High On LeConte - Daily Posts

December 6, 2019

12/6/2019

Good morning friends,

The temperatures ranged from a high yesterday of 37 degrees and a low last night of 19 degrees. The current temperature this morning is 32 degrees. We had no new precipitation.

The temperatures hovered around freezing for most of the day so we still have 2.5 inches of snow on the ground.

Also remember if you’re going to be hiking on any of the trails leading to the top of LeConte, there continues to be a great deal of snow and ice, particularly at higher elevations.

At last report US 441 is open but Cherokee Orchard remains closed above Twin Creeks Science Center.

Here is the official weather report from Mountain-Forecast.com

Mount LeConte Weather (Days 0-3): The weather forecast for Mount LeConte is: Mostly dryFreeze-thaw conditions (max 3°C on Thu night, min -1°C on Fri afternoon)Winds decreasing (strong winds from the NW on Thu morning, calm by Sat morning).

Mount LeConte Weather (Days 3-6): Heavy rain (total 45mm), mostly on Mon night. Becoming colder with a light covering of snow, mostly falling on Tue morningFreeze-thaw conditions (max 8°C on Mon night, min -10°C on Tue night)Winds increasing (moderate winds from the SSW on Sun morning, gales from the SW by Mon night).

Well as I mentioned above, the temperature didn’t rise much above freezing for most of the day but compared to previous days and given the fact that we had full sun, all day long, it almost felt warm.....well almost.

It was a great day to get out and do some exploring and to lay down some more tracks in the snow where none had been. I chose Trillium and really enjoyed the peace and solitude.

My enjoyment was enhanced when I met a really nice fellow hiker who was headed up the trail as I was headed down. He then followed my prints up and I followed his down and then of course we crossed paths again on our return trips.

It was a good day here high on LeConte but then most days are good days here on LeConte.

Take care, enjoy life and as always stay safe

December 5, 2019

12/5/2019

Good morning friends,

The temperatures ranged from a high yesterday of 30 degrees and a low last night of 17 degrees The current temperature this morning is 19 degrees. We had no new precipitation.

The temperatures stayed in the 20s for most of the day so we currently still have 3 inches of snow on the ground.

I’ll repeat yesterday’s advise: Hike with extreme caution. Pay particular attention to areas that the sun may have thawed during the day but will refreeze during the night. Dress in warm layers, take plenty of hydration and don’t forget those traction devices.

At last report US 441 is open but Cherokee Orchard remains closed above Twin Creeks Science Center.

Here is the official weather report from Mountain-Forecast.com

Mount LeConte Weather (Days 0-3): The weather forecast for Mount LeConte is: Mostly dryFreeze-thaw conditions (max 2°C on Thu afternoon, min -2°C on Wed night)Winds decreasing (gales from the NW on Wed night, calm by Sat afternoon).

Mount LeConte Weather (Days 3-6): Moderate rain (total 13mm) heaviest on Mon night, then becoming colder with a dusting of snow on Tue morningFreeze-thaw conditions (max 6°C on Mon night, min -6°C on Tue afternoon)Winds increasing (light winds from the SSE on Sat night, gales from the W by Mon night).

Well as I mentioned above, it was fairly cold all day yesterday. A day that saw only a handful of brave hikers make the trip up.

As for me it was a good opportunity to take care of some house keeping tasks around here and to spend some quite time reflecting on the blessings in my life and the beauty of this mountain. I thought about the paths we choose and where they lead, and those paths we don’t choose and where they might have lead. You know friends what I realize is that the paths we choose are very important but maybe more important is who shares that path with us.

Well that’s a rare deep thought from me. Here’s hoping that one of your paths leads to the top of LeConte.

Take care, enjoy life and as always stay safe.

Over every mountain there is a path, although it may not be seen from the valley."
-Theodore Roethke

December 4, 2019

12/4/2019

Good morning friends,

The temperatures ranged from a high yesterday of 31 degrees and a low last night of 16 degrees. The current temperature this morning is 17 degrees. We had no new precipitation.

We do still have 4 inches of snow on the ground and given the continuing cold temperatures the snow just may hang around a while.

US 441 remains closed along with Cherokee Orchard Road above the Twin Creeks Science Center.

