Tuolumne Meadows Winter Conditions Update for March 29, 2017

New snow: 18 inches
Total settled snow depth: 100 inches (at 8,600 feet)
High temperature: 49°F (March 28)
Low temperature: 9°F (March 23)

Ski Conditions and Weather: This week the ski conditions ran the gamut again. Just today we asked ourselves: “Was that the last powder run of the season?” Sigh. One never knows. Now, spring is back with some high winds in the forecast and we are out the door for some more potentially record breaking snow surveys.

Avalanche and Snowpack Conditions: Please refer to the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center for the avalanche advisory for this part of the Sierra Nevada.

Winter conditions still exist in the alpine region. Although small pockets of windslab could be triggered, the biggest danger is the “slide for life” scenario on the firm snow surfaces.

On solar aspects, one should be aware of possible wet slides depending on time of day and temperatures.

Anyone entering via Lee Vining Canyon should be prepared with an ice axe and crampons and good route selection skills. Just because the snow is soft coming in, it may not be when heading out. The road corridor above the Warren Fork is not recommended at this time due to a prolonged steep traverse above cliffs. All of these conditions are very dynamic this time of year and may become easier or more difficult depending on the weather.

Caution is advised traveling over lakes and waterways at mid elevations as the ice and snow bridges are rapidly melting.

Wildlife: We saw a mourning dove near Mammoth overlook along the Tioga Road. How sad.

Questions: The Tuolumne Meadows Ski Hut is open. There is firewood and 10 bunks that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Power has been intermittent and there is NO phone service in Tuolumne Meadows this winter. We can be contacted via email, 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, and please make good decisions while travelling in the wilderness this winter. Happy Skiing!