Thursday, November 8, 2012

Fall Turns

There's  been some great skiing on the Muir Snowfield this fall so far.  Between storms, and those 'tweens have been small, there have been some good snow conditions for skiing.  I last went up to Camp Muir on Friday November 2nd.  All those gargantuan suncups have been filled in.  Ski penetration has been pretty nice at less than 5 cm in most places so skinning up was fast.


I've taken the webcam down for the season.  Although we did get it working again, it's just too much to maintain in the winter, so we'll save it for next season.

Public shelter is open, but it may be snowed in when you get there.  Expect to shovel out the entrance.  Could take a long time and you may be exposed to the wind while you're digging (and tired and cold)...

A toilet is open near the public shellter, which may need to be dug out, too.

Remember a few things this winter:
     -Get a forcast from the NWAC before you go.
     -If overnighting, remember a permit, a pass and to park in the overnight area at Paradise.
     -Pack for contingencies, such as getting stuck out for an unplanned overnight.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Webcam Working (if only temporarily)

So thanks to ranger Jon Bowman who made some last minute repairs - and with the generous support of our IT/Telecom unit in the park, we have a working webcam again at Camp Muir.  As time allowed this summer, we tried quite a few different solutions, but over and over we couldn't get it to work.

Finally, we fundamentally changed the way the webcam connects to other infrastructure at Paradise and it is finally working again.

The only hitch in the current getup is that I will have to take the camera off-line in the winter.  The antenna that I am using to support the radio transmissions down to Paradise is larger and will act more like a sail in the wind - and the winds will most likely reach over 150 mph this winter at some point and I don't want to risk losing the whole system.


So enjoy it for now.  I hope to keep it up until near the end of October.

The web url has not changed:

http://www.nps.gov/webcams-mora/muir.jpg

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Signs of Autumn

We are definitely starting to see the summer slipping out of reach from our perch high on Rainier. A couple of days ago the weather brought a fresh dusting of snow all the way down to Pan Point, and while it quickly melted away it was a reminder of what is to come. (More Snow)

Rangers navigating late season conditions on the Ingraham
Besides the short snow squall, conditions on the upper mountain have been generally sunny and warm. Climbers have still been heading up the DC on a daily basis and with the hard and consolidated surface conditions more climbers have been making daytime and sunset climbs, saving headlamp batteries and keeping circadian rhythms more normal.

The Climbing Information Center will be closed during the weekdays but still open on weekends throughout September. Rangers will be on duty from 7am to 3pm Saturday and Sunday to register climbers and answer questions. When the CIC is closed self registration is in effect and all climbers are still required to register. The self registration box is located at Paradise in the hallway of the Climbing Information Center for the time being.

Check out recent updates on the Muir Snowfield and DC for the latest Beta before you come up. Conditions are still great for a hike and a climb, but there are a few things to watch out for these days, like more exposed ice and crevasses in unexpected places. Plan well, Have fun.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Still Climbing

So as many of you might have noticed our updates have been kind of few and far between lately. We've had some pretty hard times this summer and this site has felt the effects of tired rangers. We as a group definitely want to extend our thanks to everyone that has supported our program and what we do here at Rainier throughout this summer. Your positive support is greatly appreciated!

As we enter the backside of August, a time when climbers start to shy away from Rainier for many reasons, we just want to say that Rangers are still up there climbing, staffing high camps, training (still) with some new and very exciting rescue techniques and pretty much around to serve you for a while still. The standard routes are holding up great right now, with the DC staying as direct as it can for late August and the Emmons holding solid all the way up the Winthrop. Many of the non standard routes such as Mowich Face and Edmunds Headwall, to name a couple, seem to be in really good shape up high still, access over the bergschrunds seem to be the major cruxes. The weather looks good for a late summer adventure, so come on out and get some!


Saturday, August 11, 2012

Remembering the one and only Ted Cox!

