Good morning folks,
What a wild ride that was! Winds howled throughout camp for most of the afternoon and into the twilight hours. With every surge of wind I braced for impact. I retreated to my cabin to seek shelter where winds rocked my cabin throughout the night. Wind gusts reached upwards of 40-70 mph around camp. The high yesterday was 46 degrees. The overnight low came in at 39 degrees. It was 40 degrees at 7 am observation. We received a whopping 2.5 inches of precipitation. A "High Wind Warning" is in effect and there are sure to be downed trees on trails and throughout the park. Highway 441 (NewFound Gap Road) is closed due to high winds. Cherokee Orchard Road above Twin Creeks is open to all vehicles. A " Flash Flood Watch" is effect today. Creeks within the park are sure to rise and roar through the mountains. It is currently 38 and cloudy and a light drizzle on the mountain. I have successfully remained dry and have pampered myself to curry eggs and sausage patties along with some strong black drip coffee. Looking ahead at the forecast, colder temperatures move in with sunshine which should be prime for sunrise/sunset. Trails leading to the top are free of ice/snow. Water will be an issue on trails today so be safe if you plan trekking to the top. I am looking forward to exploring some of the trails around LeConte when the weather breaks. All is well at 6593'. See you at the top! PNUT
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Good morning folks, Pnut here signing in for my first blog post. I will be taking over for Kemp. I am excited to keep you up to speed with current trail conditions, weather and life at Leconte. I have settled into my new home at 6,593'. It is a blessing to have this opportunity to live within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Yesterday's high was a warm 47 degrees. The overnight low came in at 37 degrees. It was 41 degrees and cloudy at 7am observation. We received 0.54 inches of precipitation. Rain is moving in this afternoon so pack your rain gear. Trails leading to the top are clear of ice/snow so traction devices are not needed. Highway 441 is open as well as Cherokee Orchard so all trails await you. A Flash Flood has been issued so be aware! Gusts of winds of 30-40 mph are sweeping through the cabins. Looking ahead at the forecast colder temperatures will move into the area and will feel like the typical winter at Leconte. The morning started out calm as I made my way to Apollo overlook. Upon arrival I was greeted with grey skies and incredible views of the surrounding mountains. A neighboring Junco greeted me and we enjoyed the views together. All is well. See you at the top! If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine. It is lethal. Paulo Coelho Good morning from your local highlander,
The rain has a sopping wet grip on the mountain right now, with steady showers coating the outside of my cabin. The current temperature is a hospitable 45 degrees, which is quite mild compared to the last few days. Rain falls with good intentions, while high gusts of wind rip through the trees ever so often. Sounds of howling wind and pattering rain droplets fill the air, with the occasional bird song fluctuating through my open window. The dark gray sky paints a somber picture this morning, with no signs of letting up. Dense pockets of ominous cloud encase the lodge with ease, cutting off all visuals of the outside world. Unfortunately, the consistent rainfall has obliterated virtually all of the snow, with trace amounts scattered around the mountain. We have received a substantial amount of rain over the past 24 hours, weighing in at an impressive 1.70." Blustery conditions are expected to continue through most of today, with a break in precipitation possible late this evening. A "Flash Flood Watch" has been issued for the area, along with the "High Wind Advisory" that was issued yesterday. That being said, use caution if you plan on hiking one of LeConte's stellar yet strenuous trails. With all this steady rainfall and melted snow, creeks and tributaries have swelled tremendously. Gushing water covers the trails in uncommon spots, so wear your best hiking/rain boots this morning. There are still some areas in the shade that have piles of snow (and maybe a little sliver of ice), so keep your eyes peeled as you climb the mountain. From the looks of it, Highway 441 remains open during all this madness, but the spur between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg experienced a rock slide. Fortunately, there is a detour available, so access to the park is still plausible. Good luck on the trail today folks! Make your best attempt to stay dry, hydrated and motivated this Tuesday, and share the experience with a friend. Showing a new visitor what this park has to offer is always a fun task. Today might not be the best day with all this rain and wind, but you can find beauty in this park on any given day... Looking ahead at the next few days, rain is possible through Thursday morning, with breaks in precipitation