Denali Dispatches

About This Blog

Denali National Park's mountaineering blog contains periodic feature stories on life in the Alaska Range, as well as almost-daily Field Reports containing mountain statistics for Denali and Foraker, weather observations, and route conditions on Denali and other climbing areas of the Alaska Range.

Field Report, July 14, 2023

July 14, 2023 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

And that's a WRAP!

 

Field Report, July 11, 2023

July 11, 2023 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

All humans off Denali for the 2023 season

 

Field Report, July 7, 2023

July 07, 2023 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

It ain't over until its over

 

Field Report, July 5, 2023

July 05, 2023 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Final few days of the season at hand

 

Field Report, June 30, 2023

June 30, 2023 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Climbers hoping to take advantage of a long-awaited break in the weather

 

Field Report, June 28, 2023

June 28, 2023 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Another week of relative quiet on Denali. Summit rate dips to 30%.

 

Field Report, June 24, 2023

June 24, 2023 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

A solid week of peace and quiet on Denali

 

Field Report, June 20, 2023

June 20, 2023 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Quiet few days after a lively flurry of rescues.

 

Field Report, June 14, 2023

June 14, 2023 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Over 70 climbers backed up at Basecamp

 

Field Report, June 9, 2023

June 09, 2023 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Rangers catch their breath after a lively week at 14K

 

Field Report, June 6, 2023

June 06, 2023 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Over the half-way point now, challenging weather conditions persist

 

Field Report, May 31, 2023

May 31, 2023 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Climber medivaced this morning with HACE/HAPE; plus a quick patrol report from the Ruth Gorge

 

Field Report, May 29, 2023

May 29, 2023 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Upper mountain getting top heavy with 100 climbers at High Camp.

 

Field Report, May 26, 2023

May 26, 2023 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Rangers enjoy a quiet night on Denali

 

Field Report, May 24, 2023

May 24, 2023 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Lively week, plus weather station equipment back up at 7K and 14K

 

Field Report, May 17, 2023

May 17, 2023 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Climbers on the lower mountain emerge from a multi-day wind and snowstorm, while the upper mountain remains breezy.

 

Field Report, May 15, 2023

May 15, 2023 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

The NPS 14K camp is fully operational

 

Field Report, May 9, 2023

May 09, 2023 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Search continues for two missing climbers on the Moose's Tooth

 

Field Report, May 4, 2023

May 04, 2023 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

A snowy three days in the Alaska Range

 

Field Report, May 1, 2023

May 01, 2023 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

New faces at both Basecamp and at the Ranger Station

 

Field Report, April 27, 2023

April 27, 2023 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

First NPS patrol of the season flew to Basecamp today

 

Field Report, April 24, 2023

April 24, 2023 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

The 2023 Denali mountaineering season is well underway.  Lots of happy route reports from around the Range.

 

Climbing the Muldrow Post-2021 Surge

December 07, 2022 Posted by: Chrissie Oken

A visit to the Muldrow Glacier in August 2022 give an idea of how the route is looking these days

 

Field Report, July 8, 2022

July 08, 2022 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

It's a wrap...

 

Field Report, July 6, 2022

July 06, 2022 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

14 camp is all packed up for the season

 

Field Report, July 1, 2022

July 01, 2022 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Slowly but surely, the season starts to draw to a close

 

Field Report, June 29, 2022

June 29, 2022 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Season winding down fast

 

Field Report, June 27, 2022

June 27, 2022 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Ronbo celebrates his thirty year anniversary in style

 

Field Report, June 23, 2022

June 23, 2022 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Thank you, Corn Stars!

 

Field Report, June 17, 2022

June 17, 2022 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Week ends with two medical evacs

 

Field Report, June 14, 2022

June 14, 2022 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Summit percentage tops 70% amidst multiple weekend rescue efforts

 

Field Report, June 10, 2022

June 10, 2022 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Another patrol trade-out, an evac, and a summit percentage that continues to climb

 

Field Report, June 8, 2022

June 08, 2022 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Finally a little new snow, at least at mid elevations.

 

Field Report, June 6, 2022

June 06, 2022 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Summit percentage up to 66% as prolonged high pressure system lingers

 

Field Report, June 3, 2022

June 03, 2022 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Lower glacier in rough shape

 

Holding the Weight

June 02, 2022 Posted by: Travis Baldwin

A ranger's ruminations on risk management

 

Field Report, June 1, 2022

June 01, 2022 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Summit percentage soars to over 60%.  Also, meet Mr. Fixit...Nate Smith!

 

Field Report, May 30, 2022

May 30, 2022 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Happy Memorial Day!

