New Snow: 61 inches
Settled Snow Depth: 77 inches
High temperature: 41°F (March 16)
Low temperature: 3°F (March 16)
Ski Conditions and Weather
This first half of March has certainly roared in like a lion. We measured sixty-one inches of new snow and 3.57 inches of water at our weather plot here in Tuolumne Meadows at 8,600 feet this week. Strong winds have accompanied these storms. The central Sierra is now around 90% of average for this time of year.
The high amounts of low-density snow that fell this week has limited our ability to travel very far due to the arduous nature of the trail breaking. Conditions like this result in only being able to travel about ½ mile in an hour, and at times can be rather exhausting. But this adds a natural buffer for when the trail breaking is this difficult, the avalanche hazard is typically higher, Mother Nature tempering our powder fever. The upside of all the new snow, of course, is a solid deposit in the water bank. These dividends will pay out soon enough for what the Sierra is also known for: spring skiing!! In the meantime, don’t forget 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.
We observed storm and wind slab instabilities this week. The intense snowfall rates on the night of March 12 did not give the new snow a chance to settle into its “happy place” and many shear planes were observed the following day. Just as the storm snow started to settle, high winds easily transported the low-density snow and formed touchy wind slabs. Wilderness travelers should be prepared for dynamic conditions and make real-time assessments of avalanche hazard especially with any rapid warming.
Wildlife
The pine marten was clearly more adept at snow travel this week as one quickly bounded by the visitors as if they were standing still. Even the invention of the wide ski couldn't keep them afloat in their deep powdery trenches. And as if to mock us skiers even more, the golden eagle flew over the winter rangers' heads after their morning skin up Lembert Dome.
Moment of Zen
"The complexity and detail of a single snowflake... How could something as small and ordinary as snow be so perfectly beautiful?” It gives one “...the sense that there [is] more to the world than immediately meets the eye.... that every drift [is] made up of a universe of starry crystals...” where "... the already gorgeous world becomes even more beautiful the closer you look."
As we approach the vernal equinox, we wax poetic when sliding through (or shoveling!) these ephemeral miracles. Even now as we type, some have already changed from stellar to liquid form, dripping off the eaves of our roof like teardrops, a reminder of how short and sweet life can be.
Never take it for granted. Recognize the beauty in everything and everyone around you. Every day.
- Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses (Oregon State University Press, 2003) ISBN 0-87071-499-6, p. vi.
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.
Laura and Rob Pilewski - Tuolumne Meadows winter rangers
