Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 8/29/24

Northwest:

--Cascadia Daily News is reporting that, "The search for a climber in North Cascades National Park has been suspended after rangers and volunteers located human remains next to his tent on Mount Shuksan on Sunday." AAI staff members that volunteer for mountain rescue were amongst those that found the missing climber. To read more, click here.

--The Idaho Statesman is reporting that, "a climber was near the top of a 12,000-foot mountain in Idaho when he fell and needed help, rescuers said. Rescuers responded to a call at about 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at Hyndman Peak, northeast of Ketchum, Teton County Search and Rescue said in an Aug. 26 Facebook post." To read more, click here.

Desert Southwest:

--The Inertia is reporting on swarms of bees in Joshua Tree National Park: "Park officials took to social media in late August to announce the temporary closures, which include the Cottonwood Visitor Center, parking area, restrooms, and campground." To read more, click here.

Colorado and Utah:

--SnowBrains is reporting that, "a 33-year-old hiker tragically lost his life after a fall on Bill Williams Peak, a prominent summit near Aspen, Colorado. According to the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred on Saturday afternoon, August 24. Around 2:13 p.m., emergency dispatch received a distress call about an injured hiker. The caller reported that the hiker had fallen between 50 and 100 feet onto a rocky outcrop, suffering what were described as life-threatening injuries." To read more, click here.

--11 News is reporting that, "a 'phenomenally lucky' hiker is safe after getting separated from his group and then lost in a storm while on trying to navigate a 14er. Chaffee County Search and Rescue (CCSAR) says the hiker was one of 15 on a work retreat Friday, taking part in a trek up Mt. Shavano." To read more, click here.

Notes from All Over:

--CBS is reporting that, "A climber was found dead Sunday in Glacier National Park, after going missing a week earlier when he separated from his hiking group, officials said. Grant Marcuccio apparently fell to his death, based on the injuries he suffered and the location of the body when responders discovered it during their search, according to the National Park Service. They said the 32-year-old from Whitefish, Montana, had broken from his hiking party on the afternoon Sunday, Aug. 18, on his way from Heavens Peak to McPartland Mountain about one mile south. He wanted to summit McPartland alone, endeavoring to reach the peak that stands at an elevation of more than 8,400 feet." To read more, click here.

--So, Solo Stove has partnered with Snoop Dogg for an advertisement. See it below:



--The Seattle Times is reporting that, "The official nonprofit organization of the National Park Service is set to receive the largest grant in its history, a $100 million gift the fundraising group described as transformative for the country’s national parks. The National Park Foundation, which Congress created in the 1960s to support national parks, will receive the donation from Indianapolis-based foundation Lilly Endowment Inc. The park foundation described the gift on Monday as the largest grant in history benefiting U.S. national parks." To read more, click here.

--Gear Junkie asks the most important question on all of our minds. Has outdoor gear become more expensive?

--Patagonia is giving its employees a day off to vote.

--Gripped is reporting on a new guidebook: "People have been having rock climbing adventures on Canadian routes for over a century, and for the first time ever 50 of those climbs are brought together in one book: Northern Stone. The book highlights 25 routes in western Canada and 25 routes in eastern Canada, and it gives a brief rundown on what to expect on each, some history and who made the first ascents." To read more, click here.

Upcoming American Alpine Institute Programs:

Mountaineering in Ecuador
Kilimanjaro Expedition
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership
Alpinism I: Introduction to Mountaineering
Glacier Skills and Crevasse Rescue
Mt. Baker Skills and Climb
Mt. Shuksan Skills and Climb
Mt. Whitney Skills and Climb
Alpine Rock Climbing

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 8/22/24

Northwest:

--KIRO 7 is reporting that, "The body of a man who died while climbing a peak near the Granite Falls area was recovered by search and rescue personnel." To read more, click here. It appears that this was on Del Campo Peak.--Gear Junkie is reporting that, "The future of the brand Genuine Guide Gear is uncertain after a debt restructuring process was announced this week. Known to its clientele of backcountry skiers as simply “G3” the Canadian outfitter has been around for nearly 20 years. However, on August 9, the Supreme Court of British Columbia ordered accounting firm Deloitte to take over the company’s assets, court documents show." To read more, click here.