likely this afternoon and tomorrow. Temperatures are thought to remain in the mid to upper 40s today and tomorrow, with chillier temps moving in on Thursday. This weekend, clear skies and average temperatures are expected, and no snow is on the radar as of right now. Those planning on paying Lady LeConte a visit this week, be sure to check the current/future weather conditions and plan accordingly. With inhumane weather being a huge possibility up here, rescheduling a hike might not be a bad idea. On average, I would say at least 3 or 4 days of each week are "socked in." It might pay off in the long run to organize your hike on a nicer day, the mind-bending views near the top cannot be missed... Yesterday's high temperature was a comforting 45 degrees, with an average low of 34. Anticipating heavy rainfall and high winds, I was ready for anything Mother Nature hid up her sleeve. To my surprise, morning/afternoon rain was a moderate drizzle at best. As I progressed down the Bullhead trail, views of Sugarland Mountain, the Chimneys, and Gatlinburg were visible through a gray haze. Winds forcefully made their way up the mountain, creating a whistling sound in some areas. If you are planning on hiking one of LeConte's trails during extremely high winds, the Bullhead is your worst option. Fearing for my safety, I powered through the burned areas with speed and precision, glancing up at the dead trees swaying in the wind. I lost count after 20, but there were copious amounts of trees down across the trail! Fortunately for me, the rain never lived up to the hype, and I stayed fairly dry on the way down. Looking into the evening, winds continued to penetrate the mountain, with moderate rain falling gracefully. Traveling next to the creek was pretty humbling, hefty amounts of water cascaded down smoothed rocks aggressively. Certain areas on Alum Cave trail have high volumes of gushing water, nothing too scary though. Tributaries turned waterfalls, I walked up the soggy mountain trail with good intentions. Overall, another unique yet amusing day spent exploring the gem of the Smokies. With copious miles beneath me, I slept through the night like a newborn child... -Kemp "Gray skies are just clouds passing by..." -Duke Ellington Good morning world,
The weather has taken a drastic turn this morning, sunshine and blue skies are a thing of the past! At the moment, it is currently a warm 35 degrees out there. Unfortunately, we lost some of our precious snow yesterday, so we're standing in about 5.5" right now. Ominous clouds hang over head, while aggressive gusts of wind raise the hairs on the back of your neck. As the sun rises over the Western North Carolina mountains, grays become more and more present. Our usual predawn colors have been eliminated by a stout storm cloud. Dark blue hues are present down below, city lights begin to grow dim as the morning unravels. Here I lay in the darkness, face illuminated only by the screen of my computer. Window cracked ever so slightly, inhumane gusts of wind snake their way into my cabin. The call of a single bird can be heard in the distance, pausing for a breath every 2 seconds. I thoroughly enjoy how abrupt the weather is on this mountain. A complete change in conditions can happen overnight, and even in a matter of minutes. Ironically, winds have started to pick up as I punch each letter on my keyboard! Looking at today's forecast, a "High Wind Advisory" has been issued for the Northeastern portion of the Smoky Mountains National Park, and other surrounding areas. Gusts of 50+ mph are anticipated until Tuesday evening. In addition, heavy pockets of rain are possible over the next two days, with moderate rain showers being the most prevalent. Temperatures should hover around the high 30 to the mid 40s early this week, which is significantly warmer than recent bone-chilling days. With a hefty amount of rain in the near future, it looks like this weekend will be our next window of sunshine. With it being only Monday, patience is virtue during these dark times... Yesterday's high was a pleasant 36 degrees, with a chilling low of 15! Looking at my rain gauge this morning, it seems we received trace amounts of rain either last night or early this morning. With crystal clear skies and sunshine throughout the morning and afternoon, snow blindness was a huge threat. Skies started out cloudless, with wispy strands of clouds slowly getting thicker and thicker. Come sunset time, the clouds blocked the grand finale with minutes to spare. The snow disappeared from the hemlocks within hours, truly a sad sight. Overall, another beautiful day spent up high! Hanging out around the snow-capped lodges and frosted trees yesterday morning felt similar to an alpine ski resort. Blue skies above and a small sea of clouds below paired well, and the views were incomprehensible... If you are planning on making a trip to the top of Mount LeConte, please be advised. Heavy snow cover and possible ice sheets reside towards the top, so you might want to bring some traction for your boots! Sun-exposed