New Snow: 8 inches
Settled Snow Depth: 31 inches
High temperature: 41°F (December 28)
Low temperature: -2°F (December 31)
December Weather Summary
New Snow: 43 inches (historical average 55.6 inches)
Snow Water Equivalent: 3.14 inches (historical average 4.40 inches)
Average High Temperature: 42.5°F (historical average 40°F)
Average Low Temperature: 14.2°F (historical average 10.3°F)
Average Temperature: 28.35°F (historical average 25.5°F)
Ski Conditions and Weather
“Another year over, and a new one just begun…” Last year on this date there was only three inches on the Tuolumne Meadows snow stake, and this year there are thirty-one!
The objective weather data collected at the Tuolumne Meadows weather plot tells the story of our warming planet. Sure, this snow makes for great skiing, but more importantly, the Sierra Nevada is the biggest natural reservoir we’ve got. Larger than Lake Mead and taller than Oroville Dam, these mountains hold much more liquid gold. Snow equals money. Snow equals electricity. Snow equals food.
Snow also equals fun! Unfortunately, for those of you who do enjoy sliding downhill, these warmer storms haven’t yet allowed Yosemite’s historic Badger Pass Ski Area at an elevation of 7,200 feet to open. A warming climate has tangible effects that include a rising snowline. Do you want to decide the fate of your grandchildren? Do you want to share the tradition of a family ski vacation? Or just experience the joy of a snowball fight or the making of a snow angel? What do we want to do about it? How are we going to make a difference? Protect our winters!
For today, we are thankful for a good snowpack here in the Tuolumne Meadows area. Ski conditions are variable due to the high winds that have accompanied the storms and the warm temperatures in between. These crust layers can make for challenging surface conditions for making turns but can offer a mostly supportable surface for good ski touring.
Avalanche and Snowpack Conditions
Please refer to the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center (ESAC) and the Bridgeport Avalanche Center for the avalanche advisories for this part of the Sierra Nevada.
Presently the avalanche hazard in the Tuolumne Meadows area is low. Whenever there is snow on a slope steep enough to slide, however, there are no “no” avalanche hazard days. Wilderness skiers should be mindful of wind effected alpine snow conditions and be prepared for changing conditions.
Wildlife
The resident owls came out to celebrate the New Year! Both northern saw-whet owls and great horned owls were quite vocal after sundown to ring in 2025. And, of random note, a rather haggard looking western meadowlark was possibly blown up to Tioga Pass after a windstorm that exceeded gusts of 75 mph.
Moment of Zen
A new year is a great time to reflect inward towards yourself and not worry about others and things you cannot change.
No matter where you live, the sun rises and sets. If you’ve ever seen animals on a documentary, in the zoo or in the park, you may have noticed how they like to bask in the morning sun. This not only warms them up physically, but this low angle sunlight, even on a cloudy day, sets their circadian rhythm (internal clock). No need for a watch or a smart phone. This light penetrates the retinas of their eyes which in turn triggers the brain to release cortisol to wake up and set the timer for, melatonin later in the day, which promotes sleep. Even a few minutes of this early morning light has a multitude of “free” health benefits for both mental and physical health. Just don’t stare directly at the sun! With that said, you will NOT reap the benefits from behind a window or pair of sunglasses for that brief morning ritual. Although an artificial sun lamp/pad has its perks, it is much more gratifying to get out of doors in winter, embrace the cool air and absorb that natural light!
Questions
The Tuolumne Meadows Ski Hut is open. This primitive cabin is the campground reservation office in the summer and is located along the Tioga Road at the entrance to the campground. It is marked with a sign. There is firewood and 8 bunks that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For those visiting the Tuolumne Meadows Ski Hut from the east (only) permits are self-issued at the Ski Hut. For those entering from other areas, please see Yosemite’s website: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildfaq.htm#winter or you may contact the wilderness office at 209/372-0740. As of this writing, there is electricity and limited (Verizon) phone service in Tuolumne Meadows.
Come prepared, and please make good decisions while traveling in the wilderness!
Read through the following three pages before embarking on any day or overnight snow travel within this park:
You may contact us with any additional winter Tuolumne Meadows related questions but response times may vary if we are away on patrol.
Szczęśliwego Nowego Roku!
Laura and Rob Pilewski - Tuolumne Meadows winter rangers
