Conditions Report -- January 7, 2009

RED ROCK CANYON:

--Forecast and average temperatures for Red Rock Canyon.

--Webcam for Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

A climber on All that Jazz (5.8)
Photo by Jason Martin

--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.

--It's easy to fall in love with a tree without realizing that you have. And thus climbers from everywhere are mourning the loss of the large pine tree at the base of the Panty Wall in a wind storm last week. The tree has long provided both shade and an excellent landmark to approaching climbers. The tree will be missed...especially by those who try to find the Panty Wall by "hiking up to the only large tree visible from the parking lot."

--Watch out for ghosts at the base of the Rainbow Wall!

JOSHUA TREE:

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

A climber rappelling Intersection Rock
Photo by John Jimm

--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 Leavenworth and the Stuart Range.

--Forecast for Mount Rainier.

--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 and Highway 2.

Steve Heathers rips it up in the Baker backcountry
Photo by Silas Wild

--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.

--The avalanche danger was quite severe this past week with a lot of new snow in the mountains. The passes have been closed repeatedly with motorists stuck on either side and avalanche control teams have been at work non-stop. Indeed, a massive avalanche washed down over Highway 2 yesterday evening, stranding motorists for the night.  Some people have been getting out though. This party skied the Baker backcountry. This party got out into the Crystal backcountry. And this party skied Hex Mountain.

Climbers on Fuggs Falls on Sunday
Photo by Dan Hess

--While much of the Pacific Northwest ice is now under avalanche threat, some of the desert ice is still seeing ascents. It appears that many parties made their way out to Fuggs Falls in Frenchman Coulee. We can only assume that many other parties have been doing similar climbs in the desert.

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.

--Many parties are now making their way into Lee Vining to climb. Though not all the routes are in yet, parties are finding more than enough ice to swing tools and have a great time.

ALPS:

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

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

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.