Weather: (2/2 - 2/7)
High temp: 48°F (2/3)
Low temp: -2°F (2/5)
New Snow: 0 inches
Total settled snow depth: 18 inches as of February
Skiing Conditions and Weather: Ski conditions haven’t changed much as of the last report except for maybe there are now more wind affected areas above tree-line. North aspects still hold some soft stuff. And there is still ample snow for touring. In spite of such a perpetual dry spell the skiing is pretty darn good!
Avalanche and Snowpack Conditions: For the latest avalanche advisory for this area 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. The high density new snow, which fell at the beginning of the storm on January 19th, essentially fell on bare ground making for a good base layer. No avalanche activity has been observed since the last storm cycle.
Wildlife: A couple of Ravens have been spending time here in Tuolumne Meadows. Insectivore birds like the Red-breasted Nuthatch & Brown Creeper are pecking away on the Lodge pole Pines. Haven’t seen the coyote lately but there’s evidence that they’re still out and about.
Questions: Power and phones are probably out for the season. Contact the Wilderness Office at 209/372-0740 with any questions or concerns.