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.