Mount Rainer National Park just announced a stark warning for visitors to be vigiliant of unstable snow conditions on the mountain, especially during hot weather.
“Thin snow bridges can collapse into ice cold running streams. This could lead to a tragic end to your hike. Areas marked off with orange bamboo poles in the shape of an “X” mean STOP – do not enter these areas for your safety. Follow single orange wands for the best route. Remember, the park cannot mark all hazards.”
Mount Rainer officials remind visitors that they are responsible for their own safety and should familiarize themselves with spring hiking safety tips before setting out in the park.
After a long, dark winter it can be exciting to be back in the park! However, it’s also easy to underestimate the risks and hazards at higher elevations on the mountain. Rivers are running strong with melting snow, and snow can linger at the higher elevations well into June or July. You might think those months are “summer”, but at Mount Rainier they still count as spring!
Plan to be self-sufficient when traveling in the backcountry as the park does not mark hazards, stabilize avalanche slopes, or designate safe routes. You are responsible for your own safety. As you head out for a short snowshoe walk, up for a ski or ride, or a multi-day climb, plan for your own self-rescue. What will you do if you twist your ankle, or become stranded or lost? Does anyone know where you are going?
It’s up to YOU to get home safely.
Mount Rainier National Park Spring Hiking Safety Guidelines:
- Always leave word with someone on the specifics of where you’re going and when you expect to be home. It is always safest to not travel alone.
- Expect snow. Many trails and routes are still snow-covered and will be well into the summer.
- Know your limits. Know your experience and ability to survive in an alpine environment and don’t exceed.
- Falling through thin snow bridges is a hazard anywhere streams remain snow-covered. Listen for the muffled sound of running water under the snow.
- Avoid stepping onto snow cornices (ledges of snow that overhang an edge, ridgeline, etc.) as they may collapse under your weight. Assume that snow on the edge of precipices is unstable.
- Falling into loose snow around trees, called tree wells, and adjacent to logs and rocks, can cause injury. Avoid getting too close.
- Choose to turn around instead of crossing steep, snow–covered slopes. A fall could be disastrous. Comet Falls and Pinnacle Peak trails often have hazardous slopes. Take an ice axe if you know how to use it. Adjust your plans if you do not have the right equipment for the route.
- Avoid the Myrtle Falls area until snow-free. Several hazards exist at Myrtle Fall including punching through snow, snow cornices, and steep, icy slopes.
- Avoid stepping on wet, slippery rocks, especially near rivers and waterfalls. Common hazard areas are Narada Falls and Silver Falls.
- Be prepared for changing snow conditions throughout the day. Places that receive full sun will have firmer snow in the morning when it is cold, and loose, mushy snow in the afternoon as it melts, or it can become icy as it refreezes in the evening. This can create slippery conditions on popular sunny hikes, like Frozen Lake early in the season at Sunrise.
- Wear footwear with good tread to minimize risks from slipping. Consider using traction devices like shoe chains or hiking poles for extra stability.
- Beware of avalanches! Unstable snow may slide at any time…not just in winter!
- Before leaving home, check the current trail conditions and heed local weather forecasts, realizing weather can change for the worse in a very short period of time. Before starting your hike, stop by a Wilderness Information Center or visitor center for the latest trail conditions.
- Always carry survival gear with you, including the 10 Essentials, extra clothing and food in case you have to spend the night out.
- You may need a reliable map and compass skills to traverse snow-covered trails, which can be difficult to follow, particularly in backcountry areas. Panhandle Gap, Spray Park, and Seattle Park are frequent problem areas. While electronic locators and communication can be helpful, they cannot be always be relied upon while in the Mount Rainier backcountry.
- Mountain weather changes rapidly. A pleasant outing can quickly transform into a survival ordeal. Navigation in whiteout or harsh winter conditions can be extremely difficult. It is safer to stay put and wait for better weather than to continue and risk becoming lost.
- Remember you need to be responsible for your own safety.
