April 10, 2024

UPDATE:
US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) is temporarily closed due to the inclement weather forecast for tonight and tomorrow. There is a High Wind Warning in effect now through Thursday evening, calling for gusts of 75mph in the mountains. There is also the potential for severe storms and heavy rainfall.

Cherokee Orchard and Roaring Fork roads remain open at this time.

---

Good Morning,

Residents of the mountain wake up to another springtime soup of cloud and rain this Wednesday. Steady precip across the park will continue throughout the morning hours, but we might catch ourselves a break from the wet weather during the afternoon. If the cloud cover lifts at any point to offer glimpses of sunshine, well that will be another matter. Hikers shouldn’t bank on it though, and continue to come prepared for sloppy trails and dripping skies. Temps will remain mild in the 40s and 50s with breezy conditions getting stronger over the coming hours. The mountain is slated for a High Wind Warning beginning tonight and crossing into tomorrow, calling for gusts upwards of 70mph. Heavy rain also returns in earnest for Thursday. So based on that information, have multiple plans in place should the NPS deem it necessary at any point to temporarily close a road for adverse driving conditions. To our knowledge, only Alum Cave and Trillium Gap are entirely clear of obstructions at this time, as the other footpaths still have a number of downed trees yet to be cleared. No problem for the salamanders and snails who love this wet climate, but a bit more involved and something to consider for the average human hiker with a pack.

Have a great day.