 

Field Report, Friday, May 27, 2022

May 27, 2022 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Pretty quiet couple days, other than a False InReach activation

 

Field Report, May 25, 2022

May 25, 2022 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Summits. Frostbite. Patrol swap.

 

Field Report, May 20, 2022

May 20, 2022 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Updated conditions report; plus meet DRV president Steve Mock

 

Field Report, May 18, 2022

May 18, 2022 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Body recovered from upper mountain. Fatal crevasse fall on the Kahiltna Glacier.

 

Field Report, May 16, 2022

May 16, 2022 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Two med evacs, two reports of summits

 

Field Report, May 13, 2022

May 13, 2022 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Meet Eric, one of our new helo pilots

 

Field Report, May 11, 2022

May 11, 2022 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Team injured in avalanche in the Chicken Couloir

 

Field Report, May 9, 2022

May 09, 2022 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Next NPS team on deck is the first all-women Upper Mountain patrol

 

Field Report, May 7, 2022

May 07, 2022 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

With great sadness, we report a climbing fatality on Denali this week

 

Field Report, May 4, 2022

May 04, 2022 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Reports from the Ruth Gorge, West Ridge of Hunter, and Ham and Eggs

 

Field Report, May 2, 2022

May 02, 2022 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

So it begins -- Lisa begins her 23rd season at Basecamp. First NPS patrol is in.

 

Field Report for April 27, 2022

April 27, 2022 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Welcome to the first field report of the season

 

20 Years and Counting of Clean Mountain Cans on Denali

April 21, 2022 Posted by: Chrissie Oken, Denali Mountaineering Ranger

Spear-headed by mountaineering ranger Roger Robinson and made possible by a conservation grant from the American Alpine Club, the first 50 CMCs were tested on the mountain by expeditions on a voluntary basis in 2001.

 

Field Report, July 11 - 17, 2021

July 17, 2021 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

And then there were none.

 

Field Report, July 4 - 10, 2021

July 10, 2021 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Final few days on Denali; meanwhile, some rangers shift to some interesting post-season project work.

 

Frappuchino and Altitude - A Case Study

July 06, 2021 Posted by: Travis Baldwin

A fond farewell to friend and fellow ranger Dave Weber

 

Field Report, June 27 to July 3, 2021

July 03, 2021 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Lower glacier holding its own thanks to some chillier nights and a little new snow.

 

Field Report, June 20 - 26, 2021

June 26, 2021 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Typical late season conditions on the lower glacier

 

So, exactly what is it you do on a 7K patrol?

June 22, 2021 Posted by: Steve Mock

A day in the life of an NPS basecamp patrol

 

Field Report, June 13 - 19, 2021

June 19, 2021 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Summit percentage reaches 60%

 

Field Report, June 6 - 12, 2021

June 12, 2021 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Quiet week, but a busy morning

 

Field Report, May 30 - June 5, 2021

June 05, 2021 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Summits racking up, even a few on Mount Foraker.

 

Field Report, May 24-29

May 29, 2021 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

A lively week on the upper mountain

 

Troubling Trends

May 27, 2021 Posted by: Denali Mountaineering Rangers

Things that keep rangers up at night, both literally and figuratively

 

Field Report, May 16 - 23, 2021

May 23, 2021 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

New snow, new summits, new outdoor briefing room

 

Field Report, May 9 - 15, 2021

May 16, 2021 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Field reports moving to weekly updates. First Denali summits of the year called in. Lower glacier conditions reports. Fatal serac fall in the Ruth.

 

Field Report, May 8, 2021

May 08, 2021 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Reports of a summit of Mount Hunter

 

Ruth Amphitheater Patrol, May 1 to 5

May 07, 2021 Posted by: Ranger Michelle (Mik) Dalpes

A familiarization trip to the Ruth Glacier

 

Field Report, May 5, 2021

May 05, 2021 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Tragedy in the Alaska Range

 

Field Report, May 3, 2021

May 03, 2021 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

First NPS West Buttress patrol of the season flies onto the mountain, while on the East Buttress, a climber is evacuated with HAPE

 

Twas the Night Before Climbing Season

April 30, 2021 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Patience. Flexibility. Tolerance for Adversity.  (Plus some signs of spring!)

 

50th Anniversary of the First All-Female Denali Expedition

July 13, 2020 Posted by: Frank Preston

Denali celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the First All-Female Denali Expedition in 2020

 

The First SAR of the Season

May 15, 2020 Posted by: Chrissie Oken

When I was hired as a Denali Mountaineering Ranger last fall, this season is not exactly what I was expecting. As far as I can tell, this is a pretty commonly held sentiment across the entire United States and world. Spring of 2020: not exactly what we were expecting.

