Weather, Snow and Avalanche

Mountain Cameras

2006-02-13T19:35:00.000-08:00

Here are the links:

Mountain facing camera This camera is sometimes down, and has a weird yellow glow on the right (beer shaped interestingly enough) that appears in the early morning hours.
Nisqually Valley camera This camera has been down for a while. It faces down the Nisqually River valley.

Forecasting Resources

2006-02-03T10:11:00.000-08:00

Mount Rainier's weather is notoriously unsettled, however the following links will help you to make the most informed decisions about the upcoming conditions.

The Mount Rainier Recreational Forecast
Remote Telemetry at Camp Muir
Remote Telemetry site at Paradise
NOAA - West Slopes and Passes of the Washington Cascades (Snoqualmie Pass)
AccuWeather Forecast for Paradise
Intellecast Forecast for Mount Rainier
Univ. of WA Satellite Imagery for the Pacific NW. Here you'll find excellent enhanced images, look for the link to Satellite on the right hand side.

Avalanche Information

2006-02-02T20:40:00.000-08:00

The Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center (NWAC) issues avalanche forecasts and weather statements on their website here. Remember, however, that NWAC forecasts are issued for terrain below 7000 feet. There is no avalanche forecasting for the upper mountain. You must evaluate the hazard.

Anyone traveling in the backcountry should carry avalanche safety equipment (Transceivers/Beacons, Avalanche Probe, Shovel) and know how to use it. You should also have the basic skills to evaluate the stability of the snow pack and know when to turn around.Winter storms are possible at any time. Be increasingly cautious while traveling below and in steep terrain during and immediately following major storms or significant increases in temperature.

Other things to consider

Observe the terrain: is it steep enough to slide (generally between 30-45 degrees?) Do you see any signs of instability (recent slides, shooting cracks, whumphing sounds, etc?) Are there weak layers in the snowpack? Is there a potential trigger (e.g. you, rocks, other climbers/skiers?) Is there a cohesive slab? Get all the information you can from anyone possible, particularly climbers who have been on the route recently.

Climbers are reminded to consider the avalanche exposure of their camp as well as their climbing route.