Exposed ice endangers hikers to Rainier's Camp Muir

This summer's heat has melted snow on the Muir Snowfield on Mount Rainier, exposing glacier ice and creating hazards for hikers and climbers, Mount Rainier National Park officials warn.

Snow that fell last winter has melted unusually early in the area, exposing solid glacier ice and crevasses on the route from Paradise to Camp Muir. From about 8,200 feet elevation and up on this route, which is popular with climbers and day hikers to Camp Muir, the terrain often exceeds a 25-30 degree slope. The steepness, coupled with the exposed ice, makes for extremely slippery and hazardous walking.

Falls and slides on the glacier ice can damage exposed skin. Numerous visitors this summer have slipped and suffered serious abrasions, report rangers, who advise long trousers and long sleeves for hikers. The exposed ice from 9,500 feet to 10,100 feet elevation has also opened up crevasses that require skill and care to safely navigate around.

The Park Service advises that the trek to Camp Muir can be an enjoyable hike in these conditions if you use good judgment and come prepared. Rangers urge these precautions:

• Get the latest route conditions from the Climbing Information Center in

Paradise (360-569-6009) or the Wilderness Information Center in

Longmire (360-569-HIKE).

• Carry and use crampons and an ice ax.

• Cover all skin with durable full-length pants and long-sleeved shirts.

• Download the Muir Route Bearing Sheet (www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/upload/GetYourBearings.pdf), a map with compass routes and GPS coordinates.

• Carry a map, GPS and compass, and know how to use them.

• Travel to Camp Muir with someone. If you should fall in a crevasse,

there will be someone to help you or go for help.

• The only anchors that work in the glacier ice are ice screws, should you

choose to belay over the crevasses with a short section of rope.

• Weather can deteriorate at any time. Get up-to-date forecasts and

prepare for cold, wet weather.