Last Sunday Mount Rainier National Park and the Rainier Climbing Community lost yet another long time friend. The following is from our Chief Ranger Chuck Young and former climbing ranger Mike Gauthier. Thanks Guys. A memorial service honoring the life of Ted will be held this coming Thursday, August 16th around 6 pm at the Community Building in Longmire, WA. Everyone is invited to come and help us celebrate the life of our friend. It is a potluck so along with stories bring some food and beverages to share. If you would like more details about the location or event please email us, we will try to be timely in our response.



 
We are saddened to report that MORA Protection Division employee Ted Cox 
has passed away from complications related to an aggressive form of
cancer. Ted, 70, passed away this Sunday in the company of dear friends
and loved ones; he had worked for the past 10 years as a seasonal Trails
Laborer at Camp Muir.

Ted’s career at Mount Rainier was defined by meticulously taking care of
the waste and water systems for Camp Muir, arguably one of the world’s
most difficult utility systems to maintain. He did so with pride,
dedication, and joy, which earned him the unofficial and affectionate
title of "Mayor of Camp Muir." By doing his duties so well and with
such disarming charm, the climbing rangers were better able to focus on
the pressing needs of public safety and resource protection. Each week
in the late spring and summer, Ted began his work shift by hiking to the
10,000 foot high camp where we would reside for four days. Each trip, he
would pack and haul heavy loads of supplies and materials; often he
performed arduous and physically demanding tasks at high altitude which
is always an impressive feat. This is something that Ted did with
gleeful pride up until his diagnosis this June.

With a playful and light-hearted grin, Ted often said that maintaining
the critical waste system at Camp Muir was his “life’s work.” He was
serious about that too, as he loved the mountain community and the
unique personalities that he would meet day to day. Ted did more than
just maintain a utility system, however; he also cared for the staff as
a non-judgmental friend and confidant, and always kept the peace amongst
a dynamic crew of with equally dynamic personalities and situations. Ted
was the person that rangers and guides could rely upon to help maintain
cohesiveness and peace within the sometimes intense and stressful
situations that can exist at 10,000 feet. Before Mount Rainier, Ted
worked at Olympic National Park in the maintenance division, and in the
off-season, lived in Sequim, WA and in Talkeetna, Alaska. He will be
sorely missed by the guides, rangers, his friends, and the public who
had the good fortune to meet Ted at Camp Muir or while hiking up or down
from Paradise.

 

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

...And More Summer

Last weekend we saw a tremendous number of climbers heading up Mount Rainier and lots of folks just out for a day hike, picnic at Muir or getting some rather great mid-July turns in. Most routes on the mountain seem to be staying in great shape thanks to a cooler and wetter than average June.

July is one of the busiest months for climbing on Rainier, but those seeking more solitude should try for mid-week climbs on the popular routes, such as the DC and Emmons, or head out to some of the more remote west-side routes that are still in good shape. Also many thanks to the climbers who have been helping keep the routes and high camps clean during this busy time of year. We really appreciate your efforts.

Check out a couple of great trip reports sent to us by contributing climbers Bartosz Paliswiat and Scott Seitz on Sunset Ridge and Success Clever, respectively. The photo at right was also taken by Paliswiat. Guess Sunset Ridge got its name for a reason!

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Summer

Weather patterns around the mountain have settled down.  High pressure has been sitting in the area since Independence Day.  Skiers, climbers, and ravens soaking up the rays at high camps are rewarded with unencumbered views of the Cascade Range.

Routes around the mountain all seem to be in 'typical' shape for this time of year.  Check specific route conditions using the links to the right.  July brings quick changes to conditions on the upper mountain.  Be sure to ask rangers about the most recent updates while checking in for your adventure.

On another note, we'd like to give a special shout out to our extended climbing community for all your gracious assistance, positive vibes, food, gifts, and thoughts.  We appreciate all your help and look forward to seeing ya'll back up on the mountain soon. 