--KIRO 7 is reporting that, "Washington State Department of Transportation is delaying the reopening of State Route 20, also known as North Cascades Highway, because of a recent mudslide. WSDOT says its crews are having a difficult time clearing the 7,000 tons of mud and debris, caused by rainfall earlier this month." To read more, click here.

Sierra:

--A female team made history, climbing El Cap twice in a day. Read about it, here.

Desert Southwest:

--The BBC and others are reporting that, "Three German tourists face possible financial penalties after being accused of defacing property at Joshua Tree National Park in California. Park authorities accused the trio of firing paintballs at signs, bathrooms and dumpsters throughout the park." To read more, click here.

--Fox 5 is reporting that, "The Bureau of Land Management said they cited people seen throwing rocks at Red Rock Canyon Saturday. FOX5 obtained video showing the incident. Individuals could be seen throwing rocks off of high ledges at the Red Spring Boardwalk Trail." To read more, click here.

Colorado and Utah:

--Clear Creek Canyon is currently closed due to wildfire. Read more.

Notes from All Over:

--Oil City News is reporting that, "A climber at Lake Point Climbing Area fell to their death Wednesday, Aug. 14, according to the Washakie County Sheriff’s Office. The climber, who was from out of the country and visiting Wyoming, fell about 50 feet and passed away shortly after falling, the sheriff’s office reported." To read more, click here.

--Gear Junkie is reporting that, "The Kathmandu Post revealed today that after a successful test in April, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the three authorities responsible for managing garbage on Everest. Drones will remove trash from the higher slopes of the world’s tallest mountain. This agreement applies to the Khumbu region, not just Mount Everest." To read more, click here.

--Outdoor Sportwire is reporting that, "The United States Ski Mountaineering Association (USSMA or USA Skimo) is pleased to announce the successful launch of Project Podium, a donation-funded initiative created to ensure the success of USA skimo athletes in global competition. USA Skimo is also pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah Cookler to serve in the newly-created position of Head of Sport. In this capacity, Sarah will be responsible for leading Project Podium including USA Skimo’s sports initiatives in preparation for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics and beyond." To read more, click here.

Upcoming American Alpine Institute Programs:

Mountaineering in Ecuador
Kilimanjaro Expedition
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership
Alpinism I: Introduction to Mountaineering
Glacier Skills and Crevasse Rescue
Mt. Baker Skills and Climb
Mt. Shuksan Skills and Climb
Mt. Whitney Skills and Climb
Alpine Rock Climbing

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 8/15/24

NOTE: This round-up covers the last two weeks.

Northwest:

--KIRO 7 is reporting that, "On Saturday, the North Cascades National Parks Service (NPS) closed the Goodell Creek Campground, raft launch and picnic area after an illegal campfire spread to nearby trees According to NPS, the campfire spread to a large cedar tree." To read more, click here.

--A six year old climbed Mt. Shasta.

Colorado and Utah:

--11 News is reporting that, "A climber survived a treacherous fall thanks to a search and rescue crew out of Alamosa County. The climber was nearing the summit of Ellingwood Point, a 14er in the Sangre de Cristos, when the accident happened Sunday." To read more, click here.

--NPR and others are reporting that, "A popular natural phenomenon in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in southern Utah collapsed last week, the National Park Service said. According to NPS Rangers, the so-called “Double Arch” in the recreation area’s Rock Creek Bay crumbled on Thursday." To read more, click here.

Notes from All Over:

--SGB Media is reporting that, "The Dyrt, the app for camping availability, photos, and reviews, found that 18 percent of campers reported that wildfires or natural disasters disrupted their camping plans in 2023—three times more than the 6 percent who said their plans were disrupted in 2019. This indicates a steady rise over the past five years." To read more, click here.

--American Sam Watson beat the world speed climbing record during the Olympics, but didn't win gold. Find out why.

--In other Olympic news, American Brooke Raboutou won the Olympic Silver Medal, becoming the first American woman to medal in climbing. Read more.

