New Snow: 10 inches
Settled Snow Depth: 56 inches
High temperature: 53°F (February 27)
Low temperature: 9°F (March 4th)
February Weather Summary
New Snow: 68 inches (historical average 62.1 inches)
Snow Water Equivalent: 6.91 inches (historical average 4.53 inches)
Average High Temperature: 40.2°F (historical average 40.2°F)
Average Low Temperature: 12.3°F (historical average 10.3°F)
Average Temperature: 26.25°F (historical average 25.2°F)
Ski Conditions and Weather
An unsettled weather pattern has returned to the Sierra. Coming on the heels of a slightly wetter than average February, we are hopeful that March continues to add to the Sierra snowpack. The average snow depth across our patrol area based on the snow survey results is 65.6 inches. Snow line to the west presently is at the Snow Creek Bridge and to the east is at the Warren Fork.
Last week we completed the last two snow survey courses at Rafferty Meadow and Fletcher Lake near Vogelsang High Sierra Camp. Travel was quick and some of the best of the season. Dark towering cumulus clouds were billowing to the north when we slid down-canyon at dusk. As we type the post today, the second in a series of storms has left a dusting of soft snow on the ground and the corn harvest is on hold. It's powder season once again!
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.
Snow is presently falling so most likely wind and storm slabs will be of concern in the avalanche forecast. Earlier this week, however, smooth, granitic domes and features were starting to show "frowns," which are also brought to our faces when we realize winter doesn’t last forever. These "frowns" appear where the snow is starting to slip down the slope exposing the rock beneath.
This "gliding initially occurs at speeds that are imperceptible to the human eye and forms visible cracks through the snowpack (called glide cracks). Glide may cause the entire snowpack to release suddenly and catastrophically in the form of a Glide Avalanche. Glide is typically caused by meltwater lubricating the ground, though in some cases gliding can occur when temperatures are well below freezing. Glide occurs on very specific slopes where the ground surface is smooth, such as slick bedrock or grassy fields."
Wildlife
Festive Fringillids have been feasting among the pine boughs throughout the Sierra this winter. This week there was music in the air as the Cassin's finch, who we suspected may have overwintered among the white-bark pines, sung from the treetops from Tuolumne Meadows to Tioga Pass. A few dark-eyed juncos have returned, and a lone western meadowlark flew overhead this morning as the most recent storm clouds parted. Last night a northern pygmy owl rapidly hooted at the setting crescent moon.
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. Do not rely on electricity or phone service at the ski hut.
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.
Spring ahead even though it's still winter!
Laura and Rob Pilewski - Tuolumne Meadows winter rangers
