Mount Rainier Press Release - Spring Opening Beginning

March 18, 2011

2011 SPRING OPENING BEGINNING

The calendar may say it’s almost the first day of Spring, but at Mount
Rainier National Park Spring is still a long way off.  But, despite the
fact that Paradise currently has 203” of snow on the ground (121%  above
normal) staff at Mount Rainier is once again beginning the annual spring
opening.  This process, which begins at the lower elevations of the park
such as Longmire and Ohanapecosh and moves up the mountain to the higher
elevations of White River and Sunrise as the snow melts or is plowed away,
is like bringing a small community back to life every year.  Roads that
have been completely snowed in since last fall are blown out with snow
equipment; removal of slides, boulders and rocks and fallen trees from
these roads, cleaning ditches of debris and repairing any damage; shoveling
snow from park buildings; reactivating water, sewer and heating systems
that have been shut down since fall; repairing damage from winter’s harsh
conditions and many other maintenance activities associated with getting
the park’s public facilities ready for another season of visitation.

SNOW PLAY AND SNOWSHOE WALKS ENDING MARCH 27

The public snow play area at Paradise will be staffed and groomed through
Sunday, March 27.  After that date the snow play runs will not be
maintained and sledding will not be permitted due to safety concerns.

The ranger-led snow shoe walks will also end that same date - March 27.

The new Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center is open weekends only, 10
a.m. to 5 p.m. until May 7 when it will begin 7-day a week operation.

The Paradise Inn is scheduled to open for the 2011 season on Friday, May
20.  Reservations can be made by phone – 360-569-2275, or on line at
www.mtrainierguestservices.com

While snow play activities will be ending, great opportunities still exist
for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the Paradise area.  Before
heading out, visitors are advised to check with park staff for current
weather and avalanche conditions.  Spring can be a wonderful time to
experience the park, but dangerous conditions can exist.

For current road and weather information, visit the park’s web page at
www.nps.gov/mora, or call 360-569-2211 for recorded updates.  For local
business information web sites visit:  www.visitrainier.com,
www.mt-rainier.com, www.staycrystal.com, www.minerallake.com,
www.destinationpackwood.com,  or www.mtrainierguestservices.com
                                  -NPS-