New Snow: 29 inches
Settled Snow Depth: 50 inches
High Temperature: 44°F (February 15)
Low Temperature: -8°F (February 16)
Ski Conditions and Weather
There was measurable new snow on five of the seven days this week. The atmospheric river that is now exiting the area was an underperformer regarding snow amounts and water content, but an overperformer in regard to the winds. High winds were observed this week before, during, and after storm events. Our settled snow depth is now at fifty inches here in Tuolumne Meadows, which is quite respectable when one considers how dry November and December were. Ski conditions and snow coverage now present ample opportunities for wilderness winter recreation.
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 measured 2.27 inches of SWE (Snow Water Equivalent) at our weather plot here in Tuolumne Meadows this week. The surrounding alpine zones, especially north aspects, and wind loaded slopes got significantly more than that. This provided yet another test of the weak snow layers at the base of the snowpack. We did not observe any significant avalanche activity on our patrols, though a snow pit that we dug at Tioga Pass confirmed the continued presence of depth hoar and the potential hazard from persistent slab avalanches. High winds have sculpted the alpine snow surface and formed wind slabs in some locations.
History of Snow Surveys
In the 1920s Professor of Civil Engineering at University of Reno, H. P. Boardman joined Church’s snow survey efforts. He not only “…helped develop the complex mathematical formula by which snowpack measurements are converted into water runoff forecasts (McLaughlin) but “…he also became proficient in locating snow courses. Boardman preferred ‘mountain meadows, open spaces or flat topography,’ away from areas prone to winds and drifting snow. The foremost imperative was a well-marked course that can be located in a storm” (Rose 59).
“At that formative period, the Truckee, Carson and Walker watersheds dominated their early measurements” (Rose 61). Now, these courses can be found across the western United States. California monitors upwards of 300 courses. National Park Service (NPS) personnel survey six courses here in the Tuolumne Meadows area and fourteen courses in Yosemite National Park. Later this week, we start breaking trail for round two of the 2024 season. We were about 75% of normal before President’s Day weekend. Stay tuned.
Wildlife
Hoot! Hoot! This was owl week in Tuolumne Meadows with a couple of great horned owls bantering at dawn and dusk. And not to be out done, the rapid-fire calls of a northern pygmy owl competed to be heard. Even throughout the day this diminutive, little guy remained vocal, so much that we were even able to track it down and catch it “on film” while it was being mobbed by some brave mountain chickadees. Another bird we have heard a couple of times this season, has been the evening grosbeak. Although normally gregarious, there have been at least a few visiting the south facing slopes of Lembert Dome this season; we hadn’t definitively seen them since late December. We thought they might have left with the Steller’s jay and dark-eyed junco, but they are still showing up from time to time. Last but not least, on the warmer sunny days, the hairy woodpecker squawked a few times near Tuolumne Meadows and Tioga Pass.
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
Rose, Gene. Snow Warriors: The Heroic Trail of the Early Snow Surveyors. Gene Rose, 2022.
McLaughlin, Mark. “Father of snow surveying called the Sierra home.” Sierra Sun, 28, Apr. 2006. https://www.sierrasun.com/news/father-of-snow-surveying-called-the-sierra-home/. Accessed 15 Feb. 2024.
Powder!
Laura and Rob Pilewski - Tuolumne Meadows winter rangers