Tuolumne Meadows Winder Conditions Update for April 15th, 2015

New snow: none
Total settled snow depth: 0 inches (at 8,600 feet)
High temperature: 56°F (April 12)
Low temperature: 9°F (April 9)

Skiing/Snowshoeing Conditions and Weather: This is our final post of the season. The snow from last week is mostly melted out around Tuolumne Meadows and there is essentially no skiing below 9500 feet. Above 9500 feet on north aspects, there are still skiing opportunities, but these are very limited. The best ski opportunities exist north of Tioga Pass around Bennettville and Saddlebag Lake, though travelers should anticipate having to carry skis for stretches in these places as well. The east side of Tioga Pass (Highway 120 from US 395 to Tioga Pass) is open. In Yosemite National Park, the Tioga Road is closed between Tioga Pass and Crane Flat.

Avalanche and Snowpack Conditions: For the avalanche advisory for this area of the Sierra Nevada go to http://www.esavalanche.org for the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center.

Wildlife: Within 48 hours of our most recent snow storm, fresh mountain lion, coyote, pine marten, weasel, snow-shoe hare and Douglas squirrel tracks lined the Tioga Road. Now that the snow has melted, one would have no idea how many animals use this road corridor before the onslaught of the motor vehicle. Remember that this is their home as you explore your national parks this summer: please slow down and enjoy. Or better yet, get out on foot and try to find these elusive critters while enjoying the fresh air!
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Questions: The Tuolumne Meadows Ski Hut is open! There is an ample supply of firewood and 10 bunks that are available on a first come, first served basis. There is power but no public phone service in Tuolumne Meadows this winter. We can be contacted via email at Robert_Pilewski@nps.gov, but we may be delayed in responding if we are on patrol. Contact the wilderness office at 209/372-0740 with any questions or concerns. Come prepared; don't count on electricity or phone service at the ski hut.

Many thanks for a great season of reports. Much appreciated.