Half Dome and Mt Watkins from Tresidder Peak on February 10, 2022.
New Snow: none
Settled Snow Depth: 42 inches
High temperature: 52°F (February 7)
Low temperature: 11°F (February 3)
Ski Conditions and Weather
February 17, 2022 - By Laura and Rob Pilewski - We haven’t reported any new snow for the last six weeks, and little snow is in the forecast this week.
Echo Peaks on February 12, 2022.
Avalanche and Snowpack Conditions
Please refer to the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center (ESAC) for the avalanche advisory for this part of the Sierra Nevada.
The avalanche hazard is presently low, but beware of ice, loose wet snow and/or rockfall when the sun hits those solar aspects especially during the heat of the day. Ice axe and crampons are recommended for travel in the alpine zone and traction devices on lower elevation shaded trails.
Columbia Finger on February 9, 2022.
Snow Travel Tip
It’s supposed to be a bit windy this week. With temperatures dropping along with the wind chill factor it’s nice to throw a balaclava or neck gaiter and a pair of goggles back in the pack. Occasionally, we have seen days where there can be ground blizzards with clear blue skies. And frostbite or nip can be a hazard along with poor visibility. During such conditions, batten down the hatches in camp and make sure everything is secured when opening your pack. It’s always a good idea to carry an extra pair waterproof gloves in case they get wet or blown away when you take them off. A nice dry pair of wool socks can also fit the bill in a pinch especially once the rivers and streams start opening up in case you accidentally get the feet wet.
Wildlife
In addition to a lone coyote, we have seen separate flocks of pine siskin and dark-eyed juncos flitting about in the canopy and on the ground respectively harvesting seeds in their separate niches. And, although we’ve only seen or heard one every few winters, a solitary pine grosbeak could be heard “squeaking” from the high branches of the western white pine and hemlock forest along the Cathedral Lakes trail area.
Questions
The wilderness is open! But, especially during this pandemic where local resources may be limited, we implore you to be self-sufficient and not put others at risk. Please #RecreateResponsibly by planning and preparing thoroughly for your outdoor activities in the park.
Read through the following two 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.
Snow equals love!
Laura and Rob Pilewski - Tuolumne Meadows winter rangers
Upper Cathedral Lake on February 9, 2022.
Source: NPS
