Northwest:
–We usually don’t report much on accidents that don’t involve mountain travel, but we thought this one would be important to highlight as it’s a risk we all take every time we’re in a tent. A man was killed by a falling tree in his tent in Olympic National Forest last week. To read more, click here.
–There was a rockfall event in Squamish on Tuesday. From the Squamish Access Society: “Rockfall went all the way to the road – Mamquam-and will be closed from Shlanay trail to the dyke exit – RCMP on site – will continue to be closed for another hour or so (2pm). Climbers should avoid climbing at New Delhi as rocks took out trail most likely but also dangerous overhead hazards and trees on approach.” To read more, follow Squamish Access Society on Facebook.
–Gripped is reporting that, “Yak Peak is a well-known granite dome with an unmistakable west-facing slab northwest of the Coquihalla Pass on Highway 5. There are a few classic climbs up to 17 pitches, including Yak Check 5.9, Yak Crack 5.9, Reality Check 5.10+ and CardiYak Rhythm 5.11b. According to Chris Kucey, ‘This peak has seen three or four big rockfalls on a different aspects within the last two months.’ The latest was a rockfall that affected pitches six and seven.” To read more, click here.
Sierra:
–From Yosemite National Park: “In 2023, Yosemite National Park will transition from the Wilderness Climbing Permit Pilot Program (in place in 2021 and 2022) to a long-term solution to address wilderness stewardship through management of overnight climbing on Yosemite’s big walls and other rock formations.” To read more, click here.
Desert Southwest:
–There’s currently a movement to seed clouds above Red Rock Canyon near Las Vegas. The idea is to bring in more rain on the drought-stricken landscape. To read more, click here.
Colorado and Utah:
–Outside is reporting that, “Yellowstone National Park has taken a step to distance itself from its painful past. On Thursday, the National Park Service officially changed the name of a 10,551-foot peak east of Yellowstone Lake to First Peoples Mountain, after research showed that the man it was previously named for participated in atrocities against Native Americans. The name change was confirmed following a unanimous 15–0 vote by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names.” To read more, click here.
–Gear Junkie is reporting that, “Climbing’s rapid growth means sport climbing anchors can get worn down more quickly. A joint effort by Petzl and climbing groups aim to improve safety — for all. Petzl will work with two climbing nonprofits this fall to address aging hardware and battered trails at climbing crags in Tennessee.” To read more, click here.