Conditions Report - August 3 2011

 NORTHWEST:

-- Not a bad weekend to get out! Where did you go? This party headed to Boston Basin but it got a little hairy. Click here for the beta. 

--- Looks like some folks nabbed a first ascent on Dragontail. Click here and here for more info.

-- 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:

-- After an episode of thunderstorms and heavy rain, the Whitney trail has reopened. Click here for more information. The Forest Service would like to remind hikers and backpackers to be aware of changing weather conditions and to be prepared with the right gear and equipment . Hikers should be aware of stream crossings and remember that waters can rise very quickly due to cloudbursts, especially when the rain is falling on snow that remains from the late winter. It is important to be prepared to spend the night in case high waters or a washed out trail preclude access back to the trailhead.

-- Snow is melting fast on the Incredible Hulk approach. Click here for the latest news and pictures.


-- Click here for the latest Tenaya Peak info. Looks like there is still snow on the north side but easy to bypass.

-- Here's a thread for current Whitney/Russel area conditions.

-- 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.

RED ROCK CANYON:

-- Red Rock Canyon is still being threatened. If you care about the future of Red Rock Canyon, log on to saveredrock.com and educate yourself about the threat. On Aug 17, seven Clark County commisioners will decide the future of development in Red Rock.

map of proposed development
Submitted By: Eric and Lucie

The entire Blue Diamond Hill (the massive hill at the center of the RR cirque, that forms the foreground of the view from anywhere at Red Rocks, and the backdrop to the BLM campground, and is currently completely undeveloped) will become a brand new town of 5,000+ homes and about 15,000 residents, complete with shopping malls, schools, etc. An official plan has recently been submitted to the county by the developers: it effectively puts a brand new mid-size city right in the middle of the conservation area.  Click here for more information.

-- 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.



ALASKA:


-- Conditions in the range are not currently available.  But we are taking reservations for both Alaska Range Ascents and Denali trips for the 2012 season.  To learn more, click here.  We will begin regular conditions reports in the Alaska Range in late April.