Injured Hikers Airlifted from Camp Muir with Army Help
Injured Hikers and Deceased Identified...

    from Kevin Bacher
     June 11, 2008
     4:20 P.M.

     Two hikers suffering from hypothermia and frostbite were airlifted from Camp Muir on Mount Rainier at 6:15 this morning, with the help of a Chinook helicopter operated by members of the Army Reserve’s 159^th Aviation Regiment at Fort Lewis. They were taken to Madigan Hospital and from there by ground transportation to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
     The injured hikers were Mrs. Mariana Burceag and Mr. Daniel Vlad of Bellevue, Washington. A third hiker, Mr. Eduard Burceag, the husband of Mrs. Burceag, died of injuries sustained in the incident. His body is being removed off the mountain this afternoon.
     The three individuals are experienced mountaineers who had visited Camp Muir in the past and have enjoyed hiking and climbing on Mount Rainier for many years. Two had previously reached the summit. On Monday afternoon, they became trapped on the Muir Snowfield by a sudden blizzard while descending from a day hike to Camp Muir. Early Tuesday morning a 911 emergency call came through to park rangers advising them of overdue hikers on the Muir snowfield. Due to heavy, drifting snow, seventy miles per hour winds, and near zero visibility, a rescue team was unable to safely initiate a search at that time.
      At about 7:15am, one member of the party found his way to Camp Muir and was able to direct a search team, made up of climbing guides and park rangers stationed at Camp Muir, to the party’s location near Anvil Rock. All three of the stranded hikers were under shelter by 8:30am. Three doctors, who were at Camp Muir as clients of one of the park’s guide services, provided immediate medical care. Mr. Burceag was unconscious and unresponsive upon arrival. Rescuers were unable to revive him.
     The shelter at Camp Muir is warm, dry, and well-stocked with food and water. A carry-out rescue could have been initiated following the rescue, however, rangers and doctors determined it would be in the best interest of the patients to spend the night and wait for a break in the weather to safely fly the next day. This morning dawned clear above Camp Muir, with heavy clouds below.
     The Chinook helicopter arrived at 6 a.m. and, in approximately 15 minutes, lifted Mrs. Burceag and Mr. Vlad, along with one of the park’s climbing rangers, into the helicopter by hoist and cable. Those on scene report that the cloud ceiling had risen somewhat by the time the helicopter arrived, and that the rescue occurred amid swirling clouds that threatened to engulf the mountain in fog.
    The Chinook helicopter was operated by members of the U.S. Army Reserve, “A” Company, 5^th Battalion, 159^th Aviation Regiment at Fort Lewis, Washington. [Note: Yesterday’s press release attributing the helicopter to the 101^st Airborne Division was incorrect.] This reserve unit has worked with park officials at Mount Rainier on numerous rescues over the years, and has been invaluable as a backup resource when private vendors are unavailable or lack the capabilities required by the mission. In this case, for instance, the Chinook was able to fly out of Fort Lewis by instruments, despite the low clouds and poor visibility that grounded commercial helicopters.
     Over the years, the Reserve unit’s helicopter has been modified in several ways to accommodate the needs of Mount Rainier’s climbers: with a fixed line inside the aircraft for climbers to clip into; with removable plywood flooring to accommodate climbers’ crampons; with a special hoist for lifting individuals into the helicopter; and   with flight helmets for use by park rangers, outfitted with avionics for communicating with the helicopter team.
     Every year, between 10,000 and 12,000 people climb Mount Rainier and only about half of them reach the summit. Thousands more take day hikes or overnight camping trips to Camp Muir (48 were registered there on Tuesday night). These individuals are attracted by the majesty of the mountain, the wilderness experience, and the breathtaking beauty of mornings like this one, high above the clouds on the side of the volcano.
     Like many things in life, there are inherent risks in the wilderness. Sudden storms like Monday’s blizzard can catch even the most experienced and prepared hikers off guard. Visitors should check in with park rangers for the latest information about conditions on the mountain, and should always be prepared for an emergency.

