Intermediate Snowshoe - Mazama Ridge (Mount Rainier)

We had a great day, a gorgeous  blue sky with fabulous views. Temperatures were predicted to be in the high 30s, but it felt much warmer in the sun. We all needed to shed layers. We moved at a slower than normal pace as everyone wanted to take photos.

With such a great forecast, it was not a surprise that the Paradise parking lot filled fast. The drive up was uneventful. Heading down, the road looked ice free and cars were going fast. We saw two cars spin out in one spot, no collision thankfully. Most people were skiers and the biggest crowd headed up to Panorama Point. We encountered a few small groups on Mazama Ridge. The four of us had lots of uncrowded room to roam.

Avalanche danger was rated moderate with more risk at a higher elevations. We watched an avalanche come down the Nisqually Glacier.