New Snow: none
Settled Snow Depth: 45 inches
High temperature: 60°F (April 10)
Low temperature: 19°F (April 12)
Ski Conditions and Weather
It was a warm and dry week here in Tuolumne Meadows. Overnight lows were just barely below freezing, and daytime highs near 60°F. The spring runoff has started in earnest. The sound of moving water has replaced the still silence of winter. Bird songs now dominate the early morning and evening hours. Summer feels like it is rapidly approaching.
For now, however, there is still some spring skiing to be had. We went on a multiday patrol to the higher reaches of Lyell Canyon this week and the alpine terrain is still holding good coverage on all aspects. Only the north aspects above 12,000 feet still hold winter snow conditions, otherwise there is spring snow to be had aplenty. The light overnight freezes each night are resulting in the “corn door” closing in the early afternoon. After that it is a wet, slow, and in places “punchy” snow surface. Wilderness travelers should be advised that snow bridges are disappearing fast, and below about 9,500 feet non-existent.
Caltrans has started clearing snow on the east side of Tioga Pass. Please give them plenty of room for your and their safety. Visitors approaching from Lee Vining should anticipate dry pavement to at least Ellery Lake as highway workers are making good progress towards Tioga Pass.
Avalanche and Snowpack Conditions
Please refer to the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center (ESAC) and the Bridgeport Avalanche Center for the avalanche advisories for this part of the Sierra Nevada.
Although the avalanche centers are not putting out daily forecasts, there are updated field observations. With colder overnight lows in the forecast, the snowpack should be stable for a longer period during the day. But, as always, an alpine start is best. Bring sharp equipment for the approaches and changes in weather such as afternoon thunderstorms.
Influential Women in the Sierra Nevada
This week we celebrate the life of those who have made a difference on the slopes of our beloved Sierra Nevada. Andrea Mead Lawrence was born this week, April 19, 1932. She was the first American alpine skier to win two Olympic gold medals. In 2009, a ski run at Mammoth Mountain was named after her. And, subsequently in April 2010, peak 12,240 in Mono County was dedicated to her life work and legacy (officially named in 2013). Andrea Mead Lawrence - Wikipedia
Of course, there are many people past and present who will never have a mountain named after them. But, their lives, no matter how short or long, have had a positive impact on others.' This week, we celebrate Mammoth Mountain Ski Patroller Claire Murphy, who lost her life this winter while performing avalanche mitigation work, so that others could recreate more safely. These mountains can give so much to our soul but can also take so much away. Think about what kind of a difference you want to make in this world. It doesn't have to be Mountains Beyond Mountains; it can be as simple as a smile.
Wildlife
The chorus of bird song grows louder everyday as if to compete with the sounds of the river. The first yellow-rumped warblers have arrived. Violet-green swallows dart
back and forth among the high alpine passes. And the haunting sounds of white-tailed ptarmigan could be heard among the white-bark pine as the full moon set
over the sparkling snow.
Questions
The Tuolumne Meadows Ski Hut is open. This primitive cabin is the campground reservation office in the summer and is located along the Tioga Road at the entrance to the campground. It is marked with a sign. There is firewood and 8 bunks that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Do not rely on electricity or phone service at the ski hut.Read through the following webpage before embarking on any day or overnight snow travel to the high country: Winter in Tuolumne Meadows.
For those visiting the Tuolumne Meadows Ski Hut from the east (only) permits are self-issued at the Ski Hut. For those entering from other areas, permits are available via self-registration on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more: Wilderness Permits.
Come prepared, and please make good decisions while traveling in the wilderness!
You may contact us with any additional winter Tuolumne Meadows related questions but response times may vary if we are away on patrol.
Celebrate Earth!
Laura and Rob Pilewski - Tuolumne Meadows winter rangers
