Total settled snow depth: 115 inches (at 8,600 feet)
High temperature: 49°F (February 13)
Low temperature: 3°F (February 12)
Ski Conditions and Weather

Avalanche and Snowpack Conditions
Please refer to the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center for the avalanche advisory for this part of the Sierra Nevada.
With only short breaks between bouts of wet weather this winter the snowpack has not had much of a chance to find its happy, stable place. Just like the weather and ski conditions, the avalanche hazard ran the gamut this week. First there was the threat of wet slides and glide avalanches from rain soaked snow. There was an impressive one on Tuolumne Peak. Then there was the threat of storm slab avalanches, followed by an increasing hazard of wind slab avalanches. Now, the warming temperatures have increased the avalanche hazard from wet loose, and wet slab avalanches on sunny aspects. Numerous avalanches were reported in Lee Vining Canyon, some of which hit the road, following this week’s snow and winds.
Wildlife
With another cameo appearance of the sun this week, the resident wildlife has been out and about early, actively searching for food. It has been rush hour on the Tioga Road lately. One morning two pine martens ran across it heading towards Lembert Dome looking for the goods at the same time the two winter rangers were. However, they were probably looking for a juniper berry stuffed bird or rodent for breakfast. The rangers were looking for another form of sustenance: powder. Nice to know there was at least one other pair up here frolicking in the snow on Valentine’s Day!
Questions
The Tuolumne Meadows Ski Hut is open. There is firewood and 10 bunks that are available on a first come, first served basis. Power has been intermittent and there is NO phone service in Tuolumne Meadows this winter. We can be contacted via email, but we may be delayed in responding if we are on patrol. Contact the wilderness office at 209/372-0740 with any questions or concerns. Come prepared, and please make good decisions while travelling in the wilderness this winter.
Happy Skiing!
Laura and Rob Pilewski - Tuolumne Meadows Winter Rangers