 

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Day Hike Turns Tragic at Mount Rainier...

      by Kevin Bacher
     June 19, 2008
     8:45 p.m.

     One individual has died on Mount Rainier and two others have suffered hypothermia and frostbite, National Park Service rangers said today. All three individuals remain at Camp Muir tonight, waiting for the weather to clear enough to permit their evacuation by helicopter. The names of the individuals have not been released pending notification of family.
    On Monday afternoon, the three hikers became trapped in a sudden blizzard while descending from a day hike to Camp Muir. They took shelter on the Muir snowfield. At 3:30 a.m. this morning, they managed to get through to park rangers with a 911 emergency call; but because of heavy snow and near zero visibility, rangers were unable to safely initiate a search at that time.
    At about 7:15 a.m., one member of the party found his way to Camp Muir and was able to direct a search team, made up of climbing guides and park rangers stationed at Camp Muir, to the party’s location near Anvil Rock. All three of the stranded hikers were under shelter at Camp Muir by 8:30 a.m., though all suffered hypothermia and frostbite and one was unconscious and unresponsive and ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
   The deceased individual is male; the survivors include his wife and a male friend. All are in their early 30s and from Bellevue. All are experienced mountaineers who had visited Camp Muir in the past and enjoy hiking on
Mount Rainier. Two had reached the summit.
   Due to the nature of the hikers’ injuries, the preferred means of rescuing them will be by helicopter rather than across the snowfield. A Chinook helicopter and crew from the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Lewis was on
standby all day to retrieve the injured hikers, but the weather never cleared enough. The survivors’ conditions are stable at this time, and they are under the care of two doctors, clients of one of the park’s guide services, who happened to be at Camp Muir last night. The shelter at Camp Muir is warm, dry, and well-stocked with hot foods and liquids.
    Efforts to retrieve the hikers by helicopter will resume at 5 a.m. Wednesday morning.
 

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$70,000 Donated Bio Toilet to be Celebrated at Mount Rainier

 by Mika Moore
     June 4, 2008

     Representatives from Mount Rainier National Park and the Japanese non-profit organization Groundwork Mishima will activate a new “bio toilet” at Cougar Rock Campground at a ribbon-cutting ceremony beginning at 1 p.m. Monday, June 9, 2008.
     The high-tech toilet, valued at $70,000, was donated to the park last fall by Groundwork Mishima,  which works with citizens, local governments, and businesses to address environmental issues and promote volunteerism in Japan. The group is active at Mount Fuji, which has a “Sister Mountain” relationship with Mount Rainier National Park. “We are pleased to continue our long-standing relationship with the people of Japan,” said Superintendent Dave Uberuaga. “This bio toilet will be a practical contribution toward our goals of environmental stewardship and sustainable design in Mount Rainier National Park.”
     The toilet was installed in late August of last year with the help of students from the Japanese Volunteers-in-Parks Association, who have been contributing volunteer services at Mount Rainier since 1993. Due to the lateness of the season, the toilet was not activated last fall. Its unique design uses cedar chips and natural composting techniques to operate efficiently with very little water and with no odor.
     The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be attended by Superintendent Dave Uberuaga; Dr. Toyohiro Watanabe, Executive Director of Groundwork Mishima; President from Toyo Kogyo, the toilet’s manufacturer; and representatives from the Morinaga Milk Company, which produces the popular “Mount Rainier Café Latte” drink (www.mt-rainier-cl.com)  in Japan and whose financial support made the bio toilet’s donation possible.
     Cougar Rock Campground is scheduled to open to the public at noon on June 13, 2008. Heavy snowfall last winter and a late melt-out this spring have delayed its official opening. Snow remains on the ground in the campground.
 

