Known for its deep snowpack, “winter” conditions on Mount Rainier can last well into June or July with snow-covered trails at higher elevations. Additional safety tips can be found on the Spring Hiking Safety page.

Weather

Be aware that mountain weather changes rapidly - a pleasant outing can quickly be transformed into a survival ordeal. Navigation in harsh winter conditions can be extremely difficult. It is usually better to camp and wait for clearing weather than to continue and risk becoming lost. For more information on weather, including current forecasts, go to the weather page. Are you prepared to be a weather-ready explorer?

Short Days

Days are short during the winter, with sunrise around 8:00 am and sunset before 4:30 pm on the shortest days of the year. There are only 8 hours and 25 minutes of daylight on the winter solstice compared to almost 16 hours of daylight on the summer solstice! With less daylight, and more challenging conditions due to snow and other winter hazards, do not expect to cover the same distance as is possible on a summer trail. Adjust plans accordingly and be prepared to overnight if needed.

Roads

Before leaving home, make sure that you're ready for driving winter roads. To see which roads are open, check the Road Status page. The park webcams can give you a good idea how conditions look. Also, the latest updates about the Longmire to Paradise Road opening times and tire chain requirements will be posted as Alerts.

Winter 10 Essentials

Backcountry skiers, snowshoers, and campers should be equipped to survive nights out if whiteout conditions prevent travel. Carry the Winter 10 Essentials and know how to use them:

1. Shovel (avalanche rescue, emergency shelter/dig a snow cave)
2. Full Length Insulated Sleeping Pad
3. Stove and Fuel (melt water)
4. Heat Packs
5. Goggles and Wool/Pile Hat
6. Gloves (base/mid/shell layers)
7. Avalanche Transceiver
8. Avalanche Probe
9. Ability to assess mountain weather and avalanche hazards
10. Map, compass & GPS (with extra batteries)

Learn more about winter recreation.

Ice

Roads, sidewalks, and trails in the park are often icy during the winter and spring months. Take care when walking and use traction devices like shoe chains or traction cleats to avoid slips and falls. If a trail is too icy or you are unprepared, turn around. Some trails have steep drop-offs that can be extremely hazardous if you fall.

Avalanches

Avalanches are most common during or immediately after a storm. Never travel or camp in an avalanche zone. Stop at the Longmire Information Center or Jackson Visitor Center for weather and avalanche hazard forecasts, maps of areas to avoid, and general avalanche information. For local avalanche forecasts and other important information, visit the Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center.

Learn more about avalanche safety (pdf) or watch the Ranger Brief: Avalanche Risk on Mount Rainier video below.

Snow Hazards

In addition to avalanches, watch out for other hazards like snow bridges.

Snow Bridges

Snow bridges are created when snow covers a creek or stream, hiding the water from view. Falling through into the water can cause injury, hypothermia, or death. Fast moving streams can sweep you away under the snow making it difficult to escape. The Ranger Brief: Shoulder Season Hazards video describes the risks of snow bridges in more detail.

• Falling through thin snow bridges is a hazard anywhere streams remain snow-covered.
• Listen for the muffled sound of running water under the snow.
• Use an avalanche probe or hiking pole to test the snow before walking on it to determine if there is water underneath.
• Avoid walking in the bottom of snow-covered drainages.
• Don't assume that snow bridges that were stable at one point have remained so as temperatures change.

Snow Cornices

A snow cornice is an overhanging edge of snow that develops on the downwind side of ridges and summits. Cornices are difficult to identify from the top of a ridgeline as it may appear that the ground continues underneath although the snow is just built up on itself. As stated by the National Avalanche Center, “Even a small cornice can be deadly if it carries you over a cliff or rocky terrain below”.

• Travel cautiously on ridgelines, staying well away from cornices and unknown edges as they may collapse under your weight. Assume that snow on the edge of precipices is unstable.
• Limit exposure on slopes below cornices to avoid being caught in a cornice-triggered avalanche.

