![]() ![]() This station typically loses its snow cover in July.įrom 1984 to 1999 annual snowpack measurements have been completed on Mt. This snow measurement station has an average annual snowfall of 13.7 m. Baker ski area is the site of a snow measurement station, which is located 11 km to the east of Mt. This volcano is host to 11 substantial glaciers with an area of 37.4 km 2. Baker is a stratovolcano and is the highest summit in the North Cascades at 3285 m. How much snow fell at higher elevations and how did this exceptional snowfall compare to recent years? Baker, Washington set a single season world snowfall record of 28.70 m, at the 1300 m measurement station. Introductionĭuring the 1998/99 winter season Mt. Snowpack measurements at USDA snotel stations at Lyman Lake and Stevens Pass did not reach record depths in 1999. Paradise on Mount Rainier exceeded 1000 inches for the winter season for the fifth time since 1920, but fell 72 inches short of the 1971/72 record snowfall. This record season was most noticeable in the northern section of the North Cascades. The sum of the observed August snowpack SWE (8.2 m) and June–August (3.8 m) ablation indicates that 1998/99 total winter snowfall at 1900 m on Rainbow Glacier was 47–49 m. The snowpack in late August had a density of 0.60 g/cm 3 this is four times the normal new-fallen snow density. On Rainbow Glacier, 1999 stands out as exceptional with an August snowpack depth of 8.2, 24% greater than any other year from 1984 to 1999. On Easton Glacier at each altitude the 1998/99 snowpack depth was more than 28% greater than any of the previous years. This is in sharp contrast to 1998 when snowpack was 1.55 m at 2150 m and 3.35 m at 2450. Measurement of snowpack thickness in numerous crevasses on Easton Glacier in late August 1999 indicated that 9.45 m of snowpack remained at 2150 m and 10.65 m at 2450 m. By late August the stakes had each recorded 3.85–4.00 m of ablation. In June, stakes were placed in each glacier to record snowpack ablation. Measurements at higher elevation on two Mount Baker glaciers have been completed each year since 1990. Check out the trip planning tools below to choose a trail, learn about backcountry permits, get updated trail conditions, and more.Summer Snowpack Variations with Altitude on Mount Baker, Washington, 1990–1999: Comparison with Record 1998/1999 SnowfallĮaston Glacier in early August 1999 Abstractĭuring the 1998/99 winter season, Mount Baker, Washington, set a single season world snowfall record of 28.70 m, at the 1300-m measurement station. ![]() The key to a successful trip is to plan ahead and be prepared. Access is often limited during these winter months by impassable or closed roads, so be sure to check current conditions. The park's winters are wet, and snowfall is heavy. ![]() Precipitation and snowfall are greatest from November through March. Higher elevation trails often remain snow-covered well into July and sometimes August. The driest and most popular time to visit is during the summer months of mid-June through September. Hikers, backpackers, and climbers travel the trails of the park complex year round however, the more common hiking season stretches from April through October. Remember to walk lightly, so that many generations more may continue to discover this place. Enjoy the solitude, peace, and challenge that hiking in this beautiful park offers. From accessible trails and short, scenic strolls to steep mountain hikes, there is a trail here for everyone. The North Cascades National Park Service Complex preserves some of the finest mountain country in North America. ![]()
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