New Snow: 37 inches
Settled Snow Depth: 50 inches
High Temperature: 39°F (January 2)
Low Temperature: 6°F (January 6)
December Weather Summary
New Snow: 58 inches (historical average 55.6 inches)
Snow Water Equivalent: 5.28 inches (historical average 4.40 inches)
Average High Temperature: 47.6°F (historical average 40.0°F)
Average Low Temperature: 22.5°F (historical average 10.3°F)
Average Temperature: 35.05°F (historical average 25.5°F)
Ski Conditions and Weather
Well, we fell just short of the century mark of new snow since we arrived here…The Tuolumne weather plot has measured 95 inches of new snow since Christmas Eve. We have not experienced such a dramatic transition from bare ground to a mid-winter snowpack in such a short period in our fifteen seasons working in Tuolumne Meadows. That is a maritime climate for you. If the stars line up and the Atmospheric River (AR) hose is pointed at the Sierra Nevada, winter can occur overnight. And this comes on the heels of the warmest December (by a lot) that we have recorded here in Tuolumne Meadows. Weather whiplash anyone?
The ski conditions are excellent in the Tuolumne Meadows area right now. The snow surface is supportable and there is great coverage. There were two visitors that arrived via the John Muir Trail (JMT) from Yosemite Valley this week and they reported good coverage above Little Yosemite Valley (LYV).
We are unsure of the conditions in Lee Vining Canyon presently but will be sure to post once we get more information.
As always, surface conditions can change rapidly 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.
The New Year’s storm came in warm and wet (we had rain in Tuolumne Meadows on New Year’s Eve) and exited much colder with an intense period of heavy snowfall (3 inches or so an hour) on January 4. We observed large cornice development during the storm due to the strong southwest winds that accompanied the snowfall. The instabilities that we observed during the storm involved only layers within the new snow, namely storm slabs (due to density changes within the new snow), and wind slabs. When the storm moved out on January 5, we did not observe any deep or large-scale avalanching like we did following the Christmas storm.
Wildlife
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.
We dedicate this Tuolumne Meadows post to our friend and teacher Gene Rose. Gene was a tireless advocate of all things Sierra Nevada, and in particular Yosemite and Kings Canyon National Parks. Gene Rose was a historian and writer whose work brought the Range of Light to life for so many. Happy trails Gene!
Laura and Rob Pilewski - Tuolumne Meadows winter rangers
