Grand Teton National Park road crews are nearing completion of annual spring plowing operations on the Teton Park Road from the Taggart Lake parking area to Signal Mountain Lodge. The road opens to non-motorized activities Friday, April 5, 2013.
Grand Teton National Park delayed plowing operations by two weeks. That delay, coupled with a relatively low snowpack, allowed plow crews to clear the road in only three days. Spring opening of the Teton Park Road is a process that can take upwards of 10 days to complete, depending on the depth and consistency of the snowpack.
Although the Teton Park Road will open to non-motorized use, visitors should be alert for park vehicles that may occasionally travel the road for administrative purposes. The Teton Park Road will open to vehicle traffic on Wednesday, May 1.
Visitors are reminded that dogs are permitted on the Teton Park Road. Owners are required to keep pets on a leash no longer than six feet in length, and are required to use waste disposal bags to pick up after their dogs. Mutt Mitt stations are in place at the Taggart Lake parking area.
Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park
Friday, April 5, 2013
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Plowing Activity Begins on the Going-to-the-Sun Road
Earlier this week Glacier National Park announced that plowing activity has begun on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
The first website update is reporting that the West Lakes road crew has started removing snow off the road at Lake McDonald Lodge Gate towards the North McDonald Road area. So far the crew has encountered snow depths of 12-20 inches, while the road surface is covered with 2 to 4 inches of ice.
In Many Glacier, road crews also started plowing on the main road towards the Many Glacier Valley, beginning just past the dam. They've encountered drifts of more than 10 feet deep.
If you're worried about drought and forest fires in Glacier later this summer, there's some great news from the Flattop Mountain SNOTEL. According to the latest data published by the SNOTEL (SNOw TELemetry) station, the amount of snow in Glacier National Park is now above the 40-year average - roughly one month ahead of the average peak time. As of April 1st the SNOTEL is measuring a total of 48.2 inches of Snow Water Equivalent (SWE), which is the weight of snow water equivalent to inches of water. That amount is already 2.3 inches above the 40 year average, but is still below last year's peak, which reached 55.8 inches on May 6th.
The Flattop Mountain SNOTEL station is located at an elevation of approximately 6300 feet on Flattop Mountain, which is a high plateau between the Lewis and Livingston Ranges in Glacier National Park. According to the website, "Flattop Mountain is a useful indicator of snowfall throughout Glacier National Park because it is subject to the factors that influence conditions elsewhere in the park".
Data from the Flattop Mountain SNOTEL is compiled by water year, which runs from October 1st through September 30th.
The following is a graph that compares SWE for 2013 versus the average and other significant water years (you can click here for a larger version):
Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park
The first website update is reporting that the West Lakes road crew has started removing snow off the road at Lake McDonald Lodge Gate towards the North McDonald Road area. So far the crew has encountered snow depths of 12-20 inches, while the road surface is covered with 2 to 4 inches of ice.
In Many Glacier, road crews also started plowing on the main road towards the Many Glacier Valley, beginning just past the dam. They've encountered drifts of more than 10 feet deep.
If you're worried about drought and forest fires in Glacier later this summer, there's some great news from the Flattop Mountain SNOTEL. According to the latest data published by the SNOTEL (SNOw TELemetry) station, the amount of snow in Glacier National Park is now above the 40-year average - roughly one month ahead of the average peak time. As of April 1st the SNOTEL is measuring a total of 48.2 inches of Snow Water Equivalent (SWE), which is the weight of snow water equivalent to inches of water. That amount is already 2.3 inches above the 40 year average, but is still below last year's peak, which reached 55.8 inches on May 6th.
The Flattop Mountain SNOTEL station is located at an elevation of approximately 6300 feet on Flattop Mountain, which is a high plateau between the Lewis and Livingston Ranges in Glacier National Park. According to the website, "Flattop Mountain is a useful indicator of snowfall throughout Glacier National Park because it is subject to the factors that influence conditions elsewhere in the park".
Data from the Flattop Mountain SNOTEL is compiled by water year, which runs from October 1st through September 30th.
The following is a graph that compares SWE for 2013 versus the average and other significant water years (you can click here for a larger version):
Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park
Spring Migration in Motion at Grand Teton National Park
With spring-like weather and warmer temperatures, animals are actively "on the move" from their winter ranges to their summer haunts in Grand Teton National Park. Herds of elk recently moved off the National Elk Refuge and fanned out across the sagebrush flats just north of the Gros Ventre River and along both sides of Highway 26/89/191. Several groups of elk began spreading across snow free areas in the park on Monday afternoon, April 1 and Tuesday morning, April 2. Because spring migration is now fully underway, motorists should be alert for wildlife on and near park roads and drive with extra caution during the coming weeks.
