New Snow: 1 inch
Settled Snow Depth: 20 inches
High Temperature: 57°F (January 28)
Low Temperature: 5°F (January 26)
Ski Conditions and Weather
Stay tuned next week for updated information regarding ski conditions and weather.
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.
Stay tuned next week for updated information regarding avalanche and snowpack conditions.
History of Snow Surveys
“In the fall… [snow survey] crew[s] would hike into the remote cabins [most of which] were built for that sole purpose. A pack train would follow, delivering enough canned, dried or powdered foods to last the extended winter” (Rose 36). Hopefully, the bears wouldn’t raid the cabin in the interim as they sometimes did. Firewood would also be stocked. Many of the cabins in the Southern Sierra “…are in ideal locations and situated a day’s ski apart. They are constructed of either log or rock and organized inside to accommodate” [typically three people] (Armstrong 53). Some have transom doors, above the main door “…to gain entrance on those big snow years” (Armstrong 58).Most of these primitive cabins lack electricity and running water but have a wood stove to melt snow and cook on. Now one can utilize propane stoves and solar powered lanterns as well. Although snow surveyors have more creature comforts in this day and age, they can still get stuck for over a week during a blizzard as even modern-day forecasts are still just that, a forecast!
Wildlife
Stay tuned next week for updated information regarding wildlife.
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 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.
References
Armstrong, Patrick. The Log of a Snow Survey: Skiing and working in the winter world of the Sierra Nevada. Abbott Press, 2013.
Rose, Gene. Snow Warriors: The Heroic Trail of the Early Snow Surveyors. Gene Rose, 2022.
Stay safe!
Laura and Rob Pilewski - Tuolumne Meadows winter rangers