Northwest:
–Oregon’s liability insurance has long been more expensive than in other states. SnowBrains is reporting on a potential change: “On January 26, a bipartisan coalition of Oregon lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 1593, also known as the Oregon Recreation Commerce and Affordability Act of 2026 (ORCA), for consideration in the upcoming legislative session, which begins on February 2.” To read more, click here.
–The Access Fund is hiring Climbing Stewards in Washington State. Learn more.
–SnowBrains is reporting that, “a lawsuit was filed last Friday in Deschutes County Circuit Court and seeks over $14.5 million in damages for the death of Brian Thomas Roberts. He was killed in an avalanche on Mount Bailey near Diamond Lake, Oregon, on March 13, 2025.” To read more, click here.
Sierra:
–SF Gate is reporting that, “After some much-needed holiday storm carryover kicked off the year in Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada, the region slogged through its own version of dry January; now, there’s a tough road ahead to recover from a mostly snow-free start to 2026.” To read more, click here.
–“The Tuolumne Meadows Ski Hut has been fully rehabilitated to its original condition and is open to visitors this winter season! Acting as the Tuolumne Meadows campground reservation office in summer and a ski hut in winter, this rustic-style, historic stone building was built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). In 2023, winter storms significantly damaged the building.” To read more, click here.
–The Crime in Sports podcast dropped a piece on the Yosemite climber that was convicted of sexual assault. Check out the episode here.
Desert Southwest:
–Jenya Kazbekova redpointed Necessary Evil (5.14c) in Arizona just four and a half months after giving birth. To read about the ascent, click here.
–Speaking of hard climbing in Arizona, Gripped is reporting that, “Sean Bailey announced on Instagram that he has made the first ascent of Duality of Man in Dry Canyon, Arizona. He has proposed a grade of 5.15d, which, if confirmed, would make it the first route at that grade outside of Europe.” To read more, click here.
–Backpacker is reporting that, “Joshua Tree National Park and the Twenty Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians will sign a stewardship agreement to involve the tribe in the park’s management and development, beginning with a new trail connection, park officials have announced.” To read more, click here.
Colorado and Utah:
–The Denver Post is reporting that, “A skier sustained a head injury at Eldora Mountain Resort and was taken to the hospital by helicopter on Monday afternoon. About 1:08 p.m., the Boulder County Communications center received a report that a skier had a head injury, according to Carrie Haverfield, a Boulder County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson. The skier, a 24-year-old man, was seen sliding down one of the runs and was believed to have a head injury, Haverfield said.” To read more, click here.
Notes from All Over:
–Unofficial Networks is reporting that, “Dozens of people were rescued, including one person who had to be hospitalized, after a chairlift at Dartmouth Skiway in New Hampshire malfunctioned in frigid conditions. Local firefighters responded to the scene and worked with Dartmouth Ski Patrol to execute a technical rope rescue. In total 59 guests were evacuated in the 90 minute operation.” To read more, click here.
–Outside is reporting that, “The Trump Administration is ditching the timed-entry reservation systems at some of our most popular national parks.” There is significant concern that this will lead to additional crowding. To read more, click here.
–In other Outside reporting, it appears that the Trump Administration is requiring signs to be taken down in the National Parks: “At the Grand Canyon, park staff removed a sign referencing the displacement of Native Americans. Officials also removed descriptions of how climate change is contributing to glacial loss in Glacier National Park, Montana.” To read more, click here.
–Unofficial Networks is reporting on an old ski area for sale: “Priced at nearly $3 million, 3384 Route 52 is home to a piece of New York skiing history. The five-parcel property features the former Mount Storm Ski Area, which last operated in the 1980s. It closed due to a fire at the main base lodge and rising insurance costs. Arguably, the main attraction here is the basement of the main building. In the basement is the old ski rental shop, which still includes the old skis, boots, and signs. The building itself has been converted to three separate three-bedroom apartments. The land still features some relics of the ski area, including an abandoned lift and a snow groomer.” To read more, click here.
–The Scientific American questions the long term viability of the Winter Olympics with climate change.