New Snow: none
Settled Snow Depth: 19 inches
High temperature: 69°F (March 19)
Low temperature: 26°F (March 23)
Ski Conditions and Weather
The average high temperature this week was 65°F. This is 22 degrees above average for March. In fact, 65°F is the average high temperature for June here in Tuolumne Meadows! This unprecedented heat wave has caused a rapid melting of the snowpack (aka California’s largest reservoir) at all elevations. We will be conducting the April 1 snow surveys this week and soon be able to quantify the “damage.” It was so hot in Tuolumne Meadows this week that when we left our phone on the snow even briefly it read "phone needs to cool down." We certainly felt the same. For better or worse, one of us was able to cool down when we sunk nearly waist deep in a pool of water when crossing Tuolumne Meadows. Mind over matter doesn't work when crossing snow bridges and they have become increasingly hard to find. But these conditions haven't stopped the intrepid Yosemite Winter Ski Club or even some skate (not recommended!) skiers who have been out enjoying the sunshine. There are some good corn turns to be had on east and west aspects, depending on time of day. The overnight freeze has not been getting deep enough for north aspects yet. We found these colder aspects to still be punchy and hazardous this week.
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.Snow Creek Cabin is closed for the season. There is still good snow coverage from Tioga Pass westward, but a few small patches of bare pavement are starting to show. Watch out for rockfall triggered wet (loose) avalanches especially near rock bands. At lower elevations, trap doors can also be found near rocks and downed trees.
Normally, time of day and thawing play the biggest roles in the avalanche hazard in "springtime." But things are not "normal" so be vigilant no matter when or where you are traveling in the mountains until conditions stabilize. If you're lucky enough to find a snow bridge, do not trust its integrity. And it may be gone when you return. Dry logs may become submerged as well. Don't anticipate crossing frozen lakes on ski tours. Have contingency plans. Maybe it's time to relax and do a bird count.
Wildlife
Spring has sprung in earnest. Brewer's and red-winged blackbirds are posting up at the Tuolumne Meadows Store and Parsons Lodge areas. Moths and butterflies are floating through in increasing numbers, some pausing on visitors’ shoulders. And a first for us… the flowers are blooming?!
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.
Happy springtime!
Laura and Rob Pilewski - Tuolumne Meadows winter rangers