areas have little to no snow, while shaded slopes remain unscathed. Footing is an issue in some areas where the snow covers rocks and roots, so watch your step as you make the climb. As of right now, Highway 441 is currently open, so all trails are accessible. With high winds on the radar for the next few days, road closure is a possibility, Whether it be high winds alone or downed trees, the highway could very well close again today or tomorrow. That being said, be sure to check the road status before entering the park. Also, use extreme caution along exposed portions of the trail. One strong gust of wind can send an unsuspecting individual over the edge, so use those cables to your advantage! Stay smart out there, folks! Bring a hefty rain jacket, some dry socks, and a passion for discovery and exploration... -Kemp Jolly good morning from you local mountain refugee,
Clear skies have answered my cries, as we are currently sitting pretty under a crystal blue ceiling. The temperature is a mere 15 degrees, with sunshine and light/variable winds. Untouched snow burns bright white this morning, it is yet to see the light of day until now! Hemlocks, red spruces, and many more sit motionless, coated in a thick frosted shell. Looking out over the land, the beautiful towns of Pigeon Forge and Sevierville are engulfed in a low-flying cloud sea. There is also another cloud sea bellowing over Oconaluftee Valley! Surrounding mountains have been generously coated with snow and ice, which made the sunrise even more stellar this morning. It seems the snow started to accumulate right around the Alum Cave trailhead, virtually covering the entire mountain. Traveling down the unpaved path, I noticed that snow accumulations varied greatly. At the very top, an astounding 7 inches of snow resides, with drifts over a foot in some spots! Progressing down the mountain, snow depth varied from 5-6 inches here and there, to about 1-3 inches towards the very bottom. Deep drifts make stairs almost invisible in some spots, concealing the entire trail in certain areas. If you plan on making the relentless climb up LeConte today or tomorrow, please be advised. Highway 441, the road that runs through the heart of the Smokies, remains closed at this time. That being said, Alum Cave and the Boulevard are inaccessible. Along the trail, hefty amounts of snow and ice coat the trail, making travel fairly difficult as you climb. Thick sheets of ice are hidden by a layer of snow, so traction can be a huge issue in some areas. In addition, ginormous icicles cover the rock walls along the trail, so stop and admire the Lord's work! Delicate formations grace the side of the trail. Some go unnoticed, while others get demolished! A high volume of rushing water and rapidly declining temperatures resulted in copious amounts of ice formations, so come check them out before the sun claims them! Looking back on yesterday, the high temperature was a toasty 20 degrees, with a subtle low of 12. In total, we received another inch of snow (plus 0.4" of other precipitation), leaving us with a whopping 7 inches of snow this morning! Throughout the day, snow flurries floated down promptly, with heavy showers on occasion. Delicate flakes complimented rustic cabins as they landed quietly on the roofs. Winds were moderate at best, with sub-zero wind chills early in the morning. Temperatures remained in the mid to upper teens all day, making travel extremely hazardous near the summit. Diving into the evening, a break in the clouds let a sliver of sunshine in for a brief moment, golden rays piercing through the evergreen branches. All in all, it was an honorable way to spend my Saturday! Looking at the forecast, clear skies and sunshine will narrate the rest of the day, with temperatures hovering around the mid to high 30s at best. Little to no cloud cover is expected, so we could begin to see the snow melt. Climbing temps and rain are on the agenda for tomorrow and Tuesday, so be sure to check the weather before setting out on the trail this week. Those planning on climbing over the next few days, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to complete your hike. Snow and ice are prevalent up top, so traversing our beloved trails will be a bit more tedious... 02/08/2020 "As we progressed up the battered pathway that is the Alum Cave trail, the snow become more and more apparent. Bitter cold slipped away, the "hustle and bustle" warmed our innards. Passing a few well-known landmarks, we were closing in, slowly but surely. Stout snow drifts made travel difficult, adding to the existing toll that the strenuous trail already implements. Within the last mile, smiles were exchanged; the longest leg of our journey was behind us (literally). Shuffling through a byproduct of Jack Frost himself, we counted down the remaining steps. One last dreaded staircase, one last switchback, the lodge was nearly in sight. We decided to pause for a brief moment, catching our breath and moseying up some last-minute perseverance. Gazing up at an emotionless sky, thick