 

COVID-19 and the Best Denali Training Plan

May 04, 2020 Posted by: Frank Preston

For those of you who have not experienced Alaskan hunkering, finding ways to keep the stoke alive and well through this COVID experience will serve you well when you get to fly in to Kahiltna Base Camp in the future.

 

My First Mission

April 17, 2020 Posted by: Michelle (Mik) Dalpes

Little did she realize as she excitedly headed into her first Denali mountaineering season, Ranger Michelle Dalpes' first -- and possibly only -- rigging 'patient' of the 2020 season would be a giant rubber marine buoy. 

 

Meet Our Pilot, Andy.

August 01, 2019 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

We hope you never get to fly with him.

 

Kichatna to Chelatna and Beyond!

July 22, 2019 Posted by: Park Ranger Frank Preston

A (not so) instant classic of a trip on the south side of the Alaska Range

 

Field Report, July 15, 2019

July 15, 2019 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

No climbers left on Denali...season finishes up with a 65% summit rate.

 

Field Report, July 9, 2019

July 09, 2019 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

All NPS patrols are now off the mountain...perhaps with the remaining 67 climbers ready to fly out today?!

 

Field Report, July 5, 2019

July 05, 2019 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

A patient was flown from 14K today; patrol busy breaking down 14K

 

Field Report, July 1, 2019

July 01, 2019 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Only 9 or so (non-NPS) teams left on Denali.

 

Field Report, June 28, 2019

June 28, 2019 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Bluebird!

 

Copy, I have you Lima Charlie

June 28, 2019 Posted by: Travis Baldwin

Post-patrol ponderings of mountaineering ranger

 

Field Report, June 27, 2019

June 27, 2019 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Breezy conditions up high, temps mild with sunny skies.

 

Field Report, June 24, 2019

June 24, 2019 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Summit rates on both Denali and Foraker get a boost

 

Field Report, June 20, 2019

June 20, 2019 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Helicopter pilot Andy staying fairly busy yesterday and today

 

Field Report, June 18

June 18, 2019 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Much patrol movement over the weekend. Lower glacier still in great travel condition.

 

Field Report, June 14, 2019

June 14, 2019 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

First summits of the year for Mount Foraker; Denali's summit percentage continues to rise during ridiculous stretch of clear, calm weather

 

Field Report, June 12, 2019

June 12, 2019 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Muldrow patrol on its way!

 

Field Report, June 11, 2019

June 11, 2019 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

"This is my favorite kind of low pressure, the kind that feels like high pressure."

 

Field Report, June 10, 2019

June 10, 2019 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Lower glacier still in fantastic travel condition. Big patrol swap-out yesterday.  Also, WARNING: ugly frostbite photo.

 

Field Report, June 6, 2019

June 06, 2019 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Electrical storms moved over the upper mountain yesterday, hindering many summit plans

 

Field Report, June 5, 2019

June 05, 2019 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Another big, beautiful summit day in progress

 

A Volunteer's Perspective

June 04, 2019 Posted by: Hannah Trim

"I’m so thankful there are still mountains that put us in our place, keep our realities in check..."

 

Field Report, June 3, 2019

June 03, 2019 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

The summit percentage jumped from 23% to 46% yesterday, as over 140 climbers flew out of basecamp. Most of them happy!

 

Field Report, May 31, 2019

May 31, 2019 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Thank you Denali Rescue Volunteers!

 

Field Report, May 29, 2019

May 29, 2019 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Gorgeous day on Denali

 

Field Report, May 27, 2019

May 27, 2019 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Snowy, windy, lively Memorial Day weekend on Denali.

 

Field Report, May 24, 2019

May 24, 2019 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

475 climbers on mountain as of today...getting lively around here.

 

Field Report, May 21, 2019

May 21, 2019 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Two young brothers from Nome, Alaska are the first to stand on the summit of Denali this season!

 

Field Report, May 20, 2019

May 20, 2019 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Currently no teams are camped above 14K, although news from the hill the first summits of the season were recorded yesterday.

 

Field Report, May 17, 2019

May 17, 2019 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Clear, calm skies on Friday morning allowed for long awaited sling-load operations.  Fixed lines (both up and down) should be in good form now.

 

Field Report, May 16, 2019

May 16, 2019 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Rapidly getting busier on Denali.  The 14K patrol is working on fixed lines today, still awaiting more gear loads from BC.  Upper mountain NPS patrol #3 flew in yesterday.