Friday, June 22, 2012

Nick Hall

We want to take a moment and honor Nick Hall.  Nick always showed up ready to give his all - not only at work, but at play too.  Nick Hall came to our program as a mid-season emergency hire in 2009 when our climbing ranger program undertook a big transition.  His calm demeanor and dry sense of humor kept even the most serious issues manageable.  Spending time as a Marine Corps Avionics Specialist, Stevens Pass Ski Patroller (SPKA), and hunting in the great Methow Valley, Nick had a rich and varied lifestyle.  Nick's dog Grommet even had a hard time keeping up with all his changes!  One day he'd be in the hot desert climbing and the next he'd be back-country skiing with friends.

Nick served four years as a climbing ranger at Mount Rainier National Park.  He moved quickly from a capable team member to leading climbing patrols and an entire shift of climbing rangers.  His passion for the outdoors, skiing, and climbing showed while he was at work.  Patrolling with Nick meant good food, mind boggling jokes, and of course rad terrain.

Climbing came naturally to Nick.  He spent as little time as possible in the city (for locals: to get to Issaquah from Longmire - he'd drive through the east-side to get there).  Granite and basalt columns were Nick's playground.  Living out of the back of his truck he avoided suburban areas and flourished at local crags, big-wall hangouts, and took the occasional trip to Yosemite. 

The deliberate lifestyle choices that Nick made inspired his friends and co-workers.  His willingness to step up to challenges, try new systems and techniques first, and state exactly how he felt set the bar high for all of us fellow rangers.  Nick risked his life to help others numerous times as a ranger at Mount Rainier.  Never careless, he purposefully went about his job of alpine guardian with finesse and style.

These are a few links for articles regarding Nick... the Seattle Times Rainier Rescue, Last Rescued Climber Leaves Mount Rainier, and Last of Four Rescued Climbers Leave Mount Rainier.  In the next few days as this tragedy progresses we'll be focused on Nick and his family. 

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Solstice!

Soon the longest day of the year will be upon us. For climbers this is significant not only because there are a lot of festivals, parties and music happenings throughout the area, but also because this is the time of the year when the long daylight hours allow us to climb headlamp free for many, many hours.

This year the actual Solstice is on June 20 at 23:09, however its effects will be noticed for a much longer period of time and are in fact currently being observed. Since the 20th is a weekday you can actually make it to the Fremont Fair and the associated parties going on this weekend, get down, recover and STILL get out in the wilderness or wherever else you enjoy being for the actual day of Solstice. (Just assuming wilderness is your thing since this is a blog about climbing Mount Rainier.)

The forecast for the upcoming week looks like a mixed bag with some sun and clouds, but no major storm events are on the horizon. Hopefully we are done with those for a while. Climbers have recently been summitting via all the standard routes, so check out the updates for the DC, Emmons, and Liberty Ridge among others. Don't forget your sunblock and stay hydrated out there!

Monday, June 11, 2012

Volcano weather monitoring

The weather on Mount Rainier, together with some overly vigorous maintenance efforts in the past have made keeping the weather station at Camp Muir up and running a challenge. However, the problems seem to have all been identified and hopefully we will have the systems up and running soon. 

The gear in the photo to the left is used by many agencies, such as the NOAA, NWAC, and the NPS for gathering weather information. It is the highest weather telemetry site it the Northwest and takes a beating all year. You can find the raw data from this site and more mountain telemetry stations at the NWAC website.


Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Clear Above, Films Below


Wednesday Morning on the Ingraham
The past couple of days have been absolutely gorgeous on the upper mountain. The sun has been out, winds have been calm and fresh snow covers almost everything. There have been a few climbers who were undeterred by the mediocre forecasts, and three hardy souls braved postholing and gusty winds above 13,000' to summit via the DC earlier today. Even the climbers who did not make the summit have found some fun making fresh turns on their skis and boards, practicing rescue and ice climbing skills in crevasses, or soaking in the views of volcano tops poking through the clouds.

There is a forecasted low pressure system moving through the Northwest over the next day or two, so some inclement and unpredictable weather is expected on the upper mountain, but this system seems to have enough similarity to the last one where climbers can also reasonably expect periods of nice weather to be found on the upper mountain over the coming days. The only way to know what is happening is to come see for yourself. Check out recent conditions updates for more specific information on climbing routes.