Upcoming American Alpine Institute Programs:

Mountaineering in Ecuador
Kilimanjaro Expedition
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership
Alpinism I: Introduction to Mountaineering
Glacier Skills and Crevasse Rescue
Mt. Baker Skills and Climb
Mt. Shuksan Skills and Climb
Mt. Whitney Skills and Climb
Alpine Rock Climbing

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 8/1/2024

Northwest:

--Cascadia Daily News is reporting that, "Campers in Washington’s state parks will soon find themselves unable to stay in one site quite as long. New rules approved by the Washington Parks and Recreation Commission limit camping stays to no more than 10 consecutive nights in one park in a 30-day period and a maximum of 90 days per calendar year in all state parks. The new limits go into effect Aug. 18 and will apply year-round. The parks system will honor existing reservations and enforce limits on new reservations after Aug. 18." To read more, click here.

--The Wilderness Act was one of America's most important pieces of outdoor legislation. Our Executive Director writes about it in this article...

Desert Southwest:

--The Daily Press is reporting that, "A recent poll revealed Joshua Tree National Park as the top choice by Californians to spread the ashes of dearly departed loved ones. A survey by Choice Mutual, an insurance agency specializing in final expense life insurance, found that Californians chose Joshua Tree National Park as a preferred alternative burial location." To read more, click here.

Colorado and Utah:

--KOAA News 5 is reporting that, "A climber died after they fell while attempting to summit two 14ers in southwest Colorado. The Dolores County Sheriff's Office said it was notified around 9:30 p.m. Monday about an overdue climber who was attempting to climb El Diente and follow the traverse to climb Mount Wilson — two of Colorado's 14ers. Due to the darkness, terrain and unknown location, the county's Search and Rescue (SAR) team postponed search efforts until Tuesday." To read more, click here.

--Fox 21 is reporting that, "Alamosa Volunteer Search and Rescue successfully rescued an injured adventurer Saturday who had fallen while descending from Ellingwood Point on Friday. The volunteer search and rescue team said the hiker called for help because he was off-route and knew he couldn’t continue due to his injury and the terrain. The Alamosa Volunteer Search and Rescue team began the process of deploying teams, but severe afternoon storms were covering Blanca Peak, causing a delay in a helicopter insertion." To read more, click here.

Notes from All Over:

--Colleen Null, an 18-year-old volunteer firefighter is being hailed as a hero for leading 16 hikers out of the flames in Canada's Jasper National Park. Read more.

--CBS News is reporting that, "a hydrothermal explosion took place at Yellowstone National Park's Biscuit Basin in northwest Wyoming (last) Tuesday morning, sending boiling water and steam into the air and causing some damage to a boardwalk, officials said. The small, localized eruption occurred at 10:19 a.m. local time near the Sapphire Pool, which is about two miles northwest of the Old Faithful Geyser, the National Park Service said." To read more, click here.

--The Daily is reporting on weaker sales by Columbia Sportswear: "Columbia reported net sales of $570 million for the quarter, an 8% decrease year over year. The company had a net loss of $11.8 million compared to net income of $8.4 million for the same quarter in 2023. Gross margins fell from 50.6% in the second quarter of 2023 to 47.9% in 2024, and lower supply chain costs helped drive SG&A down by 3% in the quarter." To read more, click here.

--Outdoor Sportswire is reporting that, "the Camber Outdoors board and leadership have made the difficult decision to cease Camber operations late August 2024 due to continued industry headwinds combined with the fact that outdoor industry companies are moving beyond the focused workplace tools that Camber Outdoors traditionally has provided. While DEI work is by no means complete, the outdoor industry has made gains and progressed with more companies bringing DEI resources in house and investing in national, regional and local DEI consultants. Camber Outdoors is proud to have helped move this work forward in the industry." To read more, click here.

Upcoming American Alpine Institute Programs:

Mountaineering in Ecuador
Kilimanjaro Expedition
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership
Alpinism I: Introduction to Mountaineering
Glacier Skills and Crevasse Rescue
Mt. Baker Skills and Climb
Mt. Shuksan Skills and Climb
Mt. Whitney Skills and Climb
Alpine Rock Climbing

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 7/25/24

Northwest:

--The Idaho Statesman is reporting that, "A missing 36-year-old rock climber was found dead days after he fell hundreds of feet from a jagged mountain in northern Idaho, rescuers said. Christian Kreiger, of Samuels, was reported missing at about 6:40 p.m. July 12 from the Harrison Peak area, the Boundary County Emergency Management said in a July 17 Facebook post." To read more, click here.

