Badger Pass Winter Conditions Update

Weather: Jan 1 – Jan. 6, 2008
High Temp: 55 (1/2, 1/4)
Low Temp: 11 (1/6)

New Snow: 35” (1/5 15”, 1/6 15”)
Total settled snow depth: ~46” - bottom of Eagle Lift

Badger Pass Ski Area: The downhill ski area is 100% open with lifts operating from 9 am to 4 pm daily. The slopes have excellent coverage on groomed runs. There might even be a few pockets of fresh - untracked powder.

Nordic Trail Conditions: 35 inches of new snow has added to a solid base that benefited from cooler December temperatures. Prior to the last storm, all trails were broken and most stream crossings were reported to be passable. Recent reports from Ostrander suggest that re-breaking trails won’t be too difficult with 4 inches of new snow on top of a wind crust. Glacier Point road was groomed as of January 6.

Avalanche Conditions: Although no avalanche forecasting is conducted within Yosemite National Park, the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center posts avalanche advisories for the High Sierra. Go to http://www.esavalanche.org for the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center and click on advisory. The ESAC site is updated several times a week and more often during weather events.

That being said… there have been several local observations that indicate possible areas of high avalanche danger in Yosemite. First, The storm began with warmer temperatures, which in the initial stages of the storm, added a fair amount of rain to the snow pack. Second, it appears that as temperatures cooled, this rain formed a distinct layer in places with the bulk of the new snow loading that new layer. Last but not least, add the significant wind event that occurred during the week and the result is a strong likelihood of slab formation with heavy loading. Please be cautious when traveling through or near avalanche terrain.

Activities: Ranger guided snowshoe walks are offered daily at 10:30 a.m. Meet in front of the A-Frame. Snow shoes are provided; a $5 donation is requested for wear and tear on the snowshoes. The walk is generally two hours long and is moderately strenuous (travel approximately two miles). NO reservations required.

Questions: For weather, Nordic ski-related questions, or overnight wilderness permits you may call the Badger Pass Ranger Station from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 209-372-0409.

Other useful information:
DNC Badger Pass Activities Desk: 372-8430
DNC Snow Phone: 209-372-1000, then press 5
YA/Ostrander Reservations: 209-372-0740
Badger Pass Ski Area website: http://www.yosemitepark.com/DailySnowReport.aspx