As the snow recedes, bison, mule deer and moose are also making a transition from wintering areas to summer ranges. In the past week alone, two moose were struck and killed by vehicles just south of Moran Junction on Highway 26/89/191 in an area of dense willows near the confluence of the Snake River and Buffalo Fork River. This section of highway carries a 45 mph speed limit day and night, and a nighttime speed limit of 45 mph is posted for the entire length of Highway 26/89/191 in Grand Teton National Park. Lower speed limits are posted in an effort to slow drivers and reduce vehicle-wildlife collisions such as those that took the lives of two moose in one week.
Many animals tend to move during low light conditions and are generally most active between dusk and dawn. Moose can be found browsing in both the sagebrush flats from Gros Ventre Junction to Moose Junction and in riparian areas near the Gros Ventre River and Buffalo Fork of the Snake River just south of Moran Junction. Mule deer, wolves, bears and other animals may also be encountered on or near park roads, and pronghorn antelope will soon make their way back to Jackson Hole.
Animals are typically weakened from the rigors of a Jackson Hole winter and may be forced to use precious energy whenever startled or disturbed by the presence of vehicles and humans on foot or bicycle. All visitors and local residents should keep their distance from all wildlife, maintaining a distance of 100 yards from bears or wolves and 25 yards from other wildlife, including nesting birds. Public closures are now in effect near sage grouse leks throughout the park. Those who visit these areas must obey the posted closures to reduce disturbance to sage grouse on their seasonal mating areas. Wildlife protection closures will be in place for the next 4-6 weeks while the sage grouse are present.
Motorists are required to drive the posted speed limit and advised to be alert for animals that cross roads unexpectedly. Driving slower than indicated speed limits -- especially at night -- can increase the margin of safety. Collisions between motor vehicles and wildlife may result in severe damage to the vehicle, serious or fatal injuries to occupants of that vehicle, and/or death for the animal involved.
Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park
Many animals tend to move during low light conditions and are generally most active between dusk and dawn. Moose can be found browsing in both the sagebrush flats from Gros Ventre Junction to Moose Junction and in riparian areas near the Gros Ventre River and Buffalo Fork of the Snake River just south of Moran Junction. Mule deer, wolves, bears and other animals may also be encountered on or near park roads, and pronghorn antelope will soon make their way back to Jackson Hole.
Animals are typically weakened from the rigors of a Jackson Hole winter and may be forced to use precious energy whenever startled or disturbed by the presence of vehicles and humans on foot or bicycle. All visitors and local residents should keep their distance from all wildlife, maintaining a distance of 100 yards from bears or wolves and 25 yards from other wildlife, including nesting birds. Public closures are now in effect near sage grouse leks throughout the park. Those who visit these areas must obey the posted closures to reduce disturbance to sage grouse on their seasonal mating areas. Wildlife protection closures will be in place for the next 4-6 weeks while the sage grouse are present.
Motorists are required to drive the posted speed limit and advised to be alert for animals that cross roads unexpectedly. Driving slower than indicated speed limits -- especially at night -- can increase the margin of safety. Collisions between motor vehicles and wildlife may result in severe damage to the vehicle, serious or fatal injuries to occupants of that vehicle, and/or death for the animal involved.
Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Grand Teton Posts New Interactive eHike on Website
Last week Grand Teton National Park announced a brand new, web-based, interactive program takes viewers on an 'eHike' around String Lake, one of the six glacial lakes that grace the foot of the Teton Range.
Grand Teton National Park interpretive rangers invite classroom students as well as visitors far and wide to explore, through the convenience of their personal computers, the beauty and wonders of the String Lake area. Whether viewers want to relive a previous hike taken around String Lake or plan for an actual visit, this virtual field trip -- or eHike -- provides an introduction to the features that make up String Lake and its mix of natural habitats.
The web-based tour introduces viewers to the various elements -- earth, wind, water and fire -- that form the physical environment of the String Lake area. It also explains the role these forces have played in the creation of today's landscape.
eHikers can control images and sounds at each stop along their virtual tour, and they can activate videos to further explore the human and natural history stories related to each location. Alternate views will appear by hovering a mouse over side images, and hidden images will be revealed through the click of a button. eHikers can also click on audio icons to hear the sounds of birds and mammals along the trail, use video buttons to imagine being there, and "mouse over" a main image to find hidden gems in the virtual landscape.
"eHikes are becoming a useful and beneficial tool for providing park information to visitors before they can arrive in person," said Vickie Mates, Grand Teton National Park's chief of interpretation and partnerships. "We hope children and adults alike enjoy this virtual journey around String Lake, and we hope each viewer is tempted to make an actual visit to experience first-hand the captivating Teton landscape and wildlife."