Please contact nps.gov for updates

Mount LeConte Weather (Days 0-3): The weather forecast for Mount LeConte is: Mostly dryFreeze-thaw conditions (max 2°C on Thu afternoon, min -5°C on Mon night)Winds decreasing (near gales from the NW on Wed night, moderate winds from the W by Thu morning).

Mount LeConte Weather (Days 3-6): Mostly dryFreeze-thaw conditions (max 4°C on Sun afternoon, min -1°C on Fri afternoon)Winds increasing (calm on Fri night, near gales from the SSW by Sun afternoon).

The snow is beautiful here on LeConte and I know many of you are anxious to experience it first hand so if you do please check your road conditions leading to your chosen trail head and exercise extreme caution while hiking. Pay particular attention to areas that the sun may have thawed during the day but will refreeze during the night.

As always in cold weather, dress in warm layers, take plenty of hydration and don’t forget those traction devices. Slow down a little and pay closer attention to your foot placement as the snow has concealed most of the rock type hazards we normally encounter and easily adjust to when we can see them.

One final note, yesterday morning while I was making my usual morning inspection of the Lodge and grounds, I saw one of the most beautiful day breaks I have ever seen. As if the winter wonderland landscape wasn’t enough we had a cloud inversion and a morning sun that created the most beautiful colors to border it. I really don’t have the words to do it justice so if my electronics will cooperate I’ll try to post some pictures.

Until tomorrow, enjoy your day and as always stay safe.

December 3, 2019

12/3/2019

Good morning friends,

Well as predicted the storm came through and left us with over 4 inches of snow on the ground here on top. It also provided some fairly strong winds during the evening and early morning hours. Along with the snow our temperatures stayed in the low range achieving a high temperature yesterday of only 21 degrees and a low last night of 12 degrees The current temperature this morning is 20 degrees, and we currently have clear skies. We had 0.37 inches of precipitation.

We had 2.5 inches of added snow fall and currently as I mentioned earlier we have 4 inches of snow on the ground.

US 441 remains closed along with Cherokee Orchard Road above the Twin Creeks Science Center.

Please contact nps.gov for updates

Mount LeConte Weather (Days 0-3): The weather forecast for Mount LeConte is: Mostly dryFreeze-thaw conditions (max 2°C on Thu afternoon, min -5°C on Mon night)Winds decreasing (near gales from the NW on Wed night, moderate winds from the W by Thu morning).

Yesterday was the first day that I didn’t see any other hikers on the mountain. I think everyone made a wise choice considering the conditions and hazards. I myself didn’t venture too far from camp, only taking a short hike to the shelter to make sure if anyone was there that they were ok. Fortunately no one was there. Still even though it was a short hike, it was through what looked like a winter wonderland and seeing that the only footprints in the snow were mine was a unique experience. It left my feet cold and my heart warm.
Enjoy life and stay safe.

"In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect. Trees can be contorted, bent in weird ways, and they're still beautiful." -Alice Walker

December 2, 2019

12/2/2019

Good morning friends,
The temperatures ranged from a high yesterday of 41 degrees and a low last night of 15 degrees The current temperature this morning is 15 degrees. We had 0.21 inches of precipitation and that extreme weather that was predicted showed up a little later than thought but showed up in a big way.
We currently have 1.5 inches of snow on the ground with heavy snowfall forecast to continue through much of the day.
Here is the official report from Mountain-Forecast.com
Mount LeConte Weather (Days 0-3): The weather forecast for Mount LeConte is: A moderate fall of snow, heaviest on Mon morningFreeze-thaw conditions (max 1°C on Tue morning, min -9°C on Sun night)Winds decreasing (near gales from the WNW on Sun night, moderate winds from the NW by Tue morning).
As expected, US 441 has been closed between Gatlinburg and Cherokee.
It might be a good day to just sit back, stay home and enjoy a good cup of hot chocolate.
But If you are going to be on the roads exercise extreme caution. The same if you’re going to be on any of the trails. Dress in warm layers, be sure to have plenty of fluids, because it’s easier to get dehydrated in cold weather than we realize. Make sure you have traction devises and I don’t recommend hiking alone in these conditions but if you do, please let someone know where you will be and when to expect you back.
Enjoy the day and as always stay safe.