gray clouds rolled over our heads, nothing out of the ordinary. Tracking the ominous clouds, we saw a large gap in the sky. Patiently, we clung on to the frozen cable, waiting for a glimpse into space. As we predicted, the clouds parted for a moment in time, casually unveiling a full moon! Moon beams blinded us as we drooled over the sheer beauty. She was clear as day; craters easily decipherable, perfectly rounded, glistening adamantly in the night sky. All the pain, all the agony we had endured up to this point instantly slipped away, a truly gratifying moment. Standing on the edge of the cliff, we stared into the eyes of the moon. Illuminating the park with ease, snow-capped mountains appeared beneath us. Shedding an unknown tear from my right eye, I turned my headlamp back on and began muscling up the slope. My home in the high hills awaits, so we must continue..." -Kemp Top of the morning,
Silence prevails at the moment, with the occasional squawk of a neighboring bird. The wind is calm and shy, making very soft and short-lived appearances. The current temperature is a hearty 12 degrees, and it is not expected to climb above 20 throughout the day. Oddly enough, no snow is falling at the moment, giving us a clear window of Wears Valley. Partial cloud cover will be bombarded by snow showers at some point today, with another 2 inches of accumulation possible! The clouds have left just enough room for the sun to poke out, gracing the mountain with a tiger-striped sky. Spotty clouds glow pink and red as the sun begins its morning stretch routine. Aside from the birds and the whispering winds, not a sound has been uttered this morning. All prominent sounds have been created by yours truly, so I am doing my best to keep quiet! Delicate snow engulfs the top of the mountain, seas of white are accompanied by a crimson sky. Looking ahead, snow showers are likely until this evening, with temperatures hovering in the low to mid teens all day. As of right now, Highway 441 is still closed, so Alum Cave trail and the Boulevard are inaccessible. Cherokee Orchard was closed briefly above Twin Creeks, but it is now open to the public. It seems the road down below is suffering from a combination of snow, ice, high water, and debris, so there's no telling when it will reopen. Those planning on hiking to the top of Mount LeConte today, proceed with caution! Hazardous conditions reside near the top, with deep snow, ice, and sub-zero wind chills packing a punch. With Alum Cave trail being out of the picture, that adds another 2+ miles to your ascent (and descent). Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to hike up and down the mountain, as snow depth and ice will greatly lengthen travel time. In times like these, hypothermia is a huge possibility. Be sure to pack plenty of layers for the top. Like I mentioned in a previous post, try not to sweat through your essential layers. Wind chills at zero degrees can be life-threatening if you are caught under-prepared, so keep that in mind before you set out on the trail. In most circumstances, temperatures at the summit are around 20 degrees cooler than the valley. It could be sunshine and rainbows down below in Gatlinburg, but the weather up high can be drastically different. Do your research before making the climb, it will benefit you in the long run... Yesterday's high was a measly 14 degrees, with a hospitable low of 7. Snow showers fell confidently throughout the entire day, blessing us with another 2.5 inches. Also, we received a mere 0.32 inches of precipitation. If my calculations are correct, we have approximately 6 inches on the ground around the lodge! Single-digit temperatures and the occasional wind gust made travel outside fairly dangerous. Jack Frost had his grip on the lodge yesterday, leaving behind solid evidence in his path! Bitter cold aside, a truly beautiful day to wake up in the mountains! It's amazing how a layer of white can completely change the atmosphere up here. These well-known trails have never looked so foreign to me! I took an evening stroll down Alum Cave yesterday, and I had a lot of trouble even on the way down! Heavy snow drifts climb above the knees, making certain areas of the path invisible. In addition, a thick layer of ice resides underneath the snow, so you may run into a couple slick spots here and there. I know I said this yesterday, but I will be walking all the way down the trail this morning to the parking lot. I will be taking notes the whole way down, which I will relay to you all tomorrow morning. Hope you folks have a great start to your day! If you decide to climb the mountain today, use extreme caution towards the top! Bring your best hiking boots and a taste for discovery... -Kemp Good morning from up high,
