Planning a visit to the majestic Mount Rainier? Knowing “What The Weather Today” is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience. Mount Rainier’s weather can be unpredictable and vary significantly depending on elevation and location within the park. This guide provides you with a comprehensive list of resources to check real-time weather conditions, ensuring you’re always prepared.
Checking Current Weather Conditions at Mount Rainier
Staying informed about the current weather is paramount when venturing into Mount Rainier National Park. Here are key resources offering up-to-the-minute data and forecasts:
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Mount Rainier Recreational Forecast: For a daily park weather update, the Mount Rainier Recreational Forecast from the National Weather Service is invaluable. It offers forecasts for the coming days, specifically tailored for recreational activities within the park.
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Paradise Current Conditions: If you’re heading to the popular Paradise area, the Northwest Avalanche Center provides current conditions and snow levels specifically for Paradise. This is especially important for hikers and skiers in the area.
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Western Washington Weather Overview: Get a broader perspective with the Western Washington Weather Forecast. This National Weather Service forecast covers various regions, including the Cascades and Mount Rainier, giving you context for the overall weather system.
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Mountain Pass Conditions: For those approaching Mount Rainier from the east side, the Chinook & Cayuse Mountain Pass Report from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is essential. It provides real-time information on Chinook (SR410) and Cayuse (SR123) mountain passes, crucial for access and travel planning.
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Longmire Weather Station Data: Get detailed, localized weather data for Longmire, a key area within the park, from NOAA’s Longmire Weather page. This provides specific readings for this location.
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Ohanapecosh Weather Information: Planning to visit Ohanapecosh? The University of Utah’s Ohanapecosh Weather resource offers current weather conditions and snow depth for this area, important for hikers and campers.
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Sunrise Weather Updates: For those heading to Sunrise, the highest point reachable by vehicle in the park, NOAA’s Sunrise Weather page gives you current conditions and snow depth, vital for planning your visit to this high-elevation area.
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Camp Muir Weather Station: For climbers and those interested in conditions at very high elevations, the Camp Muir Weather Station from the Northwest Avalanche Center provides weather data from Camp Muir, a base camp on Mount Rainier.
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National Weather Service – Seattle Office: For comprehensive weather information across western Washington, including Mount Rainier, the National Weather Service Seattle Office website is your central hub.
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Mount Rainier Webcams: Want to visually assess “what the weather today” looks like? Mount Rainier National Park’s Webcams offer live views from various locations within the park, giving you a real-time visual update.
Understanding Snowpack Information at Mount Rainier
Snowpack is a critical factor at Mount Rainier, influencing everything from hiking conditions to avalanche risk. Here’s how to stay informed about snowpack:
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Paradise SNOTEL Data: The Paradise SNOTEL Data Report provides hourly updates on snow depth, current temperature, and year-to-date precipitation at Paradise. This is a detailed report for understanding snow conditions in this key area.
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Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) Plot for Paradise: Visualize snowpack with the Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) Plot for Paradise. Created by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, this plot compares current SWE in inches to the historical average, offering a long-term perspective on snowpack.
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Modeled Snow Water Equivalent Forecast Map: Get a forecast for snowpack with the Modeled Snow Water Equivalent Forecast Map. This NOAA map provides a forecast model of SWE for Mount Rainier and surrounding areas, helping you anticipate future snow conditions.
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Cayuse Pass SnoTel Station Data: For snowpack information on the east side of the park, consult the Cayuse Pass SnoTel Station data from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. This provides weather and snow depth information specific to Cayuse Pass.
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Historical Snowfall Data: For long-term perspective, review the Annual Snowfall Totals at Paradise, 1920 to Present. This National Park Service page provides historical snowfall data at Paradise, helping you understand typical snow patterns over the years.
By utilizing these resources, you can confidently answer the question “what’s the weather today” at Mount Rainier and ensure a safer, more informed, and more enjoyable visit to this incredible natural wonder.