December 1, 2019

12/1/2019

Good morning friends,

The temperatures ranged from a high yesterday of 45 degrees and a low last night of 40 degrees The current temperature this morning is 40 degrees, we had 2.1 inches of precipitation and currently it’s cloudy and raining this morning.

The weather forecast is calling for a significant chance of snow beginning tonight and lasting through much of Monday. The Smokies could see as much as 9” of snowfall, with less out in the TN valley. It is likely that US 441 through will get closed in advance of the pending storm.

I wanted to share something that happened on the trails here on LeConte Friday evening. We had a lost/missing hiker. It’s a situation that could have easily had a tragic ending but thanks to the amazing members of the National Park Service Search and Rescue Team there was a happy ending. The Team searched late into the night and didn’t stop until they located and brought the hiker safely back. I had the chance to meet members of the team and see the dedication and skills they possess first hand. If you ever get a chance to meet any of them, please tell them how much they are appreciated. They are real heroes and lifesavers.

I share this with you to remind everyone that these mountains are majestic, they’re beautiful, inspiring and sometimes dangerous. I recommend everyone enjoy it but exercise caution when hiking. Be prepared for the unexpected, be familiar with your chosen trail and always be properly equipped. We want you to enjoy this wonderful mountain but more than that we want you to be safe.

November 30, 2019

11/30/2019

Good morning friends,
Well yesterday started out cloudy and remained so for the rest of the day turning to mist in the late morning hours and continued misting for the entire day.
The mist however could not dampen the spirits of the dozens of hikers who made their way to the top. I myself did a little exploring, enjoying short hikes on the Boulevard, Bullhead and Alum cave trails. I included one of my favorites, the short loop up to and down from cliff Tops. The views of course weren’t there but there’s really something special about a mountain trail bordered by thick moss and beautiful spruce trees. I think the mist suited it and I thoroughly enjoyed it. (Picture attached)
Well friends the temperatures ranged from a high yesterday of 47 degrees and a low last night of 38 degrees The current temperature this morning is 45 degrees, and we had 0.11 inches of precipitation. The rain is forecast to continue through the weekend and into Monday.
Just a reminder, as I reported yesterday the forecast is for this rain to continue and for our temperatures to drop significantly.
If the forecast is accurate be careful on the trails as well as the roads.
Everyone have a great day and stay safe.

November 29th, 2019

11/29/2019

Good afternoon friends,
Just wanted to provide you with a little weather update in the event your planning to hike up this way over the next few days.
The weather started out as cloudy early this morning and is currently misting. The current three day forecast is calling for rain to move in and continue through Monday with temperatures predicted to continue dropping and could reach as low as 11 degrees by Monday. This of course could create hazardous conditions on trails and roadways leading to trail heads.
According to the NPS website, for updated road and weather information you can call the National Park Service at (865) 436-1200. Once you hear a voice, press 1, then press 2 for road information or 1 for a weather forecast."

November 29, 2019

11/29/2019

Good morning friends,
The temperatures ranged from a high yesterday of 45 degrees and a low last night of 28 degrees The current temperature this morning is 44 degrees, we had no precipitation but the skies are currently cloudy this morning.

It was a beautiful Thanksgiving day on LeConte yesterday. Sunshine and milder temperatures and amazing long distance views. It was great seeing so many people hiking, many with family and loved ones.
Early hikers were working up an appetite for that Thanksgiving feast and late hikers were working off that Thanksgiving day feast.
We had the added joy of seeing our beloved Llama team as they made their last run of the season. They’re amazing animals that along with their handlers (or as we like to call them wranglers)do a tremendous job of supplying the lodge with so many of the things that make the Lodge so special.

Everyone have a great day today, find time to enjoy the outdoors and stay safe.

November 28, 2019

11/28/2019

Good morning friends,

The temperatures ranged from a high yesterday of 48 degrees and a low last night of 23 degrees The current temperature this morning is 29 degrees, we had 0.13 inches of precipitation and it’s currently windy but clear and beautiful up top.

Well the crew cleared out yesterday and headed home after a rewarding season on top of LeConte. Their warm personalities and smiling faces will certainly be missed for the next few months but the busy days have been replaced by the simple quite beauty of the mountain.
We hope you all have a happy Thanksgiving and if you decide to walk off some of that Thanksgiving day feast, there’s no better place than LeConte. Enjoy your day and stay safe.