Jan 1, 2016, Mt. Rainier, Paradise environs

New Year's Day 2016. Excellent timing for a day of WSTC Nordic Patrol! Departed the Longmire cabin under bluebird skies and light wind, with fantastic views of the mountain. Parked at Narada Falls, which promptly filled to the max with cars. Patrolled up the snowshoe trail (we maintain the bamboo poles and help direct visitors onto safe routes). Trails were busy!


We continued up into fine quality deep powder on N aspects 5k-6k'. We did see some wind slab and surface hoar, but no instability after taking runs in multiple locations; we avoided steep west-facing slopes per NWAC's advice. Temp stayed below freezing all day, but where the sun hit, snow started to liquefy, particularly in treetops. The tree bombs are impressive and potentially dangerous. HS 265cm+. Road was icy and exit traffic was heavy, with multiple accidents from Paradise to the Nisqually entrance.


Photo  below is the W face above Inspiration Point with Stevens Canyon Road at the bottom of the picture (taken from Narada Falls parking at 1600h). Shallow point releases and significant wind effects are evident.


Here's hoping the snow holds up until next weekend!