November 2008 Flood

A look at the new Kautz Creek channel entering the culverts installled after the 2006 flood
Kautz Creek diverted from the channel it created in 2006. It flowed through the woods, along the roadside ditch, into the culverts and across the road.

As creeks and streams collected the rainwater that fell for days and rolled across the mountain, it became evident that areas of the park would once again be flooded. On November 12th, 2008, the gates to Mount Rainier were closed.

The flow of water as seen in the photo, caused unsafe conditions along the Nisqually Road (from SR 706 in Ashford), the only winter access to Paradise. The main entrance to the park was temporarily closed until safe driving conditions could be established.

 
Carbon River closes road outside of park
Roadway washed away during the 2008 Flood.

NPS Photo

Other roads were inspected and debris was removed. On the east side of the park, SR 410 and SR 123 up to Stevens Canyon Road were reopened. Access to Carbon River in the northwest was limited to pedestrian traffic only. Two miles outside the park, approximately 200 feet of the road was completely washed away to a depth of 10 feet.

Last updated: January 19, 2018

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

55210 238th Avenue East
Ashford, WA 98304

Phone:

360 569-2211

Contact Us