 

Mount Russell Patrol Report - Part Two

May 15, 2019 Posted by: Mark Westman

Play-by-play of a recent attempt of Mount Russell

 

Field Report, May 14, 2019

May 14, 2019 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Includes news release from recent Windy Corner short-haul rescue

 

Field Report, May 10, 2019

May 10, 2019 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Recent conditions reports from Ruth and Kahiltna Peaks.

 

Field Report, May 9, 2019

May 09, 2019 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Snow falling, wind blowing. But today a quick break in the weather allowed one NPS patrol to fly into basecamp, and another NPS patrol to fly out of the Ruth Gorge.

 

Winter Weather Data

May 06, 2019 Posted by: Michael Loso

A graphic snapshot of last summer's weather on the Kahiltna, as well as an early overview of winter 2018/19 data.

 

Field Report, May 6, 2019

May 06, 2019 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Early trail reports from the West Buttress

 

Mount Russell Patrol Report - Part 1

May 03, 2019 Posted by: Mark Westman

The first of a two-part patrol report, this post discusses the background and history of climbing on Mount Russell.

 

Field Report, May 2, 2019

May 02, 2019 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Basecamp climbing update; first NPS patrol of the season is on its way up

 

Field Report, April 26, 2019

April 26, 2019 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Game on!

 

New Weather Stations on the Kahiltna Glacier

April 22, 2019 Posted by: Michael Loso, Maureen Gualtieri

Last climbing season, NPS staff and collaborators installed three new weather stations on Denali’s Kahiltna Glacier. The stations are meant to be permanent, and two are broadcasting hourly data that are available online to the public.

 

Pika Glacier Avalanche Training

April 16, 2019 Posted by: Frank Preston

NPS rangers head into the Pika Glacier for pre-season avalanche training, but come away with much more

 

Training, training, and then some more training

April 10, 2019 Posted by: Melis Coady

Climbing season -- as well as ranger training season - is well underway in Denali National Park.

 

Women on Top of the World

July 26, 2018 Posted by: Melis Coady

It was a great year for women on Denali with many more to come.

 

Pika Glacier Climbing and Traversing

July 11, 2018 Posted by: Frank Preston, Mountaineering Ranger

A brief account of climbing rangers Jake Beren and Frank Preston climbing on Pika Glacier and traversing the range back to Talkeetna.

 

Field Report, July 9, 2018

July 09, 2018 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

All off Denali and Foraker for the 2018 season

 

Field Report, July 4, 2018

July 04, 2018 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Only a handful of guided teams left on Denali, all up high.  The lower mountain is a (wet and mushy) ghost town.

 

Field Report, June 29, 2018

June 29, 2018 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

A Hard Day's Night

 

Field Report, June 26, 2018

June 26, 2018 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

More new snow up high...rainy snow down low.

 

Field Report, June 23, 2018

June 23, 2018 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

The Great Typhoon of 2018 is officially over.

 

Field Report, June 22, 2018

June 23, 2018 Posted by: Chris Erickson

Apologies for the lapse in Field Reports...we're back in action. Speaking of back in action, climbers are starting to move again after a prolonged snowstorm

 

A Recipe for Pea Soup

June 20, 2018 Posted by: Travis Baldwin, Mountaineering Ranger

Using technology to stay safe in the Alaska Range (or elsewhere!)

 

Field Report, June 13, 2018

June 13, 2018 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri, Frank Preston

Presenting...Lisa's Peak!

 

Field Report, June 11, 2018

June 11, 2018 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Change in the weather, change in personnel

 

Field Report, June 8, 2018

June 08, 2018 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Summit rate closing in on 50%; also, a frightening case of CO poisoning at 14K

 

Field Report, June 6, 2018

June 06, 2018 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Some frostbite and a false alarm

 

Field Report, June 4, 2018

June 04, 2018 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Climbers transitioning to night schedules; also info on helo rescue of an ataxic climber at Zebra Rocks

 

Field Report, June 1, 2018

June 01, 2018 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Summit percentage starting to rise after a streak of clear, calm days on top

 

Field Report, May 30, 2018

May 30, 2018 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Tent City

 

Field Report, May 28, 2018

May 28, 2018 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Quiet, calm Memorial Day weekend on Denali (knock on wood)

 

Field Report, May 25, 2018

May 25, 2018 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Finally, a small wave of summitters checking back today, reporting stellar conditions on Denali.

 

Field Report, May 23, 2018

May 23, 2018 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

The pickets on the traverse to Denali Pass reported in good shape, and the fixed lines are now ice-free.  Multiple teams at, or moving to, high camp today.

 

Field Report, May 21, 2018

May 21, 2018 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Two search and rescues in the past 24 hours.

 

Field Report, May 18, 2018

May 18, 2018 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Patrol #2 makes it to 14 camp, still reports firm, windswept sastrugi from 11K and up.

