Winter in Mt. Rainier NP
Find winter information via a map
MPG V2.7, January 2010
Winter, as anywhere, is a totally different season in Mt. Rainier NP, except there are three parts to it of varying lengths and severities depending on the seaonal, monthly and daily weather. And as so, the photographer has a choice of when and where to go to suit their interests and activities in the NP.
Background
The winter season in Mt. Rainier NP has three types of weather and scenery from the start in late fall through the winter to the last of the snowmelt in late spring. These three partial seasons are separate by the snowfall and snowpack and the consistent temperatures, which are part of the normal Pacific Northwest seasonal weather patterns. These are broken into the the late fall, the real winter and the early spring.
The late fall is the period between the seasonal cooling from the summer into fall along with the first of the winter storms. This occurs sometimes between mid-to-late October to mid-to-late November, when snow and cold becomes the norm. These storms deposit early snowpack on Mt. Rainier, often only persisting at higher elevations as warm fronts and rain storms melt the lower-to-mid level elevation snow.
Once into December the storms are colder with the snow slowly building at higher elevations and persisting at mid-level elevations. Major storms can still melt and reduce the snowpack and cause major floods as experienced in recent years (2006-2008) but by mid-December we're normally past those with only the rare exception with rain-on-snow events through early-mid January. This blends into the real winter season often associated with winter in Mt. Rainier NP, meaning snow everywhere and snowstorms anytime.
And this is what this guide wants to provide the information for photographers. This season usually last from early-to-mid December to mid-to-late March, a good three months of snow and cold weather. Only the rare drought years when we get a low snowpack, meaning little or none at lower elevations, will you expect anything but winter conditions. And if you like winter, this is your time.
The snowmelt begins mid-to-late March, sooner during drought years, usually late Februrary, and later during years of record snowpack, early-to-mid April. The length of the snowmelt varys with elevation and location in the NP, but usually ends sometime May to July. It is the period of March through April, into May or June in some years, when the snow is present but temperatures are spring-like, and everything begins the sesasonal changes for another year.
For information about the late fall and early spring conditions, you have to read the weather and snowpack reports which will be generalized in the monthly reports.
Weather & Climate
Mt Rainier during the winter season, from the late fall (pre-winter) through the winter and into and through the spring snowmelt, has both climate and weather. The climate is the seasonal pattern and trend through the (pre to post) winter period which is reflected in the temperatures and precipitation, as rain or snowfall and by the snowpack. This information is used by the managers and scientists in the region and the NPS for the seasonal and longterm management and operation of the NP's resources.
The weather is the dynamic daily and short term weather, again reflected in the temperature and precipitation in and around Mt. Rainier and the NP. The weather is used for the daily management and operation of the NP. This is what most people see when they visit the NP, the condition of the NP and the status of the facilites, resources, etc. The accumulation of the daily weather, the changes, trends and patterns, becomes the seasonal weather and eventually into the seasonal and annual climate.
In short, the climate is what you plan for and the weather what you prepare for with your visit to the NP. The climate is what you look at for the normal and extremes of the weather and conditions. The climate is what you look at to determine the range of possibilities during your visit. The weather is also what you look at for the latest forecasts and weather to adjust your plans, schedule and gear. It's where you prepare to be flexible as the weather and conditions change.
That said, you can find additional resources for climate and weather information below.
Information
So what's up to do in Mt. Rainer NP in the winter? A lot depdends on the weather and snow conditions, and the access and conditions of the roads, trails and facilities. But first and foremost you should familarize yourself with the NP's winter recreation information and rules from what they open and operate, such as roads, travel, facilities trails, snowparks, etc.
And if you're ready for snow and decide to photograph in the NP, what do you do? First, prepare your vehicle for winter and keep the proper winter emergency gear for everyone in your party. Second, prepare yourself with the right clothing and equipment (food, ten essentials, etc.). Third, plan your trip with alternatives. Be flexible and ready to leave when necessary or asked, or be preprared to stay overnight in the NP. And lastly, prepare your camera gear and bring extra gear. You don't want to miss shots
So. where are the photo locations? Well, you are limited to the access, which is mostly to one drive, highway 706 at the Nisqually entrance (Longmire and/or Paradise), but you can hike or snowshoe into others via the highway or trails, such as the Carbon River road, the Mowich Lake road, highway 123 (Ohanopecosh entrance), and the highway 410 past the Crystal Mountain Blvd. turnoff (closed past).
What facilities are there? First, Longmire visitors center and National Park Inn are usually open, only closed when the Nisqually entrance is closed. Paradise Inn is closed for the season but the Jackson visitors center is open on weekends and holidays when the road from Longmire to Paradise is clear (closed nightly and opened after snow removal and closed longer from floods or landslides). Otherwise, you're on your own, and, as said, come prepared.
Photo Opportunities
So what's there to photograph? Well, on clear days, there is Mt. Rainier, other mountains, and lots of snow scenes. On other days, it's find something else besides scenic shots, but still lots of snow scenes. The exception will be the Carbon River road/trail as often it's below the snowline for the first few miles into the NP, so you can get the transistion from winter forest to winter snow. But check ahead because that road is often closed by snow or floods before the NP as it's closed at the NP.
Most digital cameras will do fine in cold weather to a point, but you have to watch your exposure readings as snow tends to need 1-2 f-stops additional exposure to avoid turning the snow off-white, see note below. You can also try shooting black and white in the camera to create some interesting photos. It pays to carry a spare set of warm batteries. Often film cameras are better suited for winter photography as they have less effected by colder temperatures and draw less power. And there are many great films for snow scenes.
Note.--This applies if you shoot film or jpeg (digital) format. Shooting raw format negates this except it will help get the initial capture correct and avoid extensively shifting the exposure in your photo editor and risk losing highlights or shadows in the image. It's a personal choice, and even some photographers bracket shots to merge images.
In short, it's a great place to photograph if you enjoy cold weather and snow. And don't forget, takes lots of photos.
Additional Resources
Below are some books and resources for additional information.
- Books
- Weather
- Overview and Sites
- Information and snow(pack)
- Websites
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