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| Snow on Cathedral Rocks and the Cowlitz Glacier |
Climbing Rangers often say that summer doesn't start on Mount Rainier unitl the 4th of July. This summer it looks like we'll be pushing right up to that date before dry, warm weather moves over the region.
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| The GFS weather model showing accumulated percipitation up to 5:00AM July 4. |
A persistent low pressure over the Northwest has lead to cool and showery weather over the mountian for much of the past week. The pattern has been remarkably similar day-to-day with clear skies in the morning, followed by cloud build up and showers in the afternoon.
A stronger pulse of bad weather brought snow showers in the early morning hours of July 2nd. We had three inches of snow accumulation at Camp Muir and guides reported up to six inches on the upper mountain.
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| New snow at Camp Muir 2019.07.02 |
This cool weather will keep the route conditions good as we go into the long holiday weekend. We expect large numbers of climbers Thursday through Sunday so please plan on having other climbers on the mountain with you, even on less-popular routes like the Kautz glacier.
The high camps are at full reservation levels so if you are looking to get a walk up permit please arrive in the Park early and have your climbing fee documentation handy. The will speed up the registration process for everyone.
We are always at maximum levels for our popluar climbing routes during this, the busiest, time of the year. A flexible itinerary will increase the chances of getting the camp of your choice.
We are always at maximum levels for our popluar climbing routes during this, the busiest, time of the year. A flexible itinerary will increase the chances of getting the camp of your choice.
Thanks and have a safe, fun Independence Day.
