Happy labor day weekend! It has been cloudy over the past few days around Paradise but the clouds are beginning to break up. Dry and sunny weather is forecast for this weekend before a weak weather system on Monday moves through the park with a chance of showers. Seasonal temperatures are expected. For more up-to-date weather take a look at the Mount Rainier Recreational Forecast.
 |
| Photo of Camp Muir and the Cowlitz Glacier from Cathedral Gap |
The Disappointment Cleaver route is still seeing ascents by guided and independent climbing parties. Late season conditions and the reduced number of climbers is causing the route to become less defined. Expect to encounter large Snow Penitentes and sun cups making climbing more arduous and footing less secure. The route has not seen any changes since the last post but the guide services are looking at other route options. A guide team left today from paradise to complete route work on the upper mountain. Be sure to check-in with the rangers at Camp Muir for details on changes to the current route.
 |
| Photo of the large ladder crossing near 13,000' on the DC |
A crispness to the air and hints of color on the leaves has the fall season on the mind. The freezing levels have begun to fluctuate and the seasonal snowpack is near the Fern Line. Consider the conditions you will encounter this time of year and what type of gear you want to carry. Ice screws, snow pickets and hammers are all good choices when planning for crevasse rescue.
 |
| Foliage in Paradise showing some color |
