What's Happening up There - Paradise, etc.

For those who don't read the Tacoma News Tribune:



COLD UP THERE, DRY DOWN HERE
Delayed melting in Cascade Mountains leaves reservoirs low
www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/358046.html

This was a very large spread in the paper....  lots of side links.
PARADISE REGAINED: Mount Rainier inn to reopen after challenging renovationParadise
Inn reopens Friday after a 31-month renovation – much of which won't be noticeable to visitors
www.thenewstribune.com/adventure/story/355786.html

Park expects to see gap between visitor centers
www.thenewstribune.com/adventure/story/356422.html

For those skiers & climbers perhaps new to the area, a side benefit to the re-opening of the Paradise Inn is that the Longmire gate is open 24/7, barring major snow accumulation...

I was on the phone with Longmire info today (Monica/Monika?). On the plus side, road open 24/7, barring slush closures. Also the lodge is opening the 16th for your lodge needs. On the minus, the last night for snow camping at Paradise, etc. is this Wed. night. With Sunshine Point toasted and cougar Rock not opening till the 23rd, options are limited for now. The person I talked to believed the road to Reflection Lakes had been plowed and that bicycles (with cautious looks outs for plows etc.) would be workable.

To me the question is: will everything be an unsafe or unpleasant slush-fest later this week and Saturday? Will there be safe, never mind good, snow anywhere? Some of the easy access, sustained 30 degree slopes around Snoq. will have snow for sure but I am feeling nervous about them. I wish I knew if there will be a freeze at night or just isothermal glop round the clock.

Might be worth mentioning that Alpental is going to be open May 17 and 18:
www.summitatsnoqualmie.com/info/winter/spring_schedule.asp

The May 10 Alpental trip report is worth a read:
www.turns-all-year.com/skiing_snowboardi...ex.php?topic=10028.0

Thanks to Snoqpass for the tip on 17/18th opening.

Deep snow making St. Helens climb more challenging
blogs.thenewstribune.com/adventure/2008/...helens_climb_more_ch


Mt Baker Winter Review
blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/ski/