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SR 123 Cayuse Pass to Reopen Friday;
 SR 410 Chinook Pass will Remain Closed

      from WSDOT
      May 22, 2008

     Just in time for Memorial Day weekend, Cayuse Pass is set to reopen at noon on Friday, May 23, 2008. However, nearby Chinook Pass will remain closed at least through Thursday, June 5. Cayuse Pass will reopen within Mount Rainier National Park from the 4,675-foot Cayuse Pass summit at the junction of SR 410 and SR 123 to Stevens Canyon Road.
     SR 410 Chinook Pass will remain closed at the junction with SR 123 (milepost 65.75) to milepost 74.5 near Morse Creek. The long, cold, snowy winter delayed snow removal efforts. Instead of a steady melt-down of the snow pack, the snow kept piling up. It finally stopped snowing on May 13.
    Clearing the highway slowed considerably when WSDOT maintenance crews reached the west side of the summit. They found deeper than average snow and avalanche areas littered with rocks and trees. For more information on SR 410 Chinook Pass visit: www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/chinook .
    WSDOT closes each pass for the winter due to high avalanche risk and  hazardous driving conditions. Both passes have numerous slide areas that pose significant danger to travelers, WSDOT maintenance crews, and park staff.
    This is the earliest Cayuse Pass has reopened in three years. The reopening was delayed in 2006 and 2007 by washout repairs. For photos of this year’s reopening effort and historic opening and closing dates, please visit: www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/cayuse .
    WSDOT reminds drivers to “know before you go” this Memorial Day weekend.  WSDOT offers several ways to get construction information from our Web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov/  before you leave your home or office.
     Drivers can now get real time traffic and weather information by dialing 5-1-1 from most phones. This new traveler information system builds upon the highly successful Washington State Highway hotline that managed 4.6 million calls each year. Callers can also use 5-1-1 to get statewide construction, mountain pass condition, and state ferry system information, as well as toll free numbers for passenger rail and airlines. TTY users can call 1.800.833.6388.
 

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Heavy Snow Pack Delays
 Some Road and Campground Openings at Mount Rainier

      from Lee Taylor
      May 20, 2008

     Warm weather has finally arrived in the Puget Sound region, but on Mount Rainier the landscape is still covered in snow. Due to record low elevation snowfall over the past several months many areas of the park that would normally open in May and June will be delayed by several weeks. Visitors should keep these conditions in mind when planning visits to the park this spring.
     Paradise, at 5400 feet, received 898 inches of snow so far this winter, and there is still more than 15 feet of snow on the ground. At Longmire 27 inches of snow still lingers. The heavy snow load, unusual low-elevation snow, and need to continue daily snow removal operations throughout April all impacted the park’s ability to begin the process of spring road opening. The Stevens Canyon Road connecting the east and west sides of the park may not be open for Memorial weekend and will most likely open in mid-June. The target public opening for the Sunrise Road is July 3.
     Opening of State Route 410 and State Route 123 from the north park boundary south to U.S. 12 is tentatively scheduled for early next week. No opening date has been announced by the Washington State Department of Transportation for State Route 410 east over Chinook Pass.
     “We haven’t had snow this late this low in decades” said Superintendent Dave Uberuaga. “We recommend that you check the park’s website (www.nps.gov/mora)  or call the park (360-569-2211, ext. 2334) for current information on road and facility status before heading for Mount Rainier.”
     Some campgrounds that would normally be snow-free by Memorial Day are still under snow. Although Ohanapecosh Campground will open as scheduled on May 23, Cougar Rock Campground will not open until June 6. The Ohanapecosh Visitor Center will open June 13.
     Hikers should anticipate one hundred percent snow cover on all trails above 3,000 feet. The trail melt out will be late this year, and backpackers planning trips on the Wonderland Trail should anticipate a lot of travel on snow throughout July.
     Paradise Inn reopened to the public on Friday, May 16 after a two-year closure for rehabilitation. The historic Inn offers lodging, dining, and a gift shop. In addition, the National Park Inn located at Longmire is also open for lodging, dining, a gift shop and small store. For reservations at Paradise Inn or the National Park Inn call 360-569-2275.
Businesses in the gateway communities surrounding the park are open and anxious for the summer season to begin. Websites for gateway community information www.visitrainier.com and www.destinationpackwood.com

