3/16 Friday Pit Profile

3/9 Friday Pit Profile

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.

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

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!

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.