Things are especially quiet the morning, the only sound I can decipher would be the howling wind making a name for itself. Looking out my side window, said wind gusts delicately blow small amounts of snow off of the tree limbs, leaving a translucent haze in its path. Layers of fresh white powder cover everything in sight, showing no signs of departure. Conditions have taken a turn for the worse, as temperatures decrease significantly. At the moment, it is just under 14 degrees out there! Jack Frost is here to stay for the weekend, and he is just getting settled in! There is around 3.5 inches on the ground this morning, with snow showers still falling as we speak. Beautiful untouched blankets of snow reside all around the mountain, couldn't ask for anything more! Moderate wind gusts occasionally travel up the North side of the mountain, dropping the already frigid temperature dramatically! It's truly mind-bending how fast weather conditions changed near the summit... We went from seeing temperatures in the mid 40s, to seeing them in the lower teens! Judging by the forecast, the freakish temperatures are thought to remain the entire day, with deadly wind chills diving below -10 degrees at times! Snow is on the radar all day today and the better half of Saturday, accumulation of 4-6 inches is likely. It looks like Highway 441 through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is currently closed, so Alum Cave and the Boulevard are inaccessible at this time. Oddly enough, the highway is closed due to high water levels, not snow/ice. That tells me that the snow doesn't crawl down the hill as far down as I thought. If I had to make an educated guess, I would say that you're most likely going to run into the snow less than two miles from the top. Those planning on hiking the gem of the Smokies today, be advised. Extreme cold awaits your arrival, with sub-zero wind chills and a fresh blanket of snow near the summit. Ice is a huge threat with these rapidly declining temperatures, so keep your eyes peeled. In addition to already brutal conditions, water levels are extremely high in the lower elevations. Use caution along the creeks and tributaries over the next few days. If the current conditions pose too much of a risk, turn around and give it a go on a more practical day. There is no shame in throwing in the towel for your own safety... Yesterday's high was a crisp 45 degrees, with bone-chilling low of 14. Temperatures aren't expected to climb whatsoever today, with slight increases in the forecast tomorrow. Throughout the day, we received 2.3 inches of precipitation (mostly rain), and a whopping 3.5 inches of snow overnight! Flooding up top has ceased due to a beautiful white blanket of untouched greatness, but I can only assume things are pretty dicey down below. All that running water on the trail could have transformed into ice, so be on the lookout when hiking today! Looking at the forecast for the next few days, snow and freezer-like temperatures are thought to occur until Saturday night, with clear skies predicted all day Sunday. I am planning on making the journey down the Alum Cave trail this morning, so I will take note of the current trail conditions. I am also planning on frolicking in the snow with passion and precision over these next few days, so I'll keep the pictures coming! Those traveling to and from the Park today, be safe out there on the open road! With all the automobile accidents that happen regularly across the country, flooding and heavy rainfall could greatly increase your chances of getting in an accident. Stay safe, use your best judgement, and drive defensively... -Kemp "I pray this winter be gentle and kind; a season of rest from the wheel of the mind..." -John Geddes Top of the morning from your local mountain refugee,
Trying my best to stay afloat this morning, heavy rainfall shows no signs of letting up! Right now, it is currently 43 degrees outside, with relentless rain and wind hounding the outside walls of the kitchen. The sound of pillaging rain goes in one ear and out the other, while occasional cracks of thunder fill the air. Looking at LeConte Lodge from a falcon's perspective, we are nestled between two peaks that climb over 6,500 feet. That being said, the water rushes down from each slope and conveniently meets at the lodge, creating a temporary network of swelled creeks and tributaries. The iconic "LeConte Cascades" momentarily forms at the front steps of the dining room, which in turn circumnavigates the kitchen and splits between crew quarters. Heavy rain is predicted until this evening, with a possible transition to snow towards the top! Judging by the harsh, wet conditions we are undergoing up here, I can only assume that creeks and tributaries down below are fairly high. Every single trail leading to Mount LeConte's surreal summit has at least one creek crossing, whether it be bridged or un-bridged. The pathways that creep up the North side of the mountain are the most concerning, mainly the Rainbow Falls and Trillium Gap trails. Some sections cross the creek with no bridge, usually consisting of a easy "rock hop" to the other side. After receiving 0.95" of rain two days ago and (get ready for it) a whopping 4.05" yesterday, water levels could be dangerously high in some areas. Some spots on Alum Cave could also be potentially