Conditions Report 12/7/2011

NORTHWEST: 

-- North Buttress Couloir to North Buttress of Colchuck Peak: This trip report has some excellent photos and details on the route.

-- The Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center is indicating very stable snow conditions right now. Follow the link to read more: www.nwac.us (click NWAC Forecasts > Detailed Avalanche forecast > Forecast map to see regional reports.) Backcountry enthusiasts should use caution when in avalanche zones regardless of the reported stability. 

-- The Eagles are landing in the Skagit if you are traveling through the Skagit Valley for climbing or skiing take a few minutes to enjoy some excellent birding conditions. The Skagit Eagle Festival is four weekends in January. But the birds are there every day!

-- 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: 

For the Bard-Harrington bring your rock shoes. The Main Wall still looks a little boney, but the center-most line is forming up nicely and will probably be a pure ice climb pretty soon. The left side of Chuoinards is still a little thin. The center is nice and fat, and the right side (not shown in photo) is pretty much non-existent.  The approach is mostly snow free, so it's a lot of talus walking with a little light bushwacking, plan on 50 minutes to an hour.

Lee Vining - Bard Harrington - 12/6/2011

 Lee Vining - Main Wall - 12/6/2011

Lee Vining - Chouinard Wall - 12/6/2011

-- Glacier Point Road Closed for the season. Nov. 23

-- 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.