Tree Wells

Tree wells are a primary winter hazard in the Paradise area or anywhere with deep snow. Falling into one can cause injury or quickly turn into a deadly situation. Tree wells are hidden cavities of unconsolidated snow under the lower branches of trees and vegetation that are not visible on the surface. Falling into one of these hidden wells upside-down can quickly cause suffocation or positional asphyxiation. Add snowshoes or skis to the mix, and it can be impossible to self-rescue.

• Avoid getting too close to trees and always snowshoe/ski with a partner.
• Always keep an eye on your partner, even within sight of the visitor center!

Hypothermia

When exposed to cold temperatures, the body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. The result is hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature. A combination of cold weather, wet snow, and wind can easily rob a person of essential body heat. If left untreated, hypothermia can lead to unconsciousness and death. Low body temperature affects the brain, making the victim unable to think clearly or move well. Some signs of hypothermia include shivering, memory loss, exhaustion, slurred speech, confusion, drowsiness, and fumbling hands. The best way to avoid hypothermia is to be prepared by checking the weather forecast and planning accordingly.

To Prevent Hypothermia:

• Wear appropriate clothing including wool or synthetics like polypropylene (never cotton!) to help retain body heat when clothing gets wet.
  • Use layers and adjust them as necessary. Remove layers to avoid sweating too much, then put layers back on when taking breaks to retain heat.
  • Wear adequate and breathable wind and rain protection.
  • Wear warm, waterproof boots.
• Eat frequently to keep generating energy to stay warm.
• Stay hydrated.
• Avoid exhaustion. Take breaks and exercise in short sessions to create warmth if needed.
• Seek shelter. If you notice difficulty staying warm, get out of exposed areas or head back to your vehicle.

Glissading

Glissading is sliding down a snow-covered slope on your butt while using your feet or a tool like an ice axe to control the slide. While glissading seems like a fun and easy way to descend slopes, it is not sledding, and it can pose hazards to not only you, but also to others heading up the hill. Before you head up into steeper terrain in the park, like Panorama Point at Paradise, make sure you are prepared to come down. Do you have a tool like an ice axe, and do you know how to use it? Are you wearing clothes, such as waterproof pants and gloves, to protect yourself from the snow? Snow can be surprisingly abrasive.

Before you start glissading, ask yourself these questions:

• Do I have a way to control my speed? If not, create your own descent path in untracked snow and lean back into your heel for stability to walk down the slope.
• If I glissade from my location on a slope, will I be on top of the common track leading up and slide into someone? Put at least 10 feet between your glissade path and the track leading up.
• Can I see the entirety of my glissade path before I start? Make sure your potential path is free from rocks, other people, or creeks hidden under the snow. If you cannot see the whole path, do not proceed.
• What are the snow conditions and is this slope at risk of avalanches? Glissading works best in slushy snow. If it is too hard or icy, you can go too fast and loose control. Some slopes have a high risk of avalanches and should be avoided. Glissading can also trigger avalanches.

Remember to review proper safety techniques for steep descents and ascents. Often, it can be safer to remove traction devices such as snowshoes before descending so that they don’t catch and cause you to flip or twist, which can cause injuries. Glissading with crampons is especially dangerous and should never be attempted. Having a plan for coming down as well as going up, will help ensure you have a safe and enjoyable visit to Mount Rainier!

Shelters

Snow caves, tents, and igloos can provide shelter from the elements, but be sure your shelter has adequate ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Maintain good ventilation while cooking, as cooking in a shelter will consume oxygen rapidly. To maintain adequate ventilation during snowy, windy conditions, you will need to go outside to dig out your tent or clear igloo vents.

During use, mark your shelter with something brightly colored, such as a bandana on a stick. After use, always collapse or deconstruct igloos and snow caves so that they do not become hazards for other people out recreating. A cave has been adequately deconstructed if there is no hidden pit or sharp drop offs along the perimeter.