Mount Rainier Paradise Report

February 15, 2008For Immediate ReleaseDonna Rahier, 36-0569-2211, ext. 2301Paradise Area Projected to Reopen Sunday, February 17, 2008Mount Rainier National Park Superintendent Dave Uberuaga advises that theroad to Paradise will remain closed until Sunday, February 17. The road hasbeen closed to the public since February 7 when the heavy snowfall in theCascades increased the avalanche hazard to the point that it was extremelydifficult to keep the road safely open. At that time, Paradise had 189inches of snow on the ground and continued heavy snow, followed by a wet,warming trend further increased the avalanche danger.Over the weekend more than 10 natural avalanches released depositing heavy,dense snow in several areas between Longmire and Paradise. The park’s RoadCrew began the slow task of removing the avalanche debris along with thenew snow that had accumulated(up to 10 feet in some locations). Throughoutthe week they have continued to blow and plow snow to clear the roadways,the parking areas, pullouts and provide access to buildings. OtherMaintenance personnel spent the week shoveling the deep snow frombuildings, accessways, water and sewer plants, and hydrants and otherfacilities that have been buried.Snow removal and cleanup will continue today, as well as getting thesnowplay area groomed and ready for use. The last remaining hurdle is asatisfactory water supply test, which has to be confirmed by the State ofWashington before reopening to the public can occur. We expect thatconfirmation on Saturday.

Plastic Mountaineering Boots

As many of you are finding out or have found out in the past 6 months, Koflach is no longer making plastic boots. We used Koflach boots in our rental fleet for the past 12 years, and are sorry to see them go. The one reason we liked Koflach is because in a rental fleet, they fit a wide range of feet well. Over the past 6 months, we have studied and tried the three remaining plastic boot companies to determine who we should go with in the future. We will carry Scarpa Inverno and Omega, Asolo AFS boots, along with the Lowa Cirvetta boots in our retail store. We have decided to carry the Scarpa Inverno boots in our rental fleet and will recommend the Scarpa Inverno with high alititude liners for those who are going to Denali. We are also in the midst of getting feedback from a dozen or so mountain guides in regards to the leather boot world. We carry some leather boots, but after we collect our data from the past 12 months we will be recommending leather options for Rainier and other mountains.

Sizing plastic boots can be very confusing below you will find sizing info for the Scarpa Boots

Sizing:

Scarpa manufactures its boots in whole AND half sizes, but the markings on the boots and packaging can be confusing. Here are several things to be aware of when you receive your new boots:

The sizes listed on the packaging and the boot components are given in UK sizes. UK sizes are one full size smaller than US sizes. Example: A size 10 UK is a size 11 US, and a size 10.5 UK is a size 11.5 US.
The inner boot (liner) is made in whole and half sizes. It is clearly labeled in UK sizes on the back of the ankle.
The outer shell boot is only made in whole sizes. Therefore, any half size boots use an outer shell that is one half size bigger than the inner boot. Example: A size 10.5 boot uses a size 10.5 inner boot and a size 11 outer shell. Sizes can be found in two places on the outer shell. The most obvious one is inside the collar of the boot (the flexible, hinged ankle portion). However, this is not the true size of the boot; it is simply the collar size. The true boot size is found just below the collar on inside of the main portion of boot, again in UK sizes.

Confused? Here is one final example: You ordered a size 9.5 US boot. The inner boot will be labeled 8.5, and the outer shell will be labeled 9. There may also be a small gold sticker on the outside of the shell identifying the boot as an 8.5.


Fit:

Be sure to wear appropriate socks when trying your boots on. We recommend a well-cushioned wool sock layered over a thin liner sock. When you lace your boots up, be sure to leave them loose around your ankle to allow for movement and to avoid bruising your shins. Walk around: your boots should feel loose but not sloppy. Unlike hiking boots or ski boots, it is normal for your heel to lift up inside of the boot when you walk. Now kick the toe of the boot into the ground: if your toes hit hard into the front of the boot, they may be too small. Remember, your feet will swell throughout the day, so it is a good idea to try your boots on after a long day on your feet.

Still confused about sizing? Not sure if the boots fit? Give us a call with any questions at 800-238-5756.

Snow anyone?

Mount Rainier National Park News Release

February 7, 2008
For Immediate Release
Lee Taylor 360-569-2211 x.6131

Road to Paradise Closed by Heavy Snow
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.
Heavy mountain snow and windy conditions are expected to extend through Friday and into the weekend.
"We have the plows and drivers necessary to clear the snow, and we will reopen the road as soon as conditions improve," said Uberuaga.
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.