The next few days will be some of the busiest days of the season in desert and southwest climbing locations. If you're currently reading this and you plan on camping in Red Rock, Joshua Tree or Smith Rock, then you should definitely get moving. Camping spaces at desert climbing areas tend to become incredibly sparse over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
RED ROCK CANYON:
--Forecast and average temperatures for Red Rock Canyon.
A climber on Johnny Vegas (II+ 5.7)--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.
JOSHUA TREE:
--Forecast and average temperatures for Joshua Tree National Park.
--Webcam for Joshua Tree National Park.
A climber in Joshua Tree National Park--Forecast for the West Slope of the Cascades.
--Forecast for the East Slope of the Cascades.
--Forecast for Mount Rainier.
--Forest Service Road Report for Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
--Mount Saint Helens and Mount Adams conditions and recreation report.
--Webcams for Mount Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, Leavenworth and Highway 2.
--Significant damage was sustained in Mount Rainier National Park during a rain event on November 12th. To see photos of the damage click here.
Eric Linthwaite on a new route on Beacon Rock over the weekend.
The party encountered cold weather and high winds.
Note the aider and the rope caught in the wind.
Photo by Dave Goldring
--The weather in the Pacific Northwest was variable over the weekend. On Saturday it was a bit rainy in the lowlands, while on Sunday it was sunny, clear and cold everywhere. A few parties got out over the weekend. This party sieged a rock route with warm clothes and aid equipment down on the Oregon/Washington border. This party climbed the frigid Northeast Couloir of Dragontail Peak.The party encountered cold weather and high winds.
Note the aider and the rope caught in the wind.
Photo by Dave Goldring
A party climbed the Northeast Couloir of Dragontail Peak over the weekend.The couloir is the central gully in the picture.
From the John Frieh Collection
Dave Burdick navigating the steep Dragontail Couloir.From the John Frieh collection.
--Skiing in the Pacific Northwest is pretty dismal right now. It doesn't look like any of the resorts will be open for Thanksgiving. People are -- of course -- still finding some snow in the backcountry, but this is pretty dismal right now as well. We expect things to change dramatically within the next week or so. This guy tried to find snow in the Mount Pugh region, but didn't do so well. This party explored the Mount Baker backcountry near the Coleman Pinnacle. And lots of people were messing around up on the Muir Snowfield this weekend.
SIERRA:
--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, and Yosemite National Park.
--There's not much skiing in the Sierra yet. There are a few people getting out there and hitting the north facing slopes...but it is still quite dry. Here is one report on a successful descent of Red Slate Mountain over the weekend.
Welcome to the boneyard! There isn't much snow in the Eastern Sierra.This photo was taken on November 22nd.
Photo by Peter Caldwell
Ski approaches are supposed to be easy!This photo was taken on the approach to Red Slate Mountain.
Photo by Peter Caldwell
The classic ski line on Red Slate Mountain is the central couloir.As you can see, there is snow high in the Sierra...but it's pretty desperate down low.
Photo by Peter Caldwell
--Here is an old photo-heavy trip report from a big wall climb in Yosemite.
ALPS:
--Chamonix and Mont Blanc Regional Forecasts may be found here.
--Webcams for Chamonix Valley, Zermatt and the Matterhorn.
--Webcams for Chamonix Valley, Zermatt and the Matterhorn.
--Forecast for Denali
--Webcam for Denali National Park.