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National Park News
Space Still Available - International Curriculum Review Workshop for Middle School Teachers

      from Anne Doherty
      May 14, 2008

     On August 7-8, 2008 Mount Rainier National Park Education Program staff will conduct a Curriculum Review Workshop for the new Mount Rainier-Mount Fuji Sister Mountain Curriculum Project. Come join the Curriculum Development Team and give us feedback on the draft materials developed to date for this exciting international interdisciplinary middle school curriculum project.
    Teachers will have the opportunity to pilot test and review new lessons and activities designed to teach US and Japanese students about these two iconic mountains and facilitate cross-cultural education. Participants will also receive copies of the draft materials to pilot test with their students for further feedback. 12 Washington State Clock Hours are available at no cost; 1 quarter credit is also offered for a fee through The Heritage Institute. Advanced registration is required.
    Final registration deadline is July 1, 2008. The workshop registration form and other information are available on the Park’s Education Program Web page at nps.gov/mora/forteachers/professionaldevelopment.htm . For more information or questions, contact Anne Doherty, Education Program Manager, at (360) 569-6039 or via email at anne_doherty@nps.gov.

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Paradise Inn to Reopen after Two-Year Renovation...

     Press release 
     May 7, 2008  

     The historic Paradise Inn in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen Friday, May 16 after a two-year, $22.5 million renovation.  “It will be wonderful to see this noble landmark hotel open again for park visitors,” said Park Superintendent Dave Uberuaga.  Park visitors are invited to a 3:00 p.m. ribbon cutting ceremony to be followed by coffee and cake in the hotel lobby.  Congressman Dave Reichert, Congressman Norm Dicks and National Park Service Pacific West Regional Director Jon Jarvis will say a few words.  There will be tours of the Inn at 1 and  4 p.m. for those interested in learning more about the work completed during the renovation. 
     Renovation of the Paradise Inn began in May 2006 to correct structural problems that could have been catastrophic in the event of an earthquake or fire.  The building’s timber frame construction was deformed from years of heavy snow loads.  The stone fireplaces and a stone wall were unstable.  The stone rubble foundation did not provide adequate support for the building.  These problems have all been corrected.  In addition, the project replaced failing mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection system components.  And the building is also now accessible to those in wheelchairs.
     Fletcher, Farr, Ayotte, based in Portland, Oregon, developed the architectural and engineering design for the project.  The construction contract was awarded to Watts-Korsmo Joint Venture.  John Korsmo Construction is based in Lakewood, Washington and Miller-Watts is based in Novato, California.  The project was completed on time and within budget.
     The Paradise Inn was constructed in 1916 and is a National Historic Landmark.  The building has a beautiful dining room and lobby, as well as 118 guest rooms, a gift shop and cafe.  The Inn is operated by Guest Services, Incorporated and will be open to overnight guests from May 16 through early October.  Further information is available at www.guestservices.com

Return to Paradise
May 16, 2008

                                                                   (Vintage photo courtesy Mount Rainier National Park)

Schedule of Events....

May 14, 2008 

1:00-3:00 p.m.                   Paradise Inn Tours - Conducted by NPS Project Manager Eric Walkinshaw, NPS
                                             Historic Architect Ellen Gage and Watts/Korsmo Project Superintendent Jeff Robison

3:00 p.m.                            Welcoming Remarks - Mount Rainier Superintendent Dave Uberuaga

3:05 p.m.                            Pacific West Regional Director Jon Jarvis - Presentation of Cooperative Conservation
                                             Award* and George B. Hartzog Volunteer  Program Award

3:15 p.m.                            Congressman Dave Reichert

3:20 p.m.                            Congressman Norm Dicks

3:30 p.m.                            Ceremonial Ribbon Cutting  - Cake & Coffee

4:00-5:00 p.m.                   Paradise Inn Tours

      *Department of the Interior Cooperative Conservation Award Recipients:  The Student Conservation, Washington’s National Park Fund, The Mountaineers, National Parks Conservation Association, Washington Trails Association and Mount Rainier National Park. 
      The Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center will be open providing visitor information, a snack bar, gift shop and book store.