 

Field Report, May 17, 2018

May 17, 2018 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Windy conditions up high, not much movement on the mountain

 

Field Report, May 16, 2018

May 16, 2018 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Several feet of new snow at lower elevations over the past several days; plus a new Talkeetna Ranger Station first!  Staff feeling particularly spicy today.

 

Field Report, May 10, 2018

May 10, 2018 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

The brief reprieve is over, snow is falling again.  New route reports from Moose's Tooth and Mount Hunter.

 

Field Report, May 9, 2018

May 09, 2018 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

NPS Patrol #2 flew in to Basecamp today

 

Field Report, May 8, 2018

May 08, 2018 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Climbers, rangers, and basecamp managers are all enjoying a couple day reprieve from snow and wind.

 

Beyond the West Buttress: The Route Less Travelled

May 07, 2018 Posted by: Mark Westman

Finding those wildest of places is entirely up to you.

 

Field Report, May 4, 2018

May 04, 2018 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Digging out basecamp, plus route reports for Huntington, Peak 11,300, Ham & Eggs, Mini Moonflower

 

Field Report, May 3, 2018

May 03, 2018 Posted by: Mark Westman, Maureen Gualtieri

Meaty report: Includes recent snowfall totals, current avalanche hazard, first patrol of the season, and second rescue.

 

Field Report, May 1, 2018

May 01, 2018 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

First Field Report of the season; meet the 2018 NPS team

 

Chinook Season in the Alaska Range

April 30, 2018 Posted by: Katherine Belcher, Denali PIO

Soldiers from U.S. Army Alaska's 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment help NPS Rangers transport camp supplies to the Kahiltna Glacier on April 22, 2018

 

Alaska Range Conditions Update, April 26, 2018

April 27, 2018 Posted by: As conveyed to Melis Coady

A local pilot shares observations from the Range

 

April Conditions Report

April 23, 2018 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Early Season Route Conditions

 

Spring Training: When LAST comes first

April 16, 2018 Posted by: Melis Coady

Denali mountaineering rangers train extensively in search and rescue skills every year in the hopes that they do not have to use them.

 

Sundog Spectacular

July 17, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Even better than 4th of July fireworks, an NPS patrol enjoyed an otherworldy sky show on July 5th.

 

Field Report, July 14, 2017

July 14, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

The 2017 season is DONE!

 

Update for July 12 2017

July 12, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

One team left enjoying the solitude and beauty of North America's highest peak

 

Field Reports, July 6, 2017

July 06, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

NPS patrols are now all off Denali

 

Field Report, July 3, 2017

July 03, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Reports of rockfall at Windy Corner

 

Field Report, June 29, 2017

June 29, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Numbers continue to dwindle; Basecamp operations getting packed up for the season.

 

Field Report, June 27, 2017

June 27, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Summit rate has inched up a bit after some near-perfect summit days

 

Field Report, June 21, 2017

June 21, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Longest day of the year, and its a beautiful one

 

Field Report, June 19, 2017

June 19, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Details on the first women's speed ascent record

 

Field Report, June 18, 2017

June 18, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Identity released of deceased climber at high camp

 

Field Report, June 16, 2017

June 16, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Rangers respond to an incident above high camp

 

Field Report, June 16, 2017

June 16, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Rangers responded to an incident above high camp

 

Field Report, June 15, 2017

June 15, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Continued cold temperatures make for good early morning glacier travel

 

Field Report, June 13, 2017

June 13, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Freezing temperatures have improved lower glacier travel

 

Follow-up on Monday's Rescues

June 09, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Follow up, including thank-yous to all VIPs, guides, and climbers who assisted

 

Field Report, June 9, 2017

June 09, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

DOWN LOW: Waist deep post-holing in slush; UP HIGH: sustained 50 mph winds

 

Field Report, June 7, 2017

June 07, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

A welcome day of quiet

 

Field Report, June 6, 2017

June 06, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Mountain operations returning to normal after a long, hectic day yesterday

 

Two Climbers Rescued from the Kahiltna Glacier

June 05, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Denali National Park and Preserve rangers responded to two concurrent mountaineering incidents starting in the early morning hours of Monday, June 5

 

A Progress Report on the Birthday Pack-Out Initiative

June 02, 2017 Posted by: Roger Robinson and Maureen Gualtieri

An admittedly unorthodox way to celebrate your birthday

 

Field Report, June 2, 2017

June 02, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Another day in paradise

 

Field Report, June 1, 2017

June 01, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

An estimated 100 climbers went for the summit yesterday

 

Field Report, May 31, 2017

May 31, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

At last -- a perfect weather day!

