Mountain Conditions - Oct. 26th 2011

NORTHWEST:
-- Ski slopes are starting to look inviting but objective hazards are also present. Early season snow comes with many hazards, beware of un-plugged but hidden crevasses, cornices, avalanches and other hazards related to low snow-pack and early season conditions. 


-- It was reported last week that the ice in the hourglass variation of the fisher chimneys is good and still goes. 


-- This Trip Report on East Face Couloir of Sahale Peak has good photos and route beta.


-- Trip Report from the Enchantments with excellent photos of October snow.


-- Smith Rock, Oregon - It has been reported that there are loose Anchor bolts at the top of Picnic Lunch Wall and Where Ever I May Roam


-- Mountain Specific Weather Forecasting.

-- 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.

--Webcam for Camp Muir on Mount Rainier.

-- 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: 
-- A trip report with some great photos of the High Sierra from Mt Dana


--Yosemite National Park Fire Managers are planning a prescribed fire in the southern portion of the park near Bishop Creek and Rail Creek along the Wawona Road, on Monday, October 24, 2011. It is expected to take 4 - 5 days.

-- 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:
-- 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 scenic drive currently opens its gates at 6 in the morning.

JOSHUA TREE:

-- Watch for aggressive bees on Hemingway Buttress near "Poodles are People Too"

--With the exception of Cottonwood Campground, all park campsites opened on September 30th.

-- 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.