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Public Comments Sought by National Park...

       Press release
      April 15, 2008

      Mount Rainier National Park Superintendent Dave Uberuaga has announced a planning effort to address needed repairs to a damaged section of the historic Wonderland Trail in the Carbon River Valley.   The damaged
section is currently being bypassed via an existing spur trail to the Northern Loop Trail.  The spur trail includes a foot log crossing over the Carbon River which is prone to washing out during the spring and fall.
     Mount Rainier National Park was established to protect and preserve its natural and cultural resources and to provide opportunities for visitors to safely experience and understand the park environment in a manner that does not impair park resources and values.  The park’s approved General Management Plan (2002) allows for trail maintenance and minor modifications to trails in order to minimize visitor impacts in subalpine and alpine meadows, and other sensitive areas.
     Approximately 0.5 mile of the Wonderland Trail was destroyed by the Carbon River during flooding events in November 2006.  The entire Wonderland Trail is a contributing element of the Mount Rainier National Historic
Landmark District.  The damaged trail section is located in Wilderness, two miles east of the Ipsut Creek Campground. The missing trail tread, glacier river crossings, and lack of a defined route through the forest is creating conditions that are unsafe for hikers. 

     Preliminary options the park is considering include allowing trail use to continue as is; repairing the damaged section of trail in the existing alignment along the Carbon River; formalizing the bypass via the Northern Loop Trail and closing the damaged section of trail; or relocating the damaged Wonderland section to higher ground above Carbon River flood zone. The latter option would require establishing new trail in bedrock, which could require intermittent blasting during trail construction.
     An early step in the NPS planning process is to involve the public. The park is inviting public comments to help identify natural and cultural resource impacts and other viable alternatives that should be considered during the planning process.
     Those wishing to provide comments should submit them in writing to: Superintendent, Mount Rainier National Park, 55210 238th Ave. E., Ashford, Washington 98304; or electronically at
http://parkplanning.nps.gov/ and choosing Mount Rainier National Park from the drop down menu.  Your comments should be post marked or electronically date stamped no later than May 15, 2008.   Additional opportunities for public review and comment will be announced in the summer of 2008.
     Your comments, including your personal identifying information (name, address, telephone, e-mail address) – may be made publicly available at any time, if requested under the Freedom of Information Act. While you can request your personal identifying information (name, address, telephone, e-mail address) be withheld from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
 

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Missing Hiker Found Dead on Mount Rainier...

Devin E. Ossman

    For immediate release
    Lee Taylor 360-569-2211 x.3303

    Ashford, WA  March 19, 2008—Rangers searching for a missing hiker located his body about a mile from the Kautz Creek trailhead late Wednesday morning.  Rangers followed a single set of tracks in the snow to an elevation of 4200 feet.  The tracks then descended east of the trail to about 3000 feet, where the body was found.
   Devin Ossman, 45, of Mukilteo, is believed to have arrived in the park Monday morning for a day hike.  Ossman was not planning to be out overnight and was dressed lightly in blue jeans, a flannel shirt and jacket. 
    A ranger noticed Mr. Ossman’s car parked at Kautz Creek late Monday and upon investigation discovered his wife had reported him missing to the Mukilteo Police Department that afternoon.  With daylight dwindling there was time for only a cursory search of the area. 
    By Wednesday morning the search had expanded to include more than 20 National Park Service staff with helicopter support from Northwest Helicopter Company in Olympia. German Shepherd Search Dogs of Washington out of Pierce County assisted with two dog teams.
 

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Road to Paradise Closed by Heavy Snow...

