Settled Snow Depth: 50 inches
High temperature: 52°F (March 8)
Low temperature: -1°F (March 8)
Ski Conditions and Weather
This week we experienced both winter and spring, ski and weather conditions. A nice freshening up storm to start the week produced good powder conditions, while the last four days of warm temperatures and calm winds have got the corn cooking on the solar aspects. On many slopes, almost every turn was different. We are hopeful the upcoming week will produce some more fresh snow opportunities. Visitors should be prepared for changing snow conditions and plan accordingly. Definitely bring the wax and scraper!
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.
The avalanche hazard will likely be changing with incoming pacific storms. We observed some isolated dry loose avalanches this week, otherwise we did not note any instabilities in the snowpack.
Wildlife
Last week as the clouds were parting, we saw the unmistakable mask of the peregrine falcon as it effortlessly glided overhead.
We often wonder how curious we must appear on the white landscape below with long boards on our feet. For us land-locked humans, it is no wonder that these aerodynamic birds were the inspiration (literally and figuratively) for us to take flight.
Anytime we are lucky enough to see the peregrine or the bald eagle, we are awestruck, not just by how close these birds came to being extirpated, but the direct role we as humans played in both causing this and bringing them back from the brink of extinction.
Learn more about peregrine falcons and their story:
In our mere lifetime, it has come full circle from no nesting peregrines being spotted in Yosemite National Park for over thirty years to there being over thirteen nesting pairs. Perhaps, we have yet another family of peregrines moving back to the domeland!
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. Do not rely on electricity or phone service at the ski hut.
Read through the following webpage before embarking on any day or overnight snow travel to the high country: Winter in Tuolumne Meadows.
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, permits are available via self-registration on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more: Wilderness Permits.
Come prepared, and please make good decisions while traveling in the wilderness!
You may contact us with any additional winter Tuolumne Meadows related questions but response times may vary if we are away on patrol.
Stay inspired by nature!
Laura and Rob Pilewski - Tuolumne Meadows winter rangers