A hiker with a broken leg being rescued near Artist Point in Washington State 

by Bellingham Mountain Rescue, Summit to Sound and Glacier Fire.

--Updated information on the two fires that are seriously impacting recreation in the North Cascades can be found on this facebook page.

Sierra:

--It appears that marmots are trying to get into car engines in the Sierra. People are literally wrapping their cars in tarps to keep them out. Read more.

--Gripped is reporting that, "electric vehicle maker Rivian has just opened its first charging rest stop, and it’s called the Rivian Yosemite Charging Outpost. It has a small library, restrooms, a lounge, coffee and more. Anyone can use the lounge, but only Rivian owners can charge their vehicles there." To read more, click here.

Desert Southwest:

Colorado and Utah:

--The Aspen Times is reporting that, "On Saturday afternoon at approximately 12:48, a climber texted the 911 operator at the Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center, stating they were “trapped” but uninjured, according to a Pitkin County press release. The GPS coordinates placed the climber well off the standard climbing route — heading toward the central couloir of North Maroon Peak. A nearby, uninvolved person heard the climber yelling for help and activated their Garmin device to alert emergency personnel." To read more, click here.

--Former AAI Guide and Colorado resident Brendan Cusick and friends Pat Morrissey, Scott Forman and Pete Durson rowed across the Pacific Ocean from California to Hawaii over the course of 41-days. To read about the adventure, click here.

Notes from All Over:

--Alaska Public Media is reporting that, "a sightseeing plane with nine people on board lost power and was forced to land near a glacier in Denali National Park Friday." To read more, click here.

--Climbing is reporting that, "Access Fund is pleased to announce a brand new round of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Grantees. This grant is designed to promote and actuate JEDI principles related to access and stewardship within climbing and remove barriers to participation. Awardees will undertake projects that address physical, social, and cultural barriers to sustainable climbing access with an emphasis on work that incorporates elements of education or advocacy around sustainable access, conservation, and stewardship." To read more, click here.

--Patagonia gave ninety staff members only three days to decide if they wanted to move to keep their jobs. This is a headline. I can't get into the story due to a paywall. See it here.

--The long term goal is for ice climbing to be in the Olympics. And the 2034 Olympics will be in Salt Lake City. Read about it, here.

Upcoming American Alpine Institute Programs:

Mountaineering in Ecuador
Kilimanjaro Expedition
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership
Alpinism I: Introduction to Mountaineering
Glacier Skills and Crevasse Rescue
Mt. Baker Skills and Climb
Mt. Shuksan Skills and Climb
Mt. Whitney Skills and Climb
Alpine Rock Climbing

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 7/18/24

News from the American Alpine Institute:

--AAI will be having a "flash sale" and gear demo at 7pm on Wednesday, July 24th. At this in-person sale, discounts will be announced at 7pm. Bring cash for used guide gear. Check it out at our headquarters in Bellingham at 4041 Home Road.

Northwest:

From Inciweb

--There is a Red Flag warning in the Pacific Northwest this weekend. And the Pioneer Fire on Lake Chelan is continuing to grow. This may ultimately have an impact on area recreation. See Inciweb for updates.

Sierra:

--Gripped is reporting that, "this spring, the Yosemite Climbing Association built a Climber’s Credo in response to the fixed anchor concerns that have made headlines throughout the US. Their website says, 'At a time when there are pressures to impose a nationwide fixed anchor prohibition in designated Wilderness, we have the power to come together as a community and embrace a set of shared ethics and values. What was true in 1972 is still true today: ‘We believe the only way to ensure the climbing experience for ourselves and future generations is to preserve (1) the vertical wilderness, and (2) the adventure inherent in the experience.’” To read more, click here.

--Gripped is reporting that, "earlier this year, Brant Hysell rope-soloed Salathé Wall on El Capitan in 19 hours and 57 minutes. The previous fastest time was by Cheyene Lempe in 2013 at 20 hours and six minutes. Shortly after his ascent, Alex Honnold climbed it solo in 11 hours and 19 minutes." To read more, click here.

