TRAIL MIX

SNOW CLOSES PARK ROAD FOR WINTER

The snow will no longer be removed in the Ohanapecosh area of Mount Rainier National Park.

Access to the area will remain open for skiers, snowshoers and snowmobiles at the junction of U.S. Highway 12 and state Route 123.

The park pays the Washington Department of Transportation to plow SR 123 into the Ohanapecosh area.

The change will shift park resources to areas of heavier winter use, park superintendent Jon Jarvis said. This is not a permanent change, and snow removal will be reconsidered annually.

Books

Anyone who travels, skis, snowmobiles, snowshoes or climbs in an area where there is plenty of slope and plenty of snow, is exposed to avalanche danger.

"Avalanche Aware" ($6.95 Globe Pequot/ Falcon), by John Moynier, covers the dangers associated with avalanches and how to avoid them and reduce the risk of accident and injury.

This 128-page guide is a revision of Chockstone's "Avalanche Safety." The black-and-white illustrations show proper gear, slope angle, snow pit tests, the impact of wind and weather, along with explanations of how to avoid avalanche hazards.

It also includes a description of search methods and how to find a lost friend.

Outdoor events

- Dinner: Northwest Trek Wildlife Park near Eatonville plans a Valentine's Day-themed dinner at 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The program includes a candlelight dinner by a cozy fire, a twilight tram tour and gossip about the love lives of North American wildlife. The cost is $30 for nonmembers, $25 for members. For reservations, call 360-832-7182.

- Climbing: The Olympia Mountaineers' basic climbing course begins at 7 p.m. today. The course covers fundamental skills needed to safely climb most rock and glacier peaks in the Pacific Northwest. For information, call 360-280-3025.

- Birding: Black Hills Audubon Society will sponsor a birding trip to Skagit Flats from 7 a.m. to late afternoon Saturday. Bring lunch and raingear. Call 360-705-0457 to reserve a spot.

Want your event included on the Outdoors page? Contact outdoors reporter N.S. Nokkentved at 360-754-5445.

The Olympian Copyright 2002

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