dangerous, so it might be a smart idea to wait until this monsoon decides to let up! If you have the courage to hike up the mountain today, bring a pool noodle and a life jacket! Water-logged trails make for a soggy day out in these mountains, so bring your favorite rain coat and some good boots! Yesterday's high was a gracious 46 degrees, with a not-so low of 40. After enduring approximately 5.00" of rain over the past 36 hours, I can only imagine what those waterfalls down below look like! Heavy rainfall occurred consistently throughout the day, getting worse after nightfall. I awoke to a loud thundering echo early this morning, and heard several more afterwards. About 99% of the snow has melted, with small patches in hard-to-reach areas. Water began to cascade aggressively down the mountain at around noon yesterday, and hasn't stopped since. Keep in mind, the "Flash Flood Warning" that was issued yesterday morning is still in effect. Copious amounts of rain is expected for the remainder of the day, so the threat level will rise as more rain persistently falls. No roads have been closed as of right now, so all trails leading to the summit of LeConte are accessible. With this flash flood warning in effect, use extreme caution around creeks and tributaries. High water levels can make some areas of the trail impassible, so you might want to consider hiking another day... Keeping a close eye on the upcoming weather forecast, the approaching snow is looking more and more promising! Like I mentioned earlier, heavy periods of rain will occur throughout the day, with little to no remorse. Later tonight, the never-ending rain could transition into heavy snow! The alleged snow will be accompanied by freezer-like temperatures (below 20 degrees), and is thought to continue until Saturday afternoon! Serious accumulation is possible tonight and tomorrow if conditions favor, which means a road closure is possible. If you are planning a trip to the gem of the Great Smoky Mountains, make sure you are informed. Whether it be current weather conditions, future weather predictions, and/or road closures, the information is readily available. Road closures and other useful tidbits of information are uploaded regularly to the "smokiesroadsnps" Twitter page. In addition, multiple weather sources are available for Mount LeConte, with "Mountain-Forecast" being the most reliable. The Smoky Mountains are subject to harsh weather on many occasions, so be sure to check the current and future conditions prior to leaving. Certain predicaments can be truly inhospitable, so you may have to plan accordingly. Be safe out there folks! Use your best judgement, and try to stay dry... -Kemp "When a flood submerges the whole country, no raindrop may feel responsible..." -Erik Pevernagie Good morning from the high country,
This mountain is sopping wet at the moment, with heavy rain showers forcefully bombarding my cabin. Winds come knocking every now and then, with subtle chatter between birds in the distance. Here I sit, lanterns ablaze, front window open slightly. Inhaling a soothing breeze like no other, the words flow freely through my fingertips. The current temperature is a brisk 41 degrees, thick white fog encases the lodge as we speak. Periods of heavy rain have been occurring periodically this morning, but I would consider it to be moderate (or "steady") rain. Looking at the ground, virtually all the snow is gone around the summit, with trace amounts left in certain areas. Some slick spots reside in shaded areas, so there could be a little bit of ice towards the top. The current conditions could possibly remain like this until Friday, so we might encounter a substantial amount of rain in that time! Oddly enough, there has been a "Flash Flood Warning" issued in Eastern Tennessee, and it will remain in effect until late Thursday night. Heavy periods of rain and thunderstorms are predicted, which means flooding is greatly possible. If you are planning to hike up Mount LeConte this morning, be sure to bring your best rain jacket and a pair of dry socks! There is nothing worse than hiking with wet feet, so I always try to change my socks periodically. Also, be on the lookout for rushing water along the trail. Some trails are worse than others during times like these, especially Trillium Gap and Rainbow Falls. There are some areas on the bottom half of the trails that can be impassible due to high water levels, so you may want to consider hiking another trail. However, if you are brave enough to embrace the rain, Grotto Falls and Rainbow Falls will be gushing more than usual. That being said, expect to see swelled creeks and muddy conditions during your trek. If you are caught under-prepared in a heavy rainstorm, you could run into a world of hurt. In chilly conditions like these, hypothermia is greatly possible. It is important that you balance your warmth and your breathe-ability. If you sweat through your essential layer, you can run into trouble really quick. Be sure to wear enough clothes, but not too much. You can always