 

Field Report, May 30, 2017

May 30, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Rangers get a helping hand on several rescues over the long weekend

 

Field Report, May 26, 2017

May 26, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Photos from the SW Ridge of Mt. Frances

 

Field Report, May 25, 2017

May 25, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Plenty of new snow at 7K, lots of wind up higher

 

Field Report, May 24, 2017

May 24, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

First significant snowstorm of the season has begun

 

Field Report, May 22, 2017

May 22, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Not much activity on the upper mountain

 

Field Report, May 19, 2017

May 19, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Thank you for the sweet bikes, DRV!

 

Field Report, May 18, 2017

May 18, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Business as usual

 

Field Report, May 17, 2017

May 17, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

A light snow is falling at basecamp this morning

 

Field Report, May 15, 2017

May 15, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Fixed lines all good to go; beware a sneaky crevasse just downglacier from Basecamp

 

Field Report, May 12, 2017

May 12, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

West Buttress route conditions

 

Field Report, May 10, 2017

May 10, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Current conditions report for Kahiltna area peaks

 

Field Report, May 9, 2017

May 09, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

First NPS patrol reaches 14 camp

 

Field Report, May 5, 2017

May 05, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Camp gear gets sling-loaded to 14K today; Talkeetna staff unwinds after 300+ children descend on the ranger station yesterday.

 

Field Report, May 3, 2017

May 03, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

The NWS Forecast is now up

 

Kahiltna Patrol Report

May 01, 2017 Posted by: David Weber

Kahiltna Glacier patrol report and photos, including Annie's Ridge, Radio Tower

 

Field Report, May 1, 2017

May 01, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

First NPS patrol of the season heads up today

 

Some Thoughts on Climbing

April 28, 2017 Posted by: Ranger Dan Corn....(mostly!)

Let your ascent do the talking

 

Field Report: April 27, 2017

April 27, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Its still the calm before the storm in terms of numbers on Denali, though the number of climbers in the glaciated backcountry continues to pick up.

 

Field Report, April 24, 2017

April 24, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

More route condition reports for Ruth peaks; first Pack-Out of the season

 

Field Report, April 22, 2017

April 22, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

First climbers of the year reach the summit

 

Field Report, April 20, 2017

April 20, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Activity stats and snow conditions for Denali and peaks in the Ruth

 

2017 Season Opener

April 20, 2017 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Intro to the 2017 mountaineering rangers and support staff; Info on the 2017 Birthday Pack-Out Initiative

 

Field Report, July 18

July 18, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

And Then There Were None...

 

Field Report, July 15

July 15, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

A small handful of climbers still enjoying the solitude of late season on Denali

 

Field Report, July 13

July 13, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Still 11 left on the mountain

 

Field Report, July 11

July 11, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

The last NPS patrol is now off the mountain, with Chinooks coming in the next day or two to extract camp gear

 

Field Report, July 8

July 08, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

14 camp has officially closed up shop for the season

 

Field Report, July 6

July 06, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Upper mountain gets more snow after a couple day lull

 

Benchmark at Windy Corner

July 05, 2016 Posted by: Laura Wright

Permanent marker installed at Windy Corner

 

Field Report, July 1

July 01, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Denali Storm Jenna...more sound than fury

 

Never Cry Wolf

June 29, 2016 Posted by: Tucker Chenoweth

A Note to InReach and Spot users

 

Field Report, June 29

June 29, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Forecast calls for heavy snow and wind

 

Pika Patrol Report

June 28, 2016 Posted by: Chris Erickson, Maureen Gualtieri

Pika conditions report, plus basics on the Pika-Wildhorse-Tokositna overland traverse to Talkeetna.

 

Field Report, June 28

June 28, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Rounding up, the summit percentage reaches 60%

 

Field Report, June 27

June 27, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Rangers treat another HACE patient; also a current conditions report from Little Switzerland

 

Field Report, June 24

June 24, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

An incident up high yesterday morning resolved itself with help from fellow climbers

 

Field Report, June 22

June 22, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Clear, but windy day on the upper mountain

 

Field Report, June 21, 2016

June 21, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

A submission and video from Mission Memorial Day.

 

Field Report, June 17

June 17, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Climber with severe HAPE evacuated from high camp early this morning

 

Field Report, June 16

June 16, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Another patrol swap day

 

Field Report, June 15

June 15, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Climber succumbs to illness on upper mountain

 

Field Report, June 14

June 14, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Birthday party on the summit

 

Field Report, June 10

June 10, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Night travel is the name of the game

 

Field Report, June 9

June 09, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Summit rate is climbing (no pun intended)

 

Field Report, June 7

June 07, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Patrol swap day

 

Field Report, June 6

June 06, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Weekend weather included everything but the kitchen sink.