                                                                                                                (photo by Dave Uberuaga)

     Longmire (2,700').  The depth at Longmire is 71" as of today and still snowing heavily.  These pictures were taken on Tuesday, February 5, this is a photo of the gas station. Mount Rainier snowfall set the world record during the winter of 1971 - 1972 when 93.5 feet fell. The minimum snowfall was during the winter of 1939 - 1940 when the mountain got 26 feet of snow. The maximum snowpack fell in March 1955 when 30 feet blanketed the area. 

Entrance to the National Park Inn...

                                                                                                          (photo by Dave Uberuaga)

     According to the National Park Service "Paradise is the snowiest place on Earth where snowfall is measured regularly." It also holds the Cascade Range record for most snow on the ground with 367 inches on 1956.

"A Foot of Snow Every Day..."

      by Lee Taylor
      February 7, 2008

    February 7, 2008—Like the rest of the Cascades, Mount Rainier National Park has been buried by snow in recent weeks.  Paradise, at 5,400 feet, has received at least a foot of snow every day since January 28 except for one. More than 156 inches --13 feet -- of snow has fallen in the past 11 days!
     “We’re closing the road from Longmire to Paradise to protect park visitors,” said park Superintendent Dave Uberuaga.  “Continuous winter storms have increased the avalanche hazards and made it very difficult to keep the road open."
     “We have the plows and drivers necessary to clear the snow, and we will reopen the road as soon as conditions improve,” said Uberuaga.
     Heavy mountain snow and windy conditions are expected to extend through Friday and into the weekend.
     With 189 inches of snow already on the ground at Paradise, one thing is for certain.  Once the weather finally clears, snow play conditions at Paradise will be truly heavenly!
     To check road and weather information at Mount Rainier National Park call 360.569.2211 and then select 1.

The Beauty of Icicles... 

                                                                   (photo by Dave Uberuaga))

Huge icicles have formed on the Longmire Administration Building.

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Rainier-Fuji Educational Meeting at Mount Rainier

     Mount Fujiisan, commonly called Mount Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan at 12, 388 feet. This volcano has erupted at least sixteen times since 781 AD. The latest eruption was in 1707-1708.  

Mount Rainier National Park Hosts Information Meeting about Mount Rainier-Mount Fuji Sister Mountain Education Project...

      Press release
      January 18, 2008

      Teachers, partner organizations, potential partners, and anyone interested in learning more about the Mount Rainier-Mount Fuji Sister Mountain Curriculum Project and Teacher Exchange Program are invited to an informational meeting Saturday, January 26 at the Park Education Center, located in the park's Administrative Facilities Complex off Highway 706. The meeting will start at 10 a.m. and should conclude by 1 p.m. RSVPs are requested, please.
     "I will do a presentation about this exciting multi-year international education partnership project, our current partners, and opportunities for teachers and new partners to get involved, plus share some of the results of my recent trip to Japan for the project and answer questions. 
     "Based on Washington State education standards, the target grade levels for this project and curriculum are middle to high school teachers and their students," says Anne Doherty, the park’s Education Program Manager. Information and applications for 2008 Summer Teacher-Ranger-Teacher positions will also be available and accepted at the meeting. Free Washington State Clock Hours will be available. 
     Additional information and Teacher-Ranger-Teacher applications can be found online at http://www.nps.gov/mora/forteachers/professionaldevelopment.htm. For more information or to RSVP please contact Anne Doherty via email at Anne_Doherty@nps.gov or by phone at 360.569.6039.

          

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Winter Activities at Mountain

 

 

 

Snowshoe Walks

       December 23, 2007

     Join a Park Ranger to learn the art of snowshoeing and discover how the plants and animals of  Mount Rainier adapt to the world record snowfalls. Guided walks will be offered twice daily December 22 - January 2 and every Saturday and Sunday from January through March 30. The walks begin at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. 
      Sign up at the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center at Paradise beginning one hour before the start of the program.  Snowshoe walks cover approximately 1.2 miles and last 2 hours. Snowshoes are provided.  Snowshoeing is a moderately strenuous activity, and the program is not recommended for children under 8. Remember to wear sturdy boots and dress in layers.
      Organized Groups of 13 or more people may reserve a snowshoe walk in advance. Group snowshoe walks begin at 10:30 a.m. on weekends throughout the winter and daily during the Christmas holidays. For more information call 360.569.2211, ext. 3314.
      “These walks are a fun way to try out a new skill while enjoying the beautiful  landscape of  Mount Rainier,” said park superintendent Dave Uberuaga.

