Re: Tuolumne Meadows Winter Conditions Update: 4/11 - 4/17

High: 55°F (4/12)
Low: 11°F (4/16)
New Snow: 2”
Total settled snow depth: 10” as of April 17th

Skiing Conditions and Weather: This week provided some great corn skiing opportunities below tree line, but above there is still some challenging wind-affected snow. This should change for the better with the upcoming melt freeze cycle. There is more bare ground showing every day, and the best coverage remains on north facing slopes above 9,000’. You better get it while you can as the base depth here in Tuolumne is less than one foot and the road corridor is melting fast. Between Crane Flat and Tioga Pass there are sections of bare pavement which grow larger every day. The east side of Tioga Pass is snow free in Lee Vining Canyon.

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 avalanche hazard in the Tuolumne area is low. With warming temperatures the threat of wet snow avalanches exists especially on any night that does not freeze the upper part of the snowpack.

Wildlife: This week the mountains came alive. The bears have awakened and tracks were seen at Tuolumne and near the Mono/Parker trailhead. Countless bird species are now making themselves at home here. Most notable were three pairs of Mallards, a Western Meadowlark and a Bald Eagle that we observed fishing along the river in Tuolumne Meadows.

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. You can call the Tuolumne Meadows Ranger Station at 209/372-8734. If you leave a message we will get back to you the first chance we get. Power and phones are frequently out of service. Contact the wilderness office at 209/372-0740 with any questions or concerns if you are unable to reach the ranger station. Come prepared; don’t count on electricity or phone service at the ski hut.

Crap. The bears are back. It was fun while it lasted....

Quote
Paris92
Crap. The bears are back. It was fun while it lasted....

They were never really gone.

True.