With 16 inches of snow expected to hammer the Paradise area of Mount Rainier National Park tonight, the National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning.

The warning is in effect until 6 a.m. Wednesday.

Forecasters say freezing rain could hit the highway passes for several hours tonight before transitioning into snow.

The heaviest snowfall is expected on the highways to Paradise and Mount Baker. The 16 inches anticipated for tonight is in addition to the 5 to 8 inches of powder that has already fallen this afternoon.

The Weather Service warns that avalanche danger is high and driving …

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The Seattle Times reports that the family of Benjamin C. Barnes, who’s suspected of killing a Mount Rainer National Park ranger on Sunday, has issued a statement.

“First and foremost, the Barnes family would like to extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of everyone affected by Ben’s actions,” the statement begins.

Read the entire statement here.

Puyallup resident Greg Kidwell was cross-country skiing with his girlfriend near Paradise on Monday when he spotted a helicopter flying slowly through the area. Kidwell snapped this photo not knowing exactly what was happening.

He learned later the Chinook was searching for an overdue snowshoer later found dead.

Said Kidwell: “You just should not ever go into the mountains alone.  When that happens, even a small problem can turn into an immediate and deadly emergency.  One nearby ridge may as well be miles away as far as trying to get someone’s attention or help.  Very sad case.”

…

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Two Enumclaw residents have been charged with theft of government property, theft of personal property and malicious mischief in connection with a string of car prowls at Mount Rainier National Park.

Jamie David Spain, 39, and Dawn Marie Gale, 44, were arrested Sunday morning and remain in custody. They were charged in federal court.

They each face up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.

Rangers noticed an increase in car prowls this month and decided to place “bait cars” in the park to lure possible suspects.

On Saturday night, they placed a sedan with a …

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Searchers are looking for a 57-year-old Duvall man who’s been reported missing on Mount Rainier.

Eric Lewis was last seen Thursday afternoon, ascending the Gibralter Ledges Route in poor weather with two others, Mount Rainier National Park Service reported today.

His two climbing companions stopped for a rest. When they pulled in the rope to regroup, they found that Lewis had unclipped and was no longer with them.

“They immediately established anchors in the snow and swept the length of the rope across the slope below them, but were unable to find their climbing partner,” the Park Service reported.  “The …

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Speaking of the fire, officials shut down the Carbon River Road – aka Fairfax Forest Reserve Road – Monday to keep the looky-loos out of the fire zone.

Good plan, but it practically shuts down the Carbon River entrance to Mount Rainier National Park and limits access to some back-country areas of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, including the Clearwater Wilderness.

Can anybody suggest some good alternate routes for getting into those areas? Are there any, short goat trail? Please post here.