

--Forecast and average temperatures for Red Rock Canyon.

--Rumor has it that the bees are no longer hanging around Solar Slab Gully. However, a beehive has been reported in Moderate Mecca in Red Springs.

JOSHUA TREE:

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

Sunset in Joshua Tree National Park

--Webcam for Joshua Tree National Park.

NORTHWEST:

--Forecast for the West Slope of the Cascades.

--Forecast for the East Slope of the Cascades.

--Webcam for North Cascades National Park.

--Forecast for Mount Rainier.

--Webcam for Mount Rainier National Park.

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

--Reports have come in that some of the first high alpine ice is forming up. AAI guide Justin Wood just led a late season attempt on Mount Baker. He stated that the Cosley-Houston route on Colfax Peak is currently in WI 5 conditions.

Last October, AAI Guides Kurt Hicks and Dylan Taylor climbed the Cosley-Houston.
This is a photo of Kurt leading the crux. (Dylan Taylor Collection)

SIERRA:

--For up to date avalanche and weather reports in the Eastern Sierra, click here.

--Here is a great -- albeit mildly dated -- photo-heavy trip report from the Sierra.

--This isn't a terribly important piece of information about conditions, but it is interesting. There appears to be a massive scar on the side of Half Dome in Yosemite. Apparently every year it gets bigger. There is likely a bit of rockfall in the area. To see it, click here.

--There is a lot of rockfall in the Curry Village area of Yosemite. A second massive rockfall washed down from the walls above. Massive boulders struck cabins and knocked down trees. To date no injuries have been reported. To read more, click here.

ALPS:

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

--Here is a slightly outdated trip report from a summer climbing expedition to the Swiss Alps.

ALASKA RANGE:

--Forecast for Denali

--Webcam for Denali National Park.

--The Alaska season is over until April of 2009, but we are already in the process of gearing up for it. We are now accepting applications for our 2009 Denali expeditions.

CLIMBING MAGAZINE WEATHER:

Climbing Magazine weather reports for Yosemite, Denali and Rainier may be found here.