add a layer as you progress towards the top, which is smarter than wearing all your clothes at once and sweating through the essential layers. As long as you are prepared for the rain, hiking the mountain will still be enjoyable (depending on who you ask!) Wear some quality boots and bring a sense of adventure... Looking back on yesterday, the rain dominated most of the day, with a stout 0.95" in total. The high temperature was a mild 45 degrees, with a lavish low of 37. Rain showers were very light and spotty, nothing compared to the monsoon we're enduring today. Just before dusk, the rain stopped and the clouds slowly parted ways, revealing a glimpse of Wears Valley and the surrounding land. That glorious, dry moment was extremely short-lived, as rain proceeded to fall off and on through the evening. Although I would much prefer basking in the sunlight out at Myrtle Point, I truly don't mind a rainy day here and there. As long as there are a few sunny days in between, I am completely content! Looking ahead, heavy periods of rain are possible until Thursday afternoon. That evening, rain could transition into heavy snow, which could last until Saturday evening! With all this nasty weather moving in, I need to invest some energy into a good book... -Kemp *"The best one can do when it's raining is to let it rain..." -Henry Wadsworth Longfellow ***"On a sunny clear day, you can improve your body; on a rainy foggy day, you can improve your mind!" -Mehmet Murat Ildan Top of the morning, All is well on top of the hill, soothing winds and chatting birds fill the air. The sky is overcast at the moment, with light rain falling off and on. It is a cool 40 degrees outside with high wind gusts aggressively ripping through the evergreens. Oddly enough, the clouds are not concealing the mountain, giving us a bird's eye view of Eastern Tennessee. An even mixture of gray and blue paint the valley floor, giving it an eerie appearance. Looking ahead, light rain showers will most likely continue throughout today and Wednesday, with pockets of heavy rain on Wednesday evening. Temperatures should hover around the low to mid 40s over the next 48 hours, with high winds possible on both days. That being said, hold on to your hats, folks... Gusts upwards of 55 mph are possible near the summit, so use your best judgement if you climb up to the cliffs! All exposed areas along the trail can be a threat to your safety, so use caution and watch your footing. As of right now, Highway 441 remains open to all visitors, which means all trails leading to Mount LeConte are accessible. No high wind advisories have been issued to my knowledge, but please be safe up top today. Winds have been howling and whistling all morning, with no intention of letting up. From the safety of my own cabin, I thoroughly enjoy listening to elements outside (while staying warm and dry), it's a pretty relaxing feeling. Brisk breeze slowly entering the window, light rain coating the weathered roof, the quiet song of a lonesome bird in my left eardrum. Every day up here is magical... Yesterday's high temperature was a scorching 50 degrees, with an above average low of 37. We received trace amounts of rain late last night and early this morning, with a light drizzle falling as we speak. Saldy, we are now down to about 3 inches of snow at the moment. Don't fret though! Heavy snow showers are predicted on Thursday afternoon, and all day Saturday, so we might see another 6-8 inches! I will keep you all updated on the weather as the week progresses. If you plan on hiking to the top of LeConte in the near future, be sure to check the current conditions and the daily weather forecast. I usually obtain my information through Mountain Forecast, I have found that it is the most reliable source. You should always be prepared for anything the Smoky Mountains throw your way, as the weather can be truly unpredictable at times, especially in the higher elevations. Forces of natures can happen within seconds, so it's important that you come equipped! In addition, the roads can close for multiple reasons. The weather may be fine down in Gatlinburg or Cherokee, but conditions can change drastically upon entering the park! If you're planning a hike in the near future, be sure to check for road closures via smokiesroadsnps on Twitter. They will send an update every time a road opens and closes in or around the National Park, so check back periodically before setting out on your excursion. Hope you all enjoy the rest of your day, and happy trails to all the brave hikers out there today... -Kemp "You find out the strength of the wind by trying to walk against it, not by lying down..." -C.S. Lewis "The wind blows on us all, but it's how you set your sail that makes the difference..." -Jim Rohn |
LeConte LodgeWelcome to the official blog of LeConte Lodge. We hope you find the information provided here both helpful and enjoyable. Thank you for visiting the site, and we hope to see you on the mountain! Archives
April 2024
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