Settled Snow Depth: 39 inches
High temperature: 57°F (February 4)
Low temperature: 16°F (February 16)
Ski Conditions and Weather
It was another warm and dry week here in Tuolumne Meadows. As of this writing, however, a few flakes are starting to fall and we are hopeful for a change to the high-pressure pattern that has dominated the Sierra Nevada weather for over a month. Break out them dancing shoes and do your best snow jig! It likely will not result in it snowing anymore, but this universal expression of freedom will certainly be enjoyable! Dancing is like skiing in this regard!
The calendar still says winter, but there were some good spring ski conditions to be had this week. Coverage is good, though south aspects are becoming patchy. If the forecast becomes reality, it will be a welcome return to winter ski conditions.
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.
The avalanche hazard is presently low but will change dramatically if a load of new snow falls on top of the current snowpack. The “sugar snow” that exists on north aspects around tree line makes for good skiing but lacks cohesion and is quite slippery. A slab of new snow introduced to the equation would increase the avalanche hazard exponentially.
Wildlife
The high-pitched calls of the Golden-crowned Kinglet were heard among the treetops this week. Unlike the mountain chickadees, these tiny birds are not known to roost in holes or go into torpor. Instead, according to at least one observer, they snuggle to stay warm (Beedy). Golden-crowned Kinglets are one of the most abundant year-round residents of the Sierra Nevada’s dense conifer forest.
References
Beedy and Pandolfino. Birds of the Sierra Nevada, their natural history, status and distribution. The Regents of the University of California, 2013.
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 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.
Think Snow!
Laura and Rob Pilewski - Tuolumne Meadows winter rangers