Snowplay - Sledding and Sliding

      The Paradise snowplay area is scheduled to open December 22.  Minimal snow depths may require snowplay be confined to an area that is smaller than the area normally designated for these activities.  Sledding and sliding are permitted only in the designated snowplay area at Paradise.  Please comply with the signs, fencing, and barricades that delineate the snowplay area.
      Trees, tree wells, and cliffs make other areas dangerous. For everyone’s safety, use "soft" sliding devices—flexible sleds, inner tubes, and saucers. No hard toboggans or runner sleds.
      Due to construction in the upper parking lot the marked trail to the snowplay area from the visitor center should be used on weekdays.
     During the winter months the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center at Paradise is open weekends and holidays only.  The visitor center will be open during the holiday season beginning December 22 through January 2. Visitor Center hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Food service is available, or bring a picnic lunch.

Skiing and Snowboarding

     A minimum of 5’ of snow is advised for skiing and snowboarding. Avoid damaging exposed vegetation. Obtain further information at the Longmire Museum (daily) and the Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise (weekends and holidays).

Ski Rentals and Lessons

     The Ski Touring Center, operated by Guest Services, Inc., at Longmire offers cross-country skiing including touring and telemarking. The center is open daily from mid-December to April depending on snow conditions. Call 360.569.2411 for information on ski rentals and lessons.

Winter Travel Tips

     With winter storms now dropping snow on Washington’s mountains, visitors to Mount Rainier must be prepared for winter driving conditions. The gate at Longmire opens each morning as soon as road conditions permit. To check road and weather conditions call 360.569.2211, then press 1, or visit the park web site at www.nps.gov/mora

§      Make sure you’re properly equipped for winter weather and travel before leaving home.
§      Carry tire chains and practice putting them on at home. State law requires all vehicles to carry
        tire chains in the mountains in winter.
§     Travel with a full tank of gas and bring extra food in case you are delayed.
§     Pack trash bags for trash and wet clothing.
§     Wear clothing and footwear that provides warmth, even when wet.
§     Designate a contact person who knows when to expect you back home.
§     Carry the Ten Essentials and know how to use them.

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Missing Day Hiker Found Dead at Mount Rainier...

    from Kevin Bacher
     Public Information Officer
     Mount Rainier National Park
     December 21, 2007
     4:30 p.m.

      At 4 this afternoon, searchers at Mount Rainier National Park confirmed that they had located the body of Kirk Reiser, 22, of Lynnwood, Washington, who had disappeared in a snow avalanche on Tuesday afternoon. The search, which began on Wednesday morning, had been hampered by severe weather throughout the day on Wednesday, and high avalanche danger and low visibility on Thursday. 
      High avalanche danger continued to prevent access to the site, at the head of the Edith Creek basin a mile north of Paradise, until after noon today, when explosive charges were used to trigger controlled avalanches and stabilize the steep slope where Kirk was thought to be buried. 39 searchers finally entered the field at 2:30, including six national park rangers, two employees of Crystal Mountain Ski Area with an avalanche search dog, and members of Mountain Rescue Units from Olympia, Tacoma, Seattle, Everett, and Yakima. 
     The search at that point went quickly, and Kirk’s body was located at around 4. Searchers will continue to work on the retrieval into the evening. Kirk’s family was present at Paradise, and has been notified.
     On behalf of all of us at Mount Rainier National Park and within the mountain rescue community, we express our sincere regrets and condolences to the family and friends of Kirk Reiser.

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Tony Captures Mount Rainier
Photos by Tony Sirgedas...