 

Field Report for June 3, 2016

June 03, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Storm Frances gently blankets the mountain

 

Field Report, June 3

June 03, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Storm Frances gently blanketing the mountain in snow

 

Field Report, June 2

June 02, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Light to moderate snow on the lower mountain

 

Field Report, June 1

June 01, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Another gorgeous day on the upper mountain

 

Field Report, May 31

May 31, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Busy, beautiful days on Denali

 

Field Report, May 30

May 30, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

"Nicest day so far"

 

Field Report, May 27

May 27, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Weather forecast was literally blown off the dry erase board at 14K

 

Field Report, May 26

May 26, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Evans still packing a punch

 

The Science of Poop

May 25, 2016 Posted by: Laura Wright

Because we take poop seriously on Denali we are continuing studies regarding the breakdown and movement of human waste crevassed on the Kahiltna Glacier. Additionally we are gathering information on snow accumulation, melt and movement of the glacier.

 

Field Report, May 25

May 25, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Reports of frostbite from up high

 

Field Report, May 24

May 24, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Denali Storm 'Evans' approaches

 

Field Report, May 23

May 23, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Climbers getting antsy

 

Field Report, May 20

May 20, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

"Ready for Armaggedon"

 

Field Report, May 19

May 19, 2016 Posted by: M. Gualtieri

Summit percentage took an upward jump

 

West Ridge of Hunter

May 18, 2016 Posted by: Joey McBrayer

Some quick patrol observations and photos from a couple weeks ago

 

Field Report, May 18

May 18, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Patrol #1 replaced a portion of the fixed lines yesterday; windy up high

 

Field Report, May 17

May 17, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Nine mountaineers reached the summit on May 13

 

Field Report, May 16

May 16, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Rumors of the first summits of the season

 

Field Report, May 13

May 13, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Crosson repeater finally in; NPS rangers and slingloads both arrive at 14K

 

Field Report, May 12

May 12, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Westman's World!

 

Field Report, May 10

May 10, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Not much new to report, but a cool photo

 

Field Report, May 9

May 09, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

First NPS Patrol en route to 11,000-foot camp today

 

Field Report, May 6

May 06, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri and Laura Wright

Invasion of the little people!

 

Field Report, May 5

May 05, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

First NPS patrol of the season flies into Basecamp today

 

Kahiltna Peaks Patrol Report

May 04, 2016 Posted by: Dave Weber

Photos and trip report from recent patrol on West and East Kahiltna Peaks

 

Field Report, May 3

May 03, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

The first Denali 'set-up' patrol is in Talkeetna, prepping for their Thursday launch

 

Field Report, May 2

May 02, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

FAA webcam gets installed today

 

Field Report, April 29

April 29, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Guatlieri and Mark Westman

Lots of new route condition updates from throughout the Alaska Range

 

Earth Day Festivities

April 27, 2016 Posted by: Laura Wright

Rangers share mountaineering messages with local kids

 

Field Report, April 26

April 26, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualteiri

22 climbers now on Denali; first patient of the season evacuated.

 

Field Report, April 25

April 25, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri and Mark Westman

Big thanks to the U.S. Army HART team who hauled in NPS camp gear over the weekend

 

Field Report, April 22

April 22, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Not much new to report, just a change in statistics and a new pretty photo

 

Field Report, April 21

April 21, 2016 Posted by: M. Gualtieri and R. Robinson

Field notes from the Ruth and Tokositna Glaciers

 

Office Report, April 19, 2016

April 19, 2016 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

We're Back!

 

Eldridge Glacier Patrol Report

August 03, 2015 Posted by: Chris Erickson and Mik Shain

Photos and field observations from an early July patrol on the Eldridge Glacier, including a packraft exit to the Parks Highway via Ohio Creek

 

Field Report, July 22

July 22, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

All off...at least for now

 

Field Report, July 17

July 17, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Now just two climbers left on Denali

 

Field Report, July 14

July 14, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Just two teams left on Denali

 

Field Report, July 13

July 13, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Late season conditions update from both the West Buttress and the Muldrow

 

Field Report, July 9

July 09, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Foggy, rainy week on the Eldridge Glacier

 

Field Report, July 8

July 08, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Today's mountain stats

 

Field Report, July 6

July 06, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

All NPS patrols off the mountain now

 

Field Report, July 2

July 02, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

A rainy night at Basecamp, with a snowy night above.  But on the bright side -- fun wedding photos!

