New Snow: 58 inches
Settled Snow Depth: 36 inches
High temperature: 45°F (December 30)
Low temperature: 3°F (December 29)
Ski Conditions and Weather
The winter rangers migrated to Yosemite a bit later this year and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Well, almost…
Then, insta-winter. From zero to five feet on the base stake. And just like that, Santa delivered 5.38 inches of water to the Bank of the Sierra. Cha ching!
Conditions have run the gamut, from dirt to ice to deep, bottomless powder. But, with each passing day and warm temperatures, travel is becoming easier, and the snow is becoming more supportable, especially in the open. However, it still holds some surprise pockets of unconsolidated facets where one sinks nearly to the ground. Considering that one week ago the Sierra Nevada was mostly bare ground, we could not have asked for better coverage or ski conditions above about 7,000 feet. As always, surface conditions change with temperature and sky cover, so bring the wax and scraper.
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.
Tragedy struck the eastern Sierra on December 26 at Mammoth Mountain. One ski patroller was injured, and one was killed while performing avalanche mitigation work. Ski patrollers risk their lives daily so that others can recreate more safely. Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Cole Murphy and to the entire mountain community.
Once again, our snowpack is more reminiscent of a continental (versus maritime) one where facets and rain crusts provide weak layers underneath the newly fallen snow. The old snow exists primarily on north-facing aspects above 9,000 feet. The rain crusts lurk up to 11,000 feet and can be seen like a beacon on wind exposed ridges or can be found buried deeply underneath the recent storm snow. As the winds shift and the snowpack is settling, these persistent weak layers are something to be acutely aware of as the winter progresses.
Wildlife
While dragging the last of our fresh veggies and supplies down the ice and asphalt, we happily paused to watch a dozen of our feathered fringillid friends, the pine grosbeak, as they clung to the swaying branches of a lodgepole pine. Although their more common relative, the red crossbill, frequents the area and has similar habits, the “…warbly, rolling calls” (Beedy) and striking wing pattern of the pine grosbeak was unmistakable and a joy to watch as we returned “home” to the mountains.
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.
Come prepared, and please make good decisions while traveling in the wilderness!
Read through the following three 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.
References
Beedy and Pandolfino. Birds of the Sierra Nevada, their natural history, status and distribution. The Regents of the University of California, 2013.
“And there's a hand my trusty friend!
And give me a hand o' thine!
And we'll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne!”
Laura and Rob Pilewski - Tuolumne Meadows winter rangers