  

     December 13, 2007: Tony took these beautiful photographs of Mount Rainier with a fresh coat of snow Saturday, December 8.

Detail of the Summit...

 

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Search for Lost Day Hiker
 at Paradise to Continue...

        from Kevin Bacher
        December 19, 2007

      As many of you are aware, park staff were kept busy today by a search for a lost dayhiker at Paradise who was caught in a snow avalanche yesterday. Here's an update on the incident so far:
       At 10  yesterday morning, December 18, Kirk Reiser, 22, and Troy Metcalf, 23, both of Lynnwood, Washington, left Paradise for a dayhike on snowshoes to Camp Muir. They turned back due to heavy snow, high winds, and low visibility at treeline, possibly near Panorama Point. At about 1:30, as Kirk was leading the way, he triggered an avalanche and was swept down the slope. Troy saw Kirk disappear into the snow and not reappear. After searching unsuccessfully for several hours, he returned  to Paradise at dusk and reported the incident to a ranger.
      Search efforts began at first light this morning, with six rangers in the field led by Stefan Lofgren, and several more helping with logistics and operations at the Emergency Operations Center. Mike Gauthier was the Incident Commander. The field operations were assisted by eight members  of the Olympia, Tacoma, and Seattle Mountain Rescue Units, and two employees from Crystal Mountain Ski Area with avalanche search dogs.
      With Troy's help, searchers returned to the location of the avalanche, at the top of the Edith Creek basin about a mile out of Paradise; however, despite several attempts, high avalanche danger and poor visibility hindered their efforts to search further. Eight to 14 inches of snow were predicted during the day today with rising avalanche danger and high winds, and more snow is forecast for tonight. Based on the current weather forecast, tomorrow's search will likely be limited, as weather and avalanche conditions are not expected to be significantly better than today. Weather permitting, the search will resume in force on Friday.

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Rainier National Park Elk Poacher Sentenced...

      from Chuck Young
     December 14, 2007

     An Arlington, Washington man has been sentenced in U.S. District Court in an elk poaching case that took place in Mount Rainier National Park in 2004.  Dean Douglas Harriman, age 48, who pled guilty to Federal charges of “Acquiring and Transporting Illegally Taken Wildlife,” was sentenced to pay restitution in the amount of $2,500, a fine of $500, and one year probation.  In addition, he has been banned from Mount Rainier National Park for one year and his Washington State hunting privileges were revoked for one year.
    On November 6, 2004 a park volunteer discovered a fresh kill site of an elk on Carlton Ridge which is located at the southeast corner of Mount Rainier National Park. Rangers verified that the kill site was well within the park on Carlton Ridge and initiated an investigation. Three days later Rangers contacted a hunting party of six camped just south of the park boundary in a dispersed recreation campsite on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.  The party had harvested and tagged a 4-point elk two days before. Harriman, who was part of this party, stated that he had shot and tagged the elk on opening day of elk season in the White Pass area.
     Rangers requested tissue samples of the tagged elk to verify that it was not the same elk that was taken in the park. Harriman denied the request. Rangers gathered DNA evidence from blood spatters in the camp where the trophy was stored and blood drippings from sacks of meat hanging in the trees and the downed carcass at the kill site. The evidence was preserved and sent to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Forensics Lab in Ashland, Oregon for analysis. The lab confirmed the DNA from the evidence
gathered at the campsite was a match with the elk carcass found in the park.
     This case resulted from an extensive investigation headed up by National Park Rangers, with significant assistance from officers from other agencies including the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Forest Service.
     Hunters are reminded that wildlife is protected with National Park Areas, and that hunting and taking of wildlife is strictly prohibited within park boundaries. Those with questions about park boundary locations should first check with National Park authorities in the area they are planning to hunt.

     The Washington State Department of Transportation advises they have closed State Routes 123 and 410 within Mount Rainier National Park due to hazardous driving conditions and avalanche concerns. This closure will remain in effect until conditions improve.

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