Friday's opening of the snowplay area at Mount Rainier National Park has been delayed because there isn't enough snow on the ground.
The Paradise area has received snow in the past two days, it's not enough to allow the area to open.
Park officials like to have a minimum base of 60 inches before they groom the sled runs. That is for visitor safety and to protect the subalpine vegetation under the play area.
As of Friday, there were 56 inches of snow at Paradise.
A new opening date has not been set.
In the meantime, ranger-led snowshoe hikes will begin Saturday, leaving from the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center. The walks will be offered daily through Jan. 2 at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Sign up at the visitor center.
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