New Snow: 1 inch
Settled Snow Depth: 6 inches
High temperature: 56°F (April 7)
Low temperature: 22°F (April 5)
March Weather Summary
New Snow: Trace (historical average 55.5 inches)
Snow Water Equivalent: 0.02 inches (historical average 3.84 inches)
Average High Temperature: 55.6°F (historical average 43.6°F)
Average Low Temperature: 23.6°F (historical average 13.7°F)
Average Temperature: 39.6°F (historical average 28.7°F)
Ski Conditions and Weather
Weather records were shattered across the western United States during the historic warm and dry March of 2026. Here at our weather plot at 8,600 feet in Tuolumne Meadows, monthly records were set in all the categories listed above.
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 park.
With the lower overnight temperatures and warm days, the corn harvest was almost on. Turning and touring on north, east and west aspects above 10,000 feet has been quite good. But, with the upcoming forecast we will have to be patient once again. The road corridor is also quite dynamic this year in particular, so be prepared for snow and/or pavement. And, don’t expect snow on south-facing slopes. Post up somewhere high; set the pack down and enjoy some turns before it all melts!
Wildlife
Spring has been moving so fast, we failed to mention that we observed the first yellow-rumped warblers on March 24 this season! This following observation will sum up our “winter” perfectly: a snow-shoe hare still in its winter pelage, darting back and forth in a futile attempt to camouflage against a brown and green back drop. Yep, we feel ya. Hope to (not) see you next winter our Easter bunny friend.
Questions
The Tuolumne Meadows Ski Hut is open! And, thanks to the hard work of the Historic Preservation Crew, renovation is complete and it looks so warm and cozy! 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 10 bunks that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 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, please see Yosemite’s website: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildfaq.htm#winter or you may contact the wilderness office at 209/372-0740. Do not rely on electricity or phone service at the ski hut.
Come prepared, and please make good decisions while traveling in the wilderness!
Read through the following four pages before embarking on any day or overnight snow travel within this park:
You may contact us with any additional winter Tuolumne Meadows related questions but response times may vary if we are away on patrol.
Have a wonderful summer!
Laura and Rob Pilewski - Tuolumne Meadows winter rangers