Also in other news check out the Rainier Independent Film Festival going on this weekend at various locations around the base of Mt. Rainier. It looks like they have some great films selected and the venues (which include a Cine-Yurt!) are as varied as the films being screened.

Saturday, June 2, 2012

"Low Pressing" Systems

Late last week and early this week (with some respite on Sunday) low pressure systems are moving through the Northwest.  The mountain typically has some "Jun-uary" weather roll through in the early part of the summer season.  The last low pressure system came through with a high freezing level and lots of moisture.  There was rain up to 11,000 feet.  Whew.  The cloud deck has lowered to around 9000 feet the last couple days restoring the typical upper-mountain snow pack.  Guide companies, independent parties, and climbing rangers have all been out making snow pack assessments.  Be sure to get familiar with the conditions yourself - don't get sucked into the "herd" mentality.

On another note, the solstice is coming up!  There is lots of daylight for climbers to complete their ascents.  Lower freezing levels also make later ascents more practical.  New snow pasted on the mountain has made it quite the spectacular sight.  Don't forget your cameras!  See you up here soon.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

White River Opening

So the latest news from White River is that the road to the campground and the ranger station will be opening this Friday around 7:30, barring some unforeseen event. The road to White River Campground is currently clear but still gated at Hwy 410. Climbers can gain access behind the gate by bike or foot to get an early start on the weekend.

Fuhrer Finger Sunrise
For the remainder of the season the White River ranger station will be open from 7:30 - 4:30 Sunday through Thursday, 7:00 - 7:00 on Fridays and 7:00 to 4:30 on Saturdays.

So it seems the weather is taking a break from summer and freshening up the skiing conditions for a bit! Remember to always be careful in stormy weather and bring your map/compass/GPS with you for when the visibility gets low.

Check out a great report on the Fuhrer Finger sent to us by some Utah climbers. Also, many thanks to those who have sent feedback on the Google translate feature. It appears to be a pretty rough translation, which doesn't surprise us, but could maybe be of use in certain situations. We will keep evaluating it.

Hope everyone has some great adventures planned for the upcoming holiday weekend!

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Multilingual?

This blog now has the ability to be read in many many languages! (Possibly)

There is this little scroll down button that our blog service provides which supposedly translates whatever we type in English into something like 50 languages. It seems like a pretty cool tool, especially because we get a healthy population of foreign climbers here on Rainier.

However, since the foreign language skills of most climbing rangers are kind of rudimentary, we can't really fact check that what we write is being properly translated. Unless we just blindly trust Google, and that's not really how we roll.

So if you are one of our readers that has some solid skill in another language, we would very much appreciate some feedback on how the new Translation Button (to your right) works. Thanks!

Monday, May 14, 2012

Road Openings

The weather this week looks great for climbing! Check our updated Access and Road page for the latest beta on how to get where you want to go

The Climbing Information Center (CIC) is now open 7 days a week 6am to 3pm. That means that there is no more self registration out of Paradise. Please stop by the CIC to register for your climb. Self registration is still in effect for White River and Carbon until the ranger stations open full time for those areas.

Also check out the climbing route interface with Google maps to help in your trip planning. Yes, we know it still needs some tweaking to work super smooth, but you might find it to be a help.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Flying High with the 214th

Over the past couple of days, Climbing Rangers had the opportunity to train with the US Army 214th reserve aviation brigade and their CH-47 Chinook helicopter. The 214th and the Rainier climbing rangers have been working closely together for many years and they provide us with an exceptional tool for Search and Rescue missions and we are very proud to have the opportunity to fly with them. 

Throughout the climbing season rangers and the Chinook crew train together so when things get "real" everyone is up to speed with what to do. The 214th's Chinook is specially equipped for working on Rainier, with skis that make soft snow landings possible, special flooring which allows rangers to wear crampons inside the helicopter, and special rigging inside that allow rangers and rescue litters to be lowered and raised safely on the cable hoist. 

