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TODAY'S STATS - 6/24/24 |
Denali |
Mt. Foraker |
|
Registered Climbers |
971 |
27 |
|
Climbers Currently On Mountain |
154 |
0 |
|
Completed Climbs |
817 |
27 |
|
Number of Summits |
413 |
0 |
|
Summit Percentage |
51% |
0% |
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The Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station also maintains an almost daily automated statistics phone line, so if this blog is lagging behind and you need up-to-date registration numbers, call (907) 733-9127. |
Those paying close attention to the numbers -- previous stats for 'registered' climbers were underrepresented due to a database quirk. It has since been addressed. So these numbers above do correctly tell the story that we have no more climbers checking IN for a climb this season -- the last orientation of the season took place yesterday!
Mountain Weather
Weather station telemetry data from 7K and 14K are transmitted hourly to the MesoWest website, including temperatures, wind speed, wind direction, snowfall, and solar radiation.
MountainWeather.com compiles a Denali Weather page, complete with links to the MesoWest data, the NWS Denali Climbing Forecasts, as well as links to FAA webcams.
The National Weather Service publishes their mountain-specific forecast here: Denali Climbing Forecast
Conditions Report
On Friday, Rangers Jake Kayes and Travis Baldwin flew off the mountain, having what they described as great trail conditions from 14K down to Ski Hill -- Windy Corner, Squirrel Hill, Motorcycle Hill all in fine shape. However, the trail between 7,800 to 7,200 feet had several large crevasses opening up and snow bridges collapsing. With more sun over the weekend, its likely those conditions have worsened. Rope up!!
Search and Rescue Report
There was one medical evacuation between last Wednesday and today, a guide suddenly and temporarily lost consiousness at elevation. They were able to descent to 14K safely on their own accord, but due to the unknown origins of the situation, the individual was evacuated to Talkeetna for further care.
Feel Good Story of the Season
Don't miss this Alaska Public Radio news story, as well as this one on Talkeetna Community Radio (KTNA) -- because who doesn't love a happy ending to a climbing story?!
Patrol Reports
Heading up Motorcycle Hill (NPS Photo/Taylor Guetschow)14K Patrol #5 (Baldwin-Kayes) Patrol #5 flew out of Basecamp on Friday, one day earlier than planned. They were last spotted on Main Street in Talkeetna searching voraciously for the biggest green salad they could find.
14K Patrol #6 (Dossin) Galen and crew got their turn in the driver's seat at the 14K medical camp, albeit a gratefully quiet turn, before heading up to high camp for a few days of climbing, inventory management, and climber relations.
14K Patrol #7 (McBrayer-Guetschow) Patrol #7 managed the medical assessment and evacuation of the sick climber this past weekend. If all goes according to plan, they will trade places with Patrol #6 to take in the view at high camp for a few days, before #6 (the only other patrol on the upper mountain) flies off to Talkeetna on Saturday. We're guessing that packing is starting to occur now, but will commence in earnest starting this next weekend.
7K Patrol #5 (Davis) Ranger Alan Davis and Volunteer Steven Blakesley flew into 7K on Friday. This is Steven's first trip back to Denali since a climb in the early 1990's! Fingers crossed for no crevasse rescues needed, but they are poised and ready.
Denali Rescue Volunteers
Learn more about Denali Rescue Volunteers, an organization that helps make Denali National Park and Preserve's mountaineering operations whole! Thank you for all that you do each season, from helping equipping our volunteers, housing them before and after patrols, and supporting our recruitment process!
Photo of the Day
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. A full cage of used Clean Mountain Cans might inspire disgust to the casual pedestrian in downtown Talkeetna, but to the eternal optimist - they see a giant pile of human waste diverted from the pristine glacier environment! (NPS Photo/Chrissie Oken)