New Snow: 2 inches
Settled Snow Depth: 36 inches
High temperature: 50°F (January 11)
Low temperature: 3°F (January 7)
Ski Conditions and Weather
The wax and scraper, indeed, came in handy this week. And no sooner than one trail was broken, another would be erased by the wind. Although the snow is now littered with pine needles, there is no shortage of sunshine or powder.
At present, expect snow from the Lee Vining Gate to the east and at the Valley Rim and below to the west. These trails with minimal snow may be quite icy in places.
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 end of the stormy weather was punctuated by two “last” wind events: one southwesterly as the January 7 one exited and a northeasterly one 24 hours later. It was rather convenient that the brunt of this occurred at night. Thanks Mother Nature! Both clocked above 90 mph wind gusts at “neighboring” Mammoth Mountain. In between those two, wind slab avalanches were seen on numerous northeast aspects.Now our attention will turn from the altimeter to the thermometer. At the lower elevations, without the deep freezes, wet slides and/or glide avalanches may be of concern as will be rock or ice fall. Time for an alpine start friends!
Wildlife
This week the various weasels and pine martens mocked our sticky, heavy skis as they bounded over the snow with ease. The birds are becoming more vocal with the mountain chickadees, brown creepers, white breasted nuthatch and golden crowned kinglets flitting about the pine boughs.
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, visit the park’s website 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.
Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day!
Laura and Rob Pilewski - Tuolumne Meadows winter rangers
