A cold front on Sept. 11-12th deposited up to ten inches of new snow in the high country of RMNP. 

Longs Peak and Mt. Meeker on the morning of Sept. 13th, 2008.

Trail Ridge Road: OPEN

For the most up-to-date conditions on Trail Ridge Road, click on the Colorado Department of Transportation link above. Then click on the purple CDOT "Restricted" link under comments-

ROAD PROJECTS UNDERWAY:

- Powerline work between Grand Lake Entrance and Timber Creek Campground will cause delays of no more than 15 minutes at work locations Mondays through Fridays until October 15.

- Revegetation work between Gore Range Overlook and the Alpine Visitor Center will cause intermittent one lane traffic Mondays through Thursdays, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm through Spetember 18.

Trail Ridge Road rises above where trees can grow; the central eleven miles of this high route traverse open, windswept alpine tundra. This route provides some of the greatest mountain views available from roadside in this nation.

The lower portions of Trail Ridge Road are open year-round. The central part of Trail Ridge Road is generally open from late May through mid-October.

Old Fall River Road: TEMPORARILY CLOSED due to snow.

Old Fall River Road is a steep, one-way unpaved road. It is not suitable for RVs or low-clearance

vehicles, but provides spectacular views for suitable passenger cars, trucks, or SUVs.

No vehicles with trailers or vehicles exceeding 25 feet in length are permitted on Old Fall River Road.

All Other Park Roads:  OPEN

Updated Sunday, September 14, 2008, 2:50 p.m

The Rocky Mountain National Park conditions page is:

http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/road_conditions.htm

and this week's report is reprinted below:  

LONGS PEAK CONDITIONS 

from the RMNP/NPS website 

Friday September 12, 2008 through Wednesday September 17, 2008

GENERAL WEATHER WARNING – September is here! Winter has returned to the high country! Cold temperatures and gusty winds should be expected, as well as lots of snow. Thunder storms are less likely as high pressures tend to be typical this time of year – however, remain aware of the weather. Thunder storms can still form quickly when least expected. Know when to turn around, and remember that it is more difficult to make fast progress, even downhill.

CLIMBING CONDITIONS

KEYHOLE ROUTE – The Keyhole route is rated as TECHNICAL. Longs Peak was blanketed with fresh snow throughout the night on Sept. 11, and weather will continue throughout today.  Snow is present below treeline and is at the minimum 8” deep. Expect winter conditions with snow, ice and gusty winds. Conditions on Longs Peak can change at anytime! Be Prepared.

NORTH FACE/CABLES ROUTE –Expect lots of fresh snow, some ice and maybe running water, causing some slippery conditions. Very high risk for party induced rock fall. Use caution.

MT. MEEKER/THE LOFT –This route has fresh, unconsolidated snow, making for some wet, cold conditions. Expect ice now in spots. Use caution. Climbers unfamiliar with the descent get cliffed out by taking the fall line which puts them over the waterfall. The easiest way of descent is south of the waterfall (look for a large cairn) and it then follows the traverse ledges. Consult your guidebook.

CLARKS ARROW – Fresh, unconsolidated snow, ice in spots.

DREAM WEAVER (MT. MEEKER) – Expect fresh unconsolidated snow atop of loose, wet/icy rock.

LAMB’S SLIDE – Fresh snow over hard nieve. Rock fall is a hazard in this area due to the temperature fluctuations.

KIENER’S  ROUTE  - There is fresh snow and is unavoidable on Broadway now. Chimeny's are wet and snowy, and you will find fresh snow on the traverses. Finding the exit (aka "Diamond Step") is tricky for those unfamiliar with the route, and has resulted in numerous benightments and some deaths in the past. Please consult your guidebook.

NOTCH COULOIR – Fresh snow, very wet conditions with some ice in spots.

THE DIAMOND-  The North Chimney approach has lots of snow/ice/running water, due to the recent storm. The Diamond is wet and has snow on all ledges. Expect winter conditions.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

LONGS PEAK TRAIL (to CHASM LAKE or the BOULDER FIELD)-  The trails to Chasm Lake and Granite Pass are under a fresh blanket of snow, at the minimum 8”, above tree line. The reconstruction of the historic Chasm Shelter is under way this fall still, please pardon the disruption.

CAMPING

LONGS PEAK DRIVE-IN CAMPGROUND is open, and costs $20/site/night. Flushing toilets are open. Potable water is available. ON SUNDAY, SEPT. 14, 2008 THE RATE WILL CHANGE TO $14 AND THE WATER WILL BE TURNED OFF. The collection of natural wood (dead or alive) is prohibited; There is fire wood available for sale at the kiosk in the evenings. Please consult your campground host for more information.

OVERNIGHT BACKCOUNTRY PERMITS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL OVERNIGHT BACKCOUNTRY USE! 

We are now in the fall backcountry permit season.  You must obtain a backcountry permit at Backcountry Office (970/586-1242, open every day from 8 AM - 5 PM on Highway 36 next to RMNP Headquarters or at Longs Peak Ranger Station.)  It is your responsibility to get the backcountry permit and abide by all rules!  Failure to get the permit and/or abide by rules may result in citations.

FIRES

All fires are prohibited in the backcountry.  You may use a camp stove in the backcountry (no “twig stoves”).  Please report all fires and smoke immediately to park personnel.

PETS

PETS ARE PROHIBITED IN ALL AREAS OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK NOT ACCESSIBLE BY MOTOR VEHICLES, including ALL trails and meadows

Dogs are predators. Dogs can chase, scare and transmit diseases to wild animals. Dogs leave behind a ‘predator’ scent typical of all wild canines like coyotes. This scent can linger in the area for long periods of time and can disrupt or alter the behavior of the native animals this park protects. Dogs can bite humans and some people are uncomfortable around dogs; park visitors should be able to enjoy native wildlife in their natural environment without disruption from other people’s pets. Pets may dig or trample fragile vegetation. Additionally, park regulations help protect your pet’s well-being; your pet could become prey for wildlife, including coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats and owls.

 The nearest trail open to pets is the Lily Mountain Trail (not to be confused with Lily Lake) located about ½ mile north of Lily Lake on Highway 7.

THANKS FOR TAKING GOOD CARE OF THE LONGS PEAK BACKCOUNTRY!