To experience this innovative program, visit the park's website.
Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park
Grand Teton National Park interpretive rangers invite classroom students as well as visitors far and wide to explore, through the convenience of their personal computers, the beauty and wonders of the String Lake area. Whether viewers want to relive a previous hike taken around String Lake or plan for an actual visit, this virtual field trip -- or eHike -- provides an introduction to the features that make up String Lake and its mix of natural habitats.
The web-based tour introduces viewers to the various elements -- earth, wind, water and fire -- that form the physical environment of the String Lake area. It also explains the role these forces have played in the creation of today's landscape.
eHikers can control images and sounds at each stop along their virtual tour, and they can activate videos to further explore the human and natural history stories related to each location. Alternate views will appear by hovering a mouse over side images, and hidden images will be revealed through the click of a button. eHikers can also click on audio icons to hear the sounds of birds and mammals along the trail, use video buttons to imagine being there, and "mouse over" a main image to find hidden gems in the virtual landscape.
"eHikes are becoming a useful and beneficial tool for providing park information to visitors before they can arrive in person," said Vickie Mates, Grand Teton National Park's chief of interpretation and partnerships. "We hope children and adults alike enjoy this virtual journey around String Lake, and we hope each viewer is tempted to make an actual visit to experience first-hand the captivating Teton landscape and wildlife."
To experience this innovative program, visit the park's website.
Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Former Wolf Advisory Council To Meet With Gov. Bullock, FWP
Former members of Montana’s Wolf Management Advisory Council will gather in Helena, April 12, to review and discuss the wolf management plan they helped to create.
The disbanded 12-member citizens' council last met about five years ago to discuss specific hunting and trapping recommendations in anticipation of the wolf's official recovery in the northern Rocky Mountains.
"A lot has transpired since the council last met in 2007," said Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks Director Jeff Hagener. "Governor Steve Bullock and I have invited the members to gather in Helena for a one-day meeting to review the status of the wolf in Montana today and to discuss the effectiveness of the management plan."
The April 12th meeting, set to begin at 8:30 a.m., will be held at FWP Headquarters in Helena, 1420 E. Sixth Ave. The meeting will be video streamed live via the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov.
The meeting agenda includes introductory remarks from Gov. Bullock, Hagener and Chase Hibbard, the former chairman of the council. The core of the agenda includes an update on existing federal requirements; a review of the legal procedures that led to delisting in 2011; and reviews and updates on the wolf population's status, research activities, hunting and trapping seasons, livestock depredation, recent wolf-related legislation, and wolf-program funding. The agenda also includes opportunities for public comment at 2 p.m.
The delisting of wolves in 2011 allows Montana to manage wolves in a manner similar to how bears, mountain lions and other wildlife species are managed, which is guided by state management plans, administrative rules, and laws.
Montana wildlife officials recently estimated that at least 625 wolves, in 147 verified packs, and 37 breeding pairs inhabited the state at the end of 2012. To learn more about Montana’s wolf population, visit FWP online at fwp.mt.gov.
The wolf advisory council was created in 2000 to advise FWP on the development of a wolf conservation and management plan. Montana's plan was approved by federal officials in 2004.
FWP ensures its meetings are fully accessible to individuals with special needs. To request arrangements call FWP at 406-444-3186.
Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park
The disbanded 12-member citizens' council last met about five years ago to discuss specific hunting and trapping recommendations in anticipation of the wolf's official recovery in the northern Rocky Mountains.
The April 12th meeting, set to begin at 8:30 a.m., will be held at FWP Headquarters in Helena, 1420 E. Sixth Ave. The meeting will be video streamed live via the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov.
The meeting agenda includes introductory remarks from Gov. Bullock, Hagener and Chase Hibbard, the former chairman of the council. The core of the agenda includes an update on existing federal requirements; a review of the legal procedures that led to delisting in 2011; and reviews and updates on the wolf population's status, research activities, hunting and trapping seasons, livestock depredation, recent wolf-related legislation, and wolf-program funding. The agenda also includes opportunities for public comment at 2 p.m.
The delisting of wolves in 2011 allows Montana to manage wolves in a manner similar to how bears, mountain lions and other wildlife species are managed, which is guided by state management plans, administrative rules, and laws.
Montana wildlife officials recently estimated that at least 625 wolves, in 147 verified packs, and 37 breeding pairs inhabited the state at the end of 2012. To learn more about Montana’s wolf population, visit FWP online at fwp.mt.gov.
The wolf advisory council was created in 2000 to advise FWP on the development of a wolf conservation and management plan. Montana's plan was approved by federal officials in 2004.
FWP ensures its meetings are fully accessible to individuals with special needs. To request arrangements call FWP at 406-444-3186.
Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park
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