Nisqually Entrance to Paradise
Highway 706 from Nisqually Entrance to Longmire is open year around usually 24-hour a day. However during severe snow events or other extreme conditions, sometimes tire chains are required all the way from Nisqually Entrance. It is wise to throw the chains in the car, even you plan to go no farther than Longmire!
In the winter, November through May, the road opens and closes regularly on a daily basis. The uphill gate closes roughly 1/2 hour before sunset and there is a complete closure about 1/2 hour after sunset.
Each morning the road opens based on road conditions and snowplow operations. Here are some general rules to follow.
If there is 0-5" of new snow at Paradise, expect a 9:00 to 10:00 o'clock opening.
If there is 5-10" of new snow at Paradise, expect a 11:00-13:00 o'clock opening.
If there is over 10-15" or more of new snow at Paradise, consider that the road may not open at all.
Many factors effect how quickly the plow drivers can remove the snow from the road.
1. The snow level. Do they have to start at Nisqually Entrance or only 2 miles from Paradise?
2. The snow density. 25" inches of wet and heavy snow many only be able to be removed by a very slow moving snow blower. 10" of fresh powder can be removed fast than 5" of sloppy wet snow.
3. Trees down. Trees must be cut and cleared by using a chainsaw. This can slow the process down considerably.
4. Snowplow equipment breaks down frequently.
5. Snowplow drivers get sick and injured, too.
In the winter, November through May, the road opens and closes regularly on a daily basis. The uphill gate closes roughly 1/2 hour before sunset and there is a complete closure about 1/2 hour after sunset.
Each morning the road opens based on road conditions and snowplow operations. Here are some general rules to follow.
If there is 0-5" of new snow at Paradise, expect a 9:00 to 10:00 o'clock opening.
If there is 5-10" of new snow at Paradise, expect a 11:00-13:00 o'clock opening.
If there is over 10-15" or more of new snow at Paradise, consider that the road may not open at all.
Many factors effect how quickly the plow drivers can remove the snow from the road.
1. The snow level. Do they have to start at Nisqually Entrance or only 2 miles from Paradise?
2. The snow density. 25" inches of wet and heavy snow many only be able to be removed by a very slow moving snow blower. 10" of fresh powder can be removed fast than 5" of sloppy wet snow.
3. Trees down. Trees must be cut and cleared by using a chainsaw. This can slow the process down considerably.
4. Snowplow equipment breaks down frequently.
5. Snowplow drivers get sick and injured, too.
posted by Mt. Rainier Climbing Rangers at 3:44 PM
