Mountain Conditions, February 8th, 2012

NORTHWEST: 


-- Roads, Routes, Trails --


The couloirs go right now! - Read the Trip Report: Dragontail Triple Coulouirs 

• Ice Conditions Thread on Cascade Climbers
• Forest Service Road and Trail Conditions Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
• Statewide Ski and Snow Report.
• Route and Conditions from Mt. Baker Rangers: Mount Baker Climbing Blog.

--Weather and Avalanche--

• Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center
•  Mountain Specific Weather Forecasting.
•  Forecast for Mount Rainier.

-- Webcams --

• Camp Muir on Mount Rainier. 
• Mount Rainier National Park
• North Cascades National Park
• Leavenworth

SIERRA: 


In the Sierra the snow pack this year is tied with the lowest snow pack on record. It's a bleak season for snow but there's still hope. Read More: http://www.sierrawave.net/10005/snowpack-still-grim/

-- Roads, Routes, Trails --


--Weather and Avalanche --

•  Eastern Sierra Avalanche Bulletin

-- Webcams --

• Mono Lake 
• Tioga Pass

Ouray, Colorado:

-- Roads, Routes, Trails --

Conditions - in general, avy conditions are pretty bad, but are starting to lighten up a bit. Many backcountry climbs (like Eureeka, where Stairway to heaven, Gulleys 1 + 2, and Whorehouse Hoses are) are in good condition, but entail high enough avy hazard to keep me away.

Camp Bird Road is looking good. Most, if not all, of the moderates are in good condition. Skylight itself is in, but dripping. Morning ascents look to be the best. 

Just climbed Ames Ice Hose. The Ice Hose was fat the whole way. p1+2 are hooked up, little swinging to be had. p3 is awesome - fat, new ice, hero-style climbing. All in all in great shape, considering the time of year and all other factors.

--Weather and Avalanche --

Skiing, due to avy conditions, remains a testy bit, but is doable, especially at and below treeline on S aspects, and away from runouts.

-- Webcams --

Ouray Webcam

RED ROCK CANYON:

-- Weather --

•  Red Rock Canyon

-- Webcam --

•  Red Rock Webcam

-- 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:


--Weather 

• Joshua Tree National Park.

--Webcam

• Joshua Tree Webcam

--Camping

• Joshua Tree Campground Details. 
• "The Pit." 
• Joshua Tree Lake.

ALPS:

-- Roads, Routes, Trails --

-- Webcams --

• Chamonix Valley
• Zermatt and the Matterhorn

ALASKA:


 We will begin regular conditions reports in the Alaska Range in late April.