|
TODAY'S STATS |
Mt. McKinley |
Mt. Foraker |
|
Registered Climbers |
1,076 |
15 |
|
Climbers Currently On Mountain |
316 |
0 |
|
Completed Climbs |
675 |
15 |
|
Number of Summits |
337 |
4 |
|
Summit Percentage |
50% |
27% |
The Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station also maintains a daily automated statistics phone line, so if this blog is lagging behind and you need up-to-date registration numbers, call (907) 733-9127.
Weather Report
14,200 feet - Sky = severe clear, wind 5 mph from the northeast, gusts to 7 mph.
In the last 12 hours:
Current temp: 9 F (-13 C)
Low temp: 9 F (-13 C)
High temp: 28 F (-2 C)
7,200 feet - Sky = severe clear, with 6 mph wind from the east, gusts to 14 mph.
In the last 12 hours:
Current temp: 39 F (4 C)
Low temp: 37 F (3 C)
High temp: 41 F (5 C)
National Weather Service forecast
Ranger Update
NPS Denali Patrol #4 (Chenoweth, 4 VIPs) is back at 14,200-foot camp. If all goes well, they plan to descend to Basecamp later today, and fly home to Talkeetna tomorrow.
NPS Denali Patrol #5 (McBrayer, 4 VIPs) is now camped at 17,200 feet. The patrol is assisting a climber with symptoms of HAPE today. Lots of climbers coming and going from the summit during these long sunny, calm days.
NPS Denali Patrol #6 is (Gentzel, Corn, 4 VIPs) is ascending to 14,200-foot camp today where they will relieve Chenoweth, et al, from their duties. As climber numbers taper for the season, the patrol will be gradually breaking down 14,200-foot camp infrastructure.
NPS Basecamp Patrol #5 (Shain + 1 VIP) is holding fort at Basecamp, where a nice downglacier wind has been keeping things surprisingly comfortable despite the warm temperatures.
The Mount Hunter ice core researchers gave their research presentation last night (Thursday) at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge. (We originally reported here that it might happen Friday (tonight), apologies go out to those interested parties who didn't get word on time!) For more information on this impressive climate change research being conducted in the Alaska Range, check out the project's fact sheet: Learning about Climate Change from Ice Cores
Route Conditions
The steady glaring sun has left the snow surface crusty and variable in the 14,200 foot basin.
High temperatures have generated rockfall activity at Windy Corner, as well as the stretch between Windy Corner and the Headwall.
Climbers definitely on a night schedule for lower glacier travel to take advantage of cooler nighttime temperatures.
Photo of the Day
We're often asked why the Autobahn, or the traverse up to Denali Pass between 17,400-feet and 18,200-feet, is the site of so many falls. This photo provides an idea of the slope angle and the traversing nature of the route that often catches climbers off guard, particularly on the descent. In the photo, NPS volunteers are installing pickets and draws for rope teams to clip into for fall protection. (NPS Photo/VIP Sue Wolff)