The Paradise snowplay area – the only area in Mount Rainier National park where sledding is allowed – remained closed through last week. The reason: Not enough snow. But park officials said they expect the recreational hot spot will open no later than this Friday (Dec. 23). A deep enough snowpack depth is needed before sledding and sliding can be allowed, both for safety and to avoid damage to the fragile meadows that are hibernating below the snow. The snowpack must be at least five feet deep across the entire sledding area. In some areas, slightly more than that is needed to keep vegetation at a safe depth. Snowfall this week was expected to satisfy those requirements. The other good news is that the snowpack is already adequate for snowshoeing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing and other backcountry activity. Further snowplay updates will be announced, officials said. Ranger-guided snowshoe walks at Paradise are scheduled through March 26. The walks will be offered on weekends and holidays when the visitor center is open. They start at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., last two hours and aree available on a first-come, first-served basis, with signups at the visitor center's informtion desk. Participants should dress warmly (layers), wearing warm hats, gloves, and waterproof footwear suitable for snowshoes. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and water are also advised. Snowshoe walks for organized groups of 15 to 25 will begin Jan. 7. Group reservations can be made at 360-569-6575 between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. If the daily opening of the road between Longmire and Paradise is delayed, snowshoe walk times may be adjusted or led from the Longmire Museum, according to park officials. Another wintertime activity that's now available at the park is overnight camping, which is allowed in many areas throughout the park with a valid permit. But access is dependent on road conditions and snow depth. The latter ranges from a minimum of five feet in the Paradise area to at least two feet in undeveloped parts of the park where camping is allowed. “Visitors can have a great park experience during a time that offers incredible seasonal opportunities if they plan ahead, prepare for changing environmental conditions, and always keep safety in mind before heading out,” said park superintendent Randy King.
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