Training with these guys also allows us the chance to do some great early season recon of the climbing routes on Rainier. Yesterday we got that opportunity, so check out the Route Updates page...all the major routes have been updated with aerial photos and conditions all around the mountain are looking great! Access to the more remote routes is difficult at this time, since many of the roads into the park are still being plowed out from the winters snow. The road crew has been working very hard lately and most park roads should be opening soon. If you are feeling adventurous there is nothing stopping anyone from getting to and climbing any route at this time, just plan on an extra day or two for the approach. Spring on Rainier can be some of the best climbing and skiing along with a very real wilderness experience.

See you on the Mountain.

Saturday, May 5, 2012

CIC Opening


The Climbing Information Center is now OPEN!  Please feel free to come on by and say hello--We've spent the past couple of days de-shuttering the windows, digging out pathways, and just generally shining the place up. The entrance is somewhat hidden due to huge walls of snow, but if you walk toward the Paradies Inn you should see the plowed path to our front door.

We'll be open this weekend from 8AM to 3 PM Saturday and Sunday . The CIC will be closed during the week--and will open full time (6 AM to 3 PM, 7 days a week) for the season on May 12.  Feel free to stop by or give us a call with questions--360.569.6641.

All climbers must register in the CIC if going above 10,000 feet during the hours we're open, otherwise look for the self registration box in the Old Station.  Don't forget to check out from your climb.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

May Days

So if you are a Northwest resident it is no secret that we have had our fair share of dreary weather this spring, but that hasn't stopped a lot of motivated people from coming up and having some rather fantastic days playing in the park... I know I've gotten a face tan so the sun has definitely been out. The thing with partly cloudy, partly rainy, partly whatever forecasts is that a lot of the time the sun does in fact shine through. So I guess the take home here is to not let some drizzle get you down, come on out and see what's happening for yourself.

Most of the roads in the park are still being plowed out from under feet of snow and the Paradise road is still under winter management which means it does close every night, but since the weather is staying a little warmer, skiers and climbers can count on access to Paradise being more consistent until the switch to summer management. We will continue to keep our Road and Access page as up to date as we can as roads get plowed and opened.

The Climbing Information Center located at Paradise is going to be opening for weekend operation starting this Saturday at 8:00!  For the next two weekends rangers will be staffing the CIC from 8am-3pm, and then by May 12th the CIC should be open full time 7 days a week 6am - 3pm. Stop by to register for a climb, get some up to date info for your ski tours, or just to sit on our couches and read from our library.

Check out some recent photos and conditions reports from the Muir Snowfield, Gib Ledges, and the Fuhrer Finger. We also welcome reports and photos from climbers, since we can't be everywhere we really enjoy hearing how peoples trips went, especially on the more remote routes.

The Weather, Snow and Avalanche page has been recently updated and includes some new links to weather sites to help with your trip planning.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Admission Free Parks

Just a reminder to everyone that this week is National Park Week, and to celebrate the Park Service is opening up all of its 397 parks for free! That's right, you can come to Mount Rainier or any other National Park from April 21-29 and forgo the entrance fee. Rangers will still be staffing the entrance booths to answer your questions and provide all the services they normally do, but they won't be taking your money.

So come out and take advantage of the beautiful weekend and join us in celebrating all of our great National Parks.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

New Season, New Looks

As we quickly approach the time of the year where weather gets nicer and climbing starts to become a priority over more winter-centric sports such as skiing or curling, we here at Mount Rainier are looking forward to a great season on "the mountain".

If you are a blog frequenter, you will notice some slight changes to this site over the next week or so. That's because we are updating this blog, which will allow us to keep you better informed on all of the climbing, skiing, and Rainier related events, as well as making viewing of this page much easier on mobile devices. You may notice some links don't work properly and some pages you have come to enjoy will be inaccessible from time to time. Don't worry...We will have everything working again soon and hopefully better than before!

Hope everyone is getting their stoke on! The mountain is fat with snow and more is falling outside as I type this. See you on the mountain...

Sunday, April 15, 2012

What happened to the Camp Muir Webcam?

April 14, 2012

The webcam hasn't worked since a fateful day in late November.

