Conditions Report - July 6 2011

 NORTHWEST:

-- Reminder: Mt. Baker is the second most heavily glaciated volcano in the Cascades after Mt. Rainier...crevasses present a serious hazard to climbers. Glissading is extremely dangerous on Mt. Baker and is not recommended.

-- Do you have your Discover Pass yet? Starting Friday, July 1, the Discover Pass is required for vehicle- and water-access to all state recreation lands managed by Washington State Parks, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the state Department of Natural Resources. Click here and here for more info.

-- Large rock and ice fall was reported on Mt. Rainier last week. The events were big enough to register on earthquake sensors. So far no one has been hurt. Click here and here for more info. Video below.

-- Leavenworth Climbers: It looks like the Midnight/Noontime (near Castle Rock, Leavenworth, WA) birds didn't nest this year, at least in this area.  The seasonal closure for these two rocks has been lifted early, effective immediately.  At the Snow Creek Wall, two chicks fledged by mid-day on the 25th while the third was still at the eyrie.  Climbers should be aware that the chicks are still weak flyers and you could encounter them anywhere along the wall, as well as their protective parents. 

-- Notes from AAI guides:

Mt. Baker: There is exposed ice in multiple locations on the lower Coleman. The lower icefall has some nice top roping walls (lower in from above) and the upper icefall has a few short walls suitable for leading. Watch for thinning bridges in both areas. The best approach is now via the trail leading downhill from Mirkwood/Harrison Camp.

 

-- Forecast for the East Slope of the Cascades.

-- Forecast for the West Slope of the Cascades.

-- Webcam for Leavenworth and the Stuart Range.

-- 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.

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.

ALASKA RANGE:

-- Conditions in the range will be available as our dispatches come in. Please go to our Dispatch Blog for the most updated information.

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:

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

-- Webcam for Joshua Tree National Park.

-- As winter use in Joshua Tree is growing, camping can be difficult at times.  It is not a bad idea to come with a back-up plan if the park campgrounds are full.  Here are the NPS Campground Details. Some people like to stay at the rural campground often referred to as "The Pit."  And lastly, there is a campground available at Joshua Tree Lake.

-- The Joshua Tree entrance fee is currently $15 per vehicle.  Your receipt will give you access to the park for seven days after its initial purchase.  Rangers check this receipt at each of the major access points going in and out.  Annual passes are available for $30.

ALPS:

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

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