Avy Activity from Last Week

Last week was quite the occasion for avalanches. The pictures below are of some crowns that are still visible from activities on February 21 and 22. Good visibility yesterday allowed full views of the crowns. There was widespread avalanche activity elsewhere on the mountain as well as in the Tatoosh but many of the crowns have been altered by erosion.

Just below Panorama Point. The alternate/winter route experienced some activity.

Taken from the saddle of the Edith Creek Drainage below Panorama Point. Most of the upper Edith Basin is now covered by avalanche debris.

Another view from the saddle looking down at Mazama Ridge. Debris from slides off Mazama Ridge also swept the Paradise Valley road in several places.

I hope your Monday was as good as mine. The forecasted 6-9" of new snow for tonight has started.

Winter is alive and well up on The Mountain. Pit profile coming soon.

Climbing News

Six inspiring climbs were nominated for a 2012 Piolet d'Or over the weekend. Ranging from Kyrgyzstan to Argentina, climbers were getting it done! Check the award's website here for more information/inspiration.

Snow is still accumulating at Mount Rainier, with just over 12 feet on the ground at Paradise. Keep checking the weather websites for the rare but glorious sunny breaks in the weather. Winter climbs, though challenging and rarely resulting in the summit, can be great training for climbers looking to summit in the summer.

Make sure to check in with rangers before any climb or overnight adventure. Local knowledge is priceless when trying to get out and have fun during the "off-season." Watch out for a significant winter storm this weekend. The importance of knowing weather and avalanche conditions cannot be over emphasized. Keep up to date!

Weekend Conditions February 3-4

Some of the nearly twenty people that headed up to Panorama Point today

If today was any indication of what Saturday and Sunday are going to be like, Paradise is going to be a happening place.

Wind Crust above Paradise

With blue skies have come strong winds (20+ mph at Paradise, with reports of people being blown to the ground higher on the mountain).

Be prepared to be chilled and remember to pay attention to your surroundings. The current wind is coming from the east instead of the usual west and is thus redistributing some of the snow pack. Combined with the sunshine there is quite a crust forming.