Conditions Report
This post was written by Laura and Rob Pilewski, Tuolumne Meadows winter rangers, on Wednesday, April 2.
- New Snow: 30 inches
- Settled Snow Depth: 71 inches
- High temperature: 45°F (March 27)
- Low temperature: -1°F (April 2)
Ski Conditions and Weather
March went out the same way it came in…. like a lion! Strong southwest winds have accompanied this storm, and we have measured thirty inches of new snow (1.85 inches of snow water equivalent) in the past four days, and flakes are still drifting down from the heavens. The Central Sierra snowpack is looking pretty good for April 1. We completed the monthly snow surveys this week, and the results are encouraging for a decent water year in California. It is important to note that the snow surveys were completed before this most recent storm. These subsequent deposits in the water bank will be reflected in the May 1 snow surveys.
The average snow depth for the six snow courses we measured is 73 inches, and the average snow water equivalent is twenty-seven inches. This equates to about 85% of “average.” The data crunching becomes a bit more complicated when you consider that half of these snow courses are in the Merced, and the other half are in the Tuolumne River drainages. Also, the lower-elevation courses are coming in significantly below average due to a higher snowline during this winter’s storms. Due to the rain at these lower-elevation courses, the average for April 1 snow surveys is only 71% in the Tuolumne basin. This is despite us having measured the same amount of snow and water on the ground here in Tuolumne Meadows as last April 1 when the Tuolumne basin average showed 99%.
From a recreation standpoint, the snow coverage and depth are currently excellent in the Tuolumne Meadows area. Today’s surface conditions of powder snow will likely transition to corn snow soon. Be patient and hold on to these last vestiges of winter, for who knows what future winters will bring.
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. With this week’s return to winter, the avalanche hazards over the short term are wind slabs and dry, loose snow avalanches. The concern will be wet avalanches as the weather warms up and the sun continues to heat the snow surface daily. Timing can be everything this time of year when looking for good skiing and stable avalanche conditions.
Wildlife
Bear tracks were observed in several locations from the west at Olmsted Point to the east near Tioga Pass. Coyotes have also been active and traveling in packs of two or more. When pausing on the road, one walked right on by as if they saw skiers out and about every day out here! Perhaps it was just oblivious as its buddy gave us a wide berth. Either way, this is a good reminder to keep food and backpacks within arm’s reach during the day and to keep food appropriately stored at night.
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 campground’s entrance. It is marked with a sign. Firewood and eight bunks are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Do not rely on electricity or phone service at the ski hut.
Please read through the following webpage before embarking on day or overnight snow travel to the high country: Winter in Tuolumne Meadows.
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, permits are available via self-registration on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more: Wilderness Permits.
Come prepared, and please make good decisions while traveling in the wilderness!
You may contact us with any additional winter Tuolumne Meadows-related questions, but response times may vary if we are away on patrol.
