Heat wave causes snowmelt, river levels to rise near Mt. Rainier National Park Authorities are now concerned that although this is heat is new to Puget Sound, it may also be the beginning of a new normal. Author: Lionel Donovan (KING) Updated: 8:09 PM PDT June 29, 2021 PIERCE COUNTY, Wash — The grueling heat wave has left its mark on western Washington. But while workers deal with cracked roads and power outages, Mt. Rainier is also falling victim to the blazing temperatures. After days of triple digit heat, snow levels are several times lower than what they normally would be, and all that water is changing how the mountain looks faster than authorities can react.