Flooding along Kautz Creek prompted closure of the Nisqually Entrance to Mount Rainier National Park on Tuesday/NPS graphic
Editor's note: Updates with comment from park officials, adds details on past flooding events.
"Rain on snow" conditions similar to those in 2006 that spawned devastating floods in Mount Rainier National Park in Washington led to flooding Tuesday that forced park officials to close the Nisqually Entrance to the park and order the evacuation of park employees and guests at the National Park Inn at Longmire.
Park officials could not immediately be reached to say how many employees and guests were being moved out of the park, or to comment on whether the entrance road was in danger of being washed out by the flows of Kautz Creek. A post on the park's Twitter feed said some culverts were clogged by debris.
In a press release later Tuesday afternoon, acting-Superintendent Trace Swartout said "(H)eavy rain at high elevations on the mountain falling onto the significant snowpack at Paradise has created dangerous conditions throughout the park. This 'rain on snow' event is similar to conditions that were present when the historic flood occurred in November 2006."
At least 3 inches of rain fell on Monday, and the forecast called for rain throughout Tuesday, with a mix of rain and snow showers expected for Wednesday.
The November 2006 event washed out about a quarter-mile of the road between the Nisqually Entrance and Longmire. Two years later, in November 2008, more flooding hit the park and kept it closed to most vehicle traffic for days. Then as now, the primary area of concern was where Kautz Creek intersected the entrance road.
Road construction this summer focused on installing a culvert to funnel a branch of Tahoma Creek beneath the road that runs from the park's Nisqually Entrance to Longmire and beyond.
Debris washed down Tahoma Creek stacked up Tuesday against the Nisqually Entrance Road. A new culvert had been installed beneath the road this past summer/NPS
Story Categories:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
Comments
The road's back open today, according to my local news.
I'm glad it wasn't as bad as in '06, but we're supposed to get more heavy rain here (I live less than 50 miles from the Nisqually Entrance) tomorrow.