|
TODAY'S STATS - 6/30/23 |
Denali |
Mt. Foraker |
|
Registered Climbers |
1,019 |
4 |
|
Climbers Currently On Mountain |
145 |
0 |
|
Completed Climbs |
870 |
4 |
|
Number of Summits |
265 |
0 |
|
Summit Percentage |
30% |
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. |
Mountain Weather
Gabby's morning takes a turn for the better:
(6:48 AM) "morning. 31 F, calm, totally & utterly obscured"
(8:02 AM) "the clearing has taken effect. still fog on the kahiltna but opening up."
(8:41 AM) "cleared!"
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
The FAA webcam on the Kahiltna Glacier has yet to be installed for the 2023 season, but we'll let you now when its up and operational.
Conditions Reports
Alan and his patrol just made an early morning descent from 14K to 7K, reporting the lower glacier was still in decent shape for this time in the season, but its definitely opening up. Windy Corner and Squirrel Hill were firm and blue, needed crampons.
Search and Rescue Activity
Still quiet... With around 100 climbers on the upper mountain, most of whom have been looking forward to this weekend's anticipated calm, clear weather, rangers are keeping fingers crossed for a safe and healthy weekend.
Ranger Reports
14K Patrol #7 (Davis) From Alan: "Well, the team managed to go for a few walks up high but, despite our best efforts, the mountain had other plans for us. Fortunately the company was outstanding and the views (when we had them) were stellar as always. This weekend looks to be a decent shot for the remaining climbers on the mountain and the winds helped clear the buttress off. Ol’ no. 7, signing off."
Patrol 7 smiling in spite of the cold north winds at 17,200 feet. (NPS Photo / VIP Drew Gibson)
14K Patrol #8 (Bomba) Chelsea and crew now have all the power -- last patrol standing! The first gear load of the 2023 breakdown was flown out today, but with plenty more work to be done. As mentioned above, there are still a lot of climbers heading to the top this weekend - taking advantage of the calm winds and clear skies. Possibly the best weather of the season so far, though that is not saying much.
Patrol #8 volunteers take a moment to relax in advance of busy days to come. (NPS Photo / Chelsea Bomba)
7K Basecamp Patrol (Dalpes) Ranger Mik and VIPs Michelle and Tim have been busy packing up 7K camp infrastructure and receiving net loads of gear from 14K. The plan is for them to have it all boxed up and ready to fly by tomorrow, Saturday.
Photo(s) of the Day
A pleasantly gusty walk in the land of the midnight sun on the west buttress. (NPS Photo / VIP Drew Gibson)
TEMSCO helicopter 0AE coming in for a save at 10,000 feet (from a couple weeks ago). (NPS Photo / VIP Austin DiVesta)