Colorado and Utah:

--Climbing is hiring a new Editor and Chief.

Notes from All Over:

--Mass Live is reporting on an accident in Massachusetts: "The Worcester County District Attorney’s Office has identified the climber killed in a fall at Leominster State Forest last week as 69-year-old Lunenburg resident Robert Conroy." To read more, click here.

--A sign of a weak market for the outdoor industry? From RV Travel: "Despite the RV manufacturing industry’s “cautiously optimistic” spin, there’s no magic in RV retail sales. Put simply, sales of new RVs are down across the board as RV consumers walk away from new rigs." To read more, click here.

Upcoming American Alpine Institute Programs:

Mountaineering in Ecuador
Kilimanjaro Expedition
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership
Alpinism I: Introduction to Mountaineering
Glacier Skills and Crevasse Rescue
Mt. Baker Skills and Climb
Mt. Shuksan Skills and Climb
Mt. Whitney Skills and Climb
Alpine Rock Climbing

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 7/11/24

Northwest:

--Gripped is reporting that, "he Squamish RCMP have said that the bodies of three climbers who went missing at the start of June have been recovered. In a statement, BJ Chute, the manager of Squamish Search and Rescue, said the recovery operation took place in the Atwell Peak area near Mount Garibaldi. RCMP did not release the names of the climbers, saying their families have requested privacy. The climbers were last seen on May 31 in terrain described as “really complex and remote” by Squamish Search and Rescue member Christy Allan." To read more, click here.

--The Statesman Journal is reporting that, "A climber was rescued via helicopter from the high elevations of North Sister on Saturday, according to Lane County Search and Rescue. The climber "likely had several broken bones and was on an exposed scree slide taking rockfall," a news release said. North Sister is considered the most challenging and technical to climb of the trio of volcanoes in Central Oregon." To read more, click here.

--King Five is reporting that, "high temperatures across Washington will contribute to fire danger, elevate temperatures in streams and have an impact on wildlife, but they won't likely play a major role in melting snowpack because so much of it is already gone by this time of year." To read more, click here.

This is a photo of the 2023 Sourdough Fire in the North Cascades.

The fire was triggered by a lightning strike.

--The Seattle Times had a similar article this week: "As temperatures soar across Washington this week, so too will the risk of wildfire, state officials say. The hot weather (expected to hit triple digits in some places), ongoing drought and heavy gusts of wind form the three pillars of what is expected to be “near record” wildfire danger, according to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center’s Monday morning briefing." To read more, click here.

Colorado and Utah:

--There were two distinct rescue incidents in Zion last week, but the wording of the emergency messages was incredibly similar. For a time, rangers thought they were the same incident. Read more.

--Like many other national parks, it looks like Zion is moving to a reservation system.

Notes from All Over:

--Outside is reporting on an incident in Yellowstone: "Visitors to Yellowstone National Park over the Independence Day weekend were rocked by news of a fatal shootout that occurred within park boundaries on the morning of July 4. That afternoon, the NPS published a press release about the incident: rangers responding to an emergency call had exchanged gunfire with an unidentified man at Canyon Village, one of the park’s busiest destinations." To read more, click here.

--Gripped is reporting that, "a study published in Nature Communications has reported that the Juneau Icefield is losing 50,000 gallons (190,000 litres) of water per second. The 3,900-square-kilometre icefield is composed of 1,000 glaciers on the border of Alaska and B.C." To read more, click here.

--Inside the Games is reporting that, "It is now official. This Wednesday, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Executive Board ratified the proposal to add Para Climbing to the LA 2028 sports programme. This is the first time a sport has been added to the Paralympic programme by an Organising Committee. It will join the 22 sports already included." To read more, click here.

Upcoming American Alpine Institute Programs:

Mountaineering in Ecuador
Kilimanjaro Expedition
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership
Alpinism I: Introduction to Mountaineering
Glacier Skills and Crevasse Rescue
Mt. Baker Skills and Climb
Mt. Shuksan Skills and Climb
Mt. Whitney Skills and Climb
Alpine Rock Climbing