 

Field Report, July 1

July 01, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Season winding down

 

Field Report, June 30

June 30, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Summit percentage is approaching 60% as teams report great conditions and weather up high

 

Field Report, June 29

June 29, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Camps packing up

 

Field Report, June 26

June 26, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Raven mess cleaned up

 

Field Report, June 25

June 25, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Basecamp getting a little soupy

 

Field Report, June 24

June 24, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri and Roger Robinson

Wildfire smoke making for hazy days on mountain

 

Field Report, June 21

June 21, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

"Super nice"

 

Field Report June 19

June 19, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

The summer heat is on

 

Field Report, June 17

June 17, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri, Roger Robinson

NPS and FAA have placed a webcam at the base of Mt. Hunter

 

Field Report, June 16

June 16, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Lower glacier still holding out, though some light rockfall due to warming temps

 

Field Report, June 15

June 15, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri, Chris Erickson, Roger Robinson

Rangers assist a frostbite patient, plus a USGS survey team heads into the Range to update the elevation of Denali

 

Field Report, June 12

June 12, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Fly day. Skies have cleared, but winds have kicked up

 

Field Report, June 11

June 11, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Weather still a little rough, but a good forecast is on the horizon

 

Field Report, June 10

June 10, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Shovels busy at lower elevations

 

Field Report, June 8

June 08, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

At last, a nice weekend. Plus shared photos (and now VIDEO too!!) from a recent Huntington climb...

 

Field Report, June 5

June 05, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Patiently waiting for weather to clear

 

Field Report, June 4

June 04, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Another quiet, snowy day on the hill

 

Field Report, June 3

June 03, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Quiet, snowy day in the mountains; rainy day in Talkeetna

 

Field Report, June 2

June 02, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Summit percentage is finally rising

 

Field Report, June 1

June 01, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Autobahn has been re-routed with new pickets/draws

 

Field Report, May 29

May 29, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

High camp recovery mission completed this morning

 

Field Report, May 28

May 28, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

First summit of the spring season was recorded yesterday, with more anticipated in the days to come

 

Field Report, May 27

May 27, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

More teams finally moving up to high camp

 

Field Report, May 26

May 26, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri and Joseph McBrayer

Hard slab avalanche was triggered near the fixed lines yesterday afternoon

 

Field Report, May 25

May 25, 2015 Posted by: M. Gualtieri

Camps are digging out after a windy, snowy weekend

 

Field Report, May 22

May 22, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Business as usual

 

Field Report, May 21

May 21, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Trail around Windy Corner has been re-routed; severe winds persist up high

 

Field Report, May 20

May 20, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

More wind up high

 

Field Report, May 19

May 19, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtiieri

The population is growing at 14,200-foot camp

 

Field Report, May 18

May 18, 2015 Posted by: M. Gualtieri

Calm after the storm, teams moving up

 

Field Report, May 15

May 15, 2015 Posted by: M. Gualtieri

Mountain weather conditions may intensify tomorrow

 

Field Report, May 14

May 14, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Weather station is up and running now at 14,200-camp

 

Field Report, May 13

May 13, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

First reports of frostbite from up high

 

Field Report, May 12

May 12, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Reports of avalanche activity in the Alaska Range

 

Field Report, May 11

May 11, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Patrols start to ascend again after a long snowy weekend

 

Mount Foraker, Sultana Ridge Patrol

May 08, 2015 Posted by: Dave Weber

Route observations, photos from 4/27 to 5/4

 

Field Report, May 8

May 08, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Snow is falling

 

Field Report, May 7

May 07, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Big day at the Talkeetna Ranger Station.

 

Field Report, May 6

May 06, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Includes new West Buttress trail conditions update (7.8K to 14K)

 

Field Report, May 5

May 05, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Includes an activity report for climbs in and around Basecamp

 

Field Report, May 4

May 04, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Today in the Alaska Range

 

Field Report, May 1

May 01, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Today in the Alaska Range

 

Ruth Glacier Patrol - SW Face of Mt. Dan Beard

April 30, 2015 Posted by: Mik Shain

Observations and route conditions the last week of April 2015

 

Field Report, April 30

April 30, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Today in the Alaska Range.

 

Field Report, April 29

April 29, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Today in the Alaska Range...

 

Field Report, April 28

April 28, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

Today's update from the Alaska Range...

 

Field Report, April 27

April 27, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

The first Field Report of the season, containing registration statistics, weather observations, ranger update, and an early conditions report.

 

Welcome to 'Denali Dispatches'

April 24, 2015 Posted by: Maureen Gualtieri

An introduction to Denali's new mountaineering blog.

 

Last updated: July 21, 2015

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Mailing Address:

PO Box 9
Denali Park, AK 99755

Phone:

907 683-9532
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