I have it in my office in Longmire. I went up about two months ago with all the tools to fix it, but I was unable to make field repairs, so I dismantled it and brought it down the hill.

I have been able to connect to the on-board server, but the image doesn't come up in the admin tool. I will delegate this repair to one of the climbing rangers over the next few weeks. If we can't repair or make an easy adjustment, then we'll have to order a new one.

How did it get broken? Well, reports have come in from various places, but it appears that the webcam has been consistently been taking a good beating. Not by weather, but by people, well-meaning people, to be more exact. The webcam during storms gets rimed up and it obscures the view. It may stay like this for days. So when avid viewers are actually at Camp Muir and in a position to "fix" the rime on the camera, they either hit or scrape the rime off the camera.

The marks on the camera's protective dome seem to corroborate the circumstantial evidence and the hear-say. It definitely looks like dome has taken some pretty heavy blows with a sharp object.

It will still be a month or more until I can get it working again.

Sorry for the delay.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

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.

Friday, February 24, 2012

Snowpack Profile Update

There is 17" of new snow on the ground since the extreme avalanche conditions and avalanche activity earlier this week. The forecast is calling for 12-18" tonight and 7-11" on Saturday with the possibility of more snow on Sunday.


Neither a compression test or extended column test yielded any failures. No evidence of recent avalanche activity in the immediate area allows me to think that the slope did not fail earlier in the week, unlike many other slopes in the area.


All layers were well defined and fairly settled.
Snow Worm

Thursday, February 23, 2012

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

Friday, February 17, 2012

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!

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Pit Profile 2/14/2012



If you are heading to higher elevations, be aware that the top of the slope heading up to Panorama Point was icy on Saturday under a light layer of new snow that has now increased to a depth of about 6".

The current forecast is predicting almost a foot of snow at Paradise this weekend.

Waffles will be happening throughout the day on Monday February 20 in the Old Station at Paradise. Fuel your adventures. Again please bring your own cup/mug and a topping or fixings to donate.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Snowpack Profile Update. Waffles!

Wow, big news here at the Old Station in Paradise. We now have a computerized weather display running 24hrs and Waffle Weekdays will be starting this week!

The computerized weather display is located inside the Old Station in the windows to the left of the inner door.

You read that right. If you can't get enough of the Mountain during the weekend and can make it up on Friday you can join the ranger(s) in the Old Station for hot drinks and waffles. Start your weekend early between 11 and 3 this Friday, February 10.

Please bring your own cup or mug, donations of hot drinks, waffle makings and fixings will be gratefully accepted (new and unopened) to keep Waffle Weekdays happening.

Now for why you really read this, the snow pack profile update. No failures were observed in either the compression test or extended column test. All layers were fairly dense and well settled.

Friday, February 3, 2012

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.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Friday, January 27, 2012

Weekend Conditions January 27-29

Weather conditions for this weekend are looking fair. Snow and rain showers are expected to return to the area Saturday night. In the meantime expect some chilling winds and blue sky.

The mountain is as dangerous as it is beautiful, start early, come prepared.


Remember to register if you are camping or going above 10,000 ft.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Weekend Conditions Januray 20-22

Inclement weather continues here on the mountain complete with park wide closures yesterday, today, and possibly tomororw.
Before you leave home check out:
Park and Park Road Closures
The Weather
Avalanche Conditions
Dont Forget to Stay warm!

Saturday, January 14, 2012

MLK Day Weekend

A storm cycle moving through the northwest over the MLK Day weekend will bring some much-needed powder to the slopes of Mount Rainier. The park was reopened to the public on the 6th of January following a terrible tragedy. Registration and climbing passes can be acquired at Paradise before heading out. Because there is no climbing ranger on-duty to help climbers through the registration process, please take a moment to read the registration rules here. Also, be prepared for severe winter weather. We offer a list of online resources here.

We hope you have a great holiday weekend - see you on the slopes!

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Loss of a Friend

On New Year's Day Mount Rainier lost a friend. The climbing community's hearts and thoughts are with the Anderson family. The park will be closed at least through Friday, January 6th. Please see the national park's website for further details.