Where Has Winter Gone?

Today in Paradise, the barbecues were out, sunglasses were on, and the smell of sunscreen was in the air! Many happy skiers, snowshoers, and snowboarders were out enjoying a day that felt more like July than January. It appears as though we are in store for more of the same in the coming days, with high freezing levels, and warm temperatures.
This incoming weather pattern was quite a change from the weather of the previous few days at Mt. Rainier. The park received rain up to approximately 8,000-9,000 feet for several days, wetting down our already thin snow coverage. And since the skiing was no good, climbing rangers got out to see what all the rain was doing to the snow pack. Rangers dug an avalanche test pit on the East Face of Alta Vista and conducted a full profile. Below are the results.
The pit confirmed what avalanche forecasters were already saying. During a rain on snow event, like we were having, the snow pack gets wet, creating potential for loose wet avalanches, and maybe the possibility of a wet slab. However, the good news is, with sunshine today, the snow pack had a chance to drain. Thus alleviating the majority of this problem. However, there is still a possibility of wet loose avalanches with the warm temperatures, especially on sun baked south and southwest facing slopes in steeper terrain, or near rocky outcroppings.
Even though it feels like summer, there is still snow out there, so please still check the NWAC avalanche forecast before setting out in the back country at Mt. Rainier. And come equipped with a shovel, beacon, and probe as well as the knowledge of how to use them in the event of an avalanche. If you are out on a not so fantastic weather day, and feel like digging a snow pit, please share your findings with the rangers.
Take advantage of this amazing weather window and come on up to the high country and get some sunshine! for the NWAC avalanche forecast, check out this link. http://www.nwac.us/avalanche-forecast/current/cascade-west-south/

Happy New Year

Happy New Year from the Mount Rainier Climbing Rangers!
A couple climbing rangers have returned to duty for 2015, so hopefully we will keep the blog updated for your viewing and reading pleasure!
Winter may be in full affect on the calendar, but the past couple of days here at Rainier have felt a bit like June! With high freezing levels, sunny skies, and a bit of a low snowpack. This has meant that many folks have been taking advantage of the spring like conditions to come play in the snow, ski, and snow shoe.
If you are planning a visit to the mountain please keep in mind that it is still winter, and conditions can change rapidly. With that said, we are expecting a change to a more wintery pattern of weather in the coming days. So if you have a trip planned for the weekend, bring a full kit of winter gear including a GPS with waypoints pre-loaded, plenty of warm clothing, and extra layers.
But the mountain is looking beautiful, so come on up and bring those skis or snowboards! If you would like to plan a winter ascent please check the weather carefully, and don't forget to register. The Jackson Visitor Center is open for visitors and will issue you a permit on the weekends, and interpretive rangers are staffing the Wilderness Information Center in Longmire during week days, and you can always self register in front of the Old Ranger Station in Paradise. Visit,  http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/winter.htm for more details!

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Fresh Coat

Photo Taken  from Paradise 11/10/2014

Fall snow has been slowly re-painting the mountain.  The sub-alpine meadows are blanketed and crevasses both on the lower snowfields and upper glaciers are slowly filling in.  For a snapshot of the current weather, future conditions, and past snowpacks check out our forecasting links.  Obtaining a clear mental image of weather and avalanche hazards is a good first step before any winter adventure on Mount Rainier.

Storms and snow slides can close access to the park.  Check the road status page for the most up-to-date notifications and predictions on when access will close for winter and open in the spring.  The status of the Longmire to Paradise road will be announced on Twitter all winter long - @MountRainierNPS.  Parking for overnight vehicles at Paradise is located in the upper part of the lot, across from the Paradise Inn.

Registration must be completed for any overnight adventure on the mountain - even in the winter.  Here's our permit and registration page where you can get information on how and where to register and/or buy a climbing pass if you haven't purchased one this year.  The Mount Rainier National Park Operating Hours Page also has current information up regarding the operation of information centers and ranger stations around the mountain.  

Lastly - Have fun!  There's a definitive feeling of solitude once you pass the rime iced sub-alpine trees and ascend into the true alpine zone during the winter.  Not much out there except you, lots of snow and glacier, and a big pile of rocks below that.  Whether you're on a mission to get some fresh ski tracks or dig a monster snow cave - enjoy your time here at the mountain!