American Alpine Institute News:
–It’s time to start thinking about climbing in the Southwest. Book a trip to Red Rock Canyon or to Joshua Tree National Park.
–If you’re getting ready for snow, consider our new Ski Mountaineering and Avalanche leadership series, or even our Alaska Range Ski Mountaineering program!
Northwest:
–Cascadia Daily News and others are reporting that, “Two hikers died on Sauk Mountain Trail near Rockport last weekend, adding to the growing number of fatalities on the steep, narrow trail.” To read more, click here.
–The extremely popular multi-pitch sport route, Prime Rib (5.9, III) was rebolted last week. The Methow Valley Climbers Association spent two full days on the line pulling out old bolts and replacing them with new.
Sierra-Nevada:
–Gripped is reporting that, “The U.S. Forest Service has said that two members of a helicopter crew fighting the Dome Fire in Yosemite National Park were killed Sunday after their aircraft crashed while carrying out firefighting operations. The Eurocopter AS32 crashed shortly before 3 p.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration. No one else was aboard the helicopter.” To read more, click here.
–MyMotherLode is reporting that, “Yosemite National Park is asking the public for help in possibly finding what sparked the Dome Fire, which is burning north of Wawona in Mariposa County. The blaze ignited on September 15, 2026, and its cause is currently under investigation, despite fire restrictions being in place since August 1, 2026, for 8,000 feet and below. They ask, ‘If you were on the Chilnualna (chil-NOO-al-nuh) Falls Trail recently (from September 9 to September 15) and witnessed anyone with a campfire, please notify the National Park Service.'” To read more, click here.
–Teton Gravity Research is reporting that, “California state officials declared a State of Emergency as meteorological models lock in a strong El Niño pattern for the upcoming winter season. State agencies are mobilizing resources to brace infrastructure for high-volume atmospheric rivers. While lowland communities prepare for flooding risks, mountain enthusiasts across the Golden State are eyeing the weather maps with high anticipation.” To read more, click here.
Desert Southwest:
–Outside is reporting that, “Less than a month after the deadly August 29 flash flood, a second storm system swept through Bright Angel Canyon on September 16, reportedly washing away temporary housing units for construction crews and worsening water-crisis closures across the South Rim.” To read more, click here.
Colorado and Utah:
–Climbing is reporting that, “On September 4, two climbers fell while climbing unroped at The Spot, a climbing gym in Louisville, Colorado. The climbs occurred in separate instances a few hours apart and were originally reported as auto-belay accidents. However, conflicting official statements and on-the-ground witness reports reveal a more complex story about human error, complacency, and who is ultimately responsible for the injuries.” To read more, click here.
–Climbing is reporting that, “On September 11, former USA Climbing Speed team manager Matthew Maddison was sentenced to up to 15 years in prison for distributing videos of child sexual abuse.” To read more, click here.
–Summit Daily is reporting that, “The Colorado Supreme Court on Monday issued a 4-3 decision that further defines the limits of the liability waivers ski resorts require customers to sign when buying passes. Justice Maria Berkenkotter wrote the majority opinion in John Litterer v. Vail Resorts, upholding the lower court’s decision to dismiss the lawsuit brought by a Texas man who claims he was hit by an employee on a snowmobile at Breckenridge Ski Resort.” To read more, click here.
–Unofficial Networks is reporting that, “A new proposal is seeking to bring a publicly owned ski area to Utah with a focus on making skiing more affordable for residents. The Utah Public Ski Area Coalition says it’s currently seeking funding for an independent feasibility study rather than asking the state to immediately build a new resort.” To read more, click here.
Notes from All Over:
–Unofficial Networks is reporting that, “The U.S. ski resort industry is raising concerns about legislation that would make daylight saving time permanent, arguing that the change could create safety and economic challenges for ski areas and mountain communities.” To read more, click here.