Conditions Report
Report from Thursday, April 4, 2024, and written by Laura and Rob Pilewski – Tuolumne Meadows winter rangers
- New Snow: 24 inches
- Settled Snow Depth: 58 inches
- High Temperature: 50°F (April 2)
- Low Temperature: 10°F (March 31)
March Weather Summary
- New Snow: 94 inches (historical average 55.5 inches)
- Snow Water Equivalent: 6.42 inches (historical average 3.84 inches)
- Average High Temperature: 36.1°F (historical average 40.2°F)
- Average Low Temperature: 12.61°F (historical average 13.7°F)
- Average Temperature: 24.59°F (historical average 28.7°F)
Ski Conditions and Weather
It was a wintry week to close out the month of March—“out like a lion,” so to speak. It was another month of above-average precipitation and snowfall and a bit cooler than “normal.” We have been out doing the April 1 snow surveys this week, and with one more course to go, the Tuolumne River drainage is coming in between 90-100% of average.
Springtime in the Sierra Nevada has arrived… before we get too excited about the sunny warm days being here to stay, however, one look at the weather forecast should bring us back to the reality of the finicky nature of spring in the range of light. Temperatures in the 50s over the next few days will give way to a blast of cold air dropping down from the north and returning to high temperatures in the 20s. Living in the mountain moment will allow us to enjoy the bluebird powder days in store for the next few days!
It is a good time of year to be prepared for any and all snow conditions, some of which may require ice axes and crampons in the alpine zones.
As of this writing, Tioga Road is dry pavement from the gate near Lee Vining to the Warren Fork (9,000 feet) but can be dynamic this time of year.
Avalanche and Snowpack Conditions
For avalanche advisories for this part of the Sierra Nevada, please refer to the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center and the Bridgeport Avalanche Center.
The snowpack is becoming more isothermal with each passing warm day. With the new snowfall this week, some wind slab formations and isolated pockets of wind slab avalanches were formed. For now, avalanche hazards will be driven by new loading and periods of instability on solar aspects during the day’s heat. It is always a good idea this time of year to keep an eye on overnight temperatures to ensure a surface freeze of ski objectives.
History of Snow Surveys
“[Snow] Density is… a reliable indicator for when the spring runoff will begin when the snow changes from its solid to its liquid state. Eventually, all the snow becomes homogeneous at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the freezing point of water. Any additional energy absorbed from the sun melts the top layer, which percolates down without re-freezing, and finally leaves the snow to flow into the ground and streams as the spring runoff” (Armstrong 48). Although this process is temporarily on hold again, spring is just around the corner!
Wildlife
While traveling west of Tenaya Lake, we heard the low-pitched calls of the male sooty grouse. Hairy woodpeckers are becoming more vocal. And a golden eagle emerged from the clouds during a snow squall here in Tuolumne Meadows. Finally, we not only saw the tracks of the Easter bunny (aka snowshoe hare) but saw it underneath a whitebark pine along the slopes of Mt. Dana. Unfortunately, it didn’t leave us any easter eggs or chocolate bunnies.
Questions
The Tuolumne Meadows Ski Hut is open. This primitive cabin is the campground reservation office in the summer and is located along Tioga Road at the entrance to the campground. It is marked with a sign. Firewood and eight bunks 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, Tuolumne Meadows has electricity and limited phone service.
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:
– Wilderness in Winter
– Winter Safety
– Snow Travel Tips: Weekly posts from January through April 2022
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.
Happy skiing!
Laura and Rob Pilewski – Tuolumne Meadows winter rangers
Source: NPS
