Digging out the propane field Yesterday brought a brief moment of sunshine. It was not clear enough to fly, but it certainly helped the crew. We are currently on stand by to see if things clear up. The low last night was 22 with a high of 30 degrees with a 1/2" of new snow. We now have 34" of snow. We are now looking for people to help with the airlift up top. If anyone is interested in helping please contact me thru the contact page. You must be able to hike 5 miles in deep snow conditions. We have limited amount of space, so please contact me before hiking up. We need people that could hike up today, if possible. Everyone else, please keep sending the positive vibes our way, it seems to be working. Yesterday brought 6 1/2" of fresh snow, making it a total of 33". The low last night was 22 with a high yesterday of 28 degrees. We are watching the forecast closely to determine if we are going to be able to bring the supplies in any time soon. I am a glass half full kinda gal and even I am a bit worried. I am sending out an S.O.S. Will everyone please take a minute to send positive thoughts our way to make this airlift happen.
This is the rail leading down to the dining room. The new day brought 6 1/2 " of new snow. We are now looking at a total of 26 1/2" of snow. The high yesterday was 42 and the low was 21. It is currently around 24 degrees outside. It is a good day for cleaning in side. The crew has a lot of cleaning projects on the list, in order to get ready for the first guests. Believe it or not, we did have quite a few day hikers yesterday. The roads are currently closed so I am not sure how many we will see today. If you do venture out later, be careful. There is still a lot of snow on the top section of Alum Cave trail. I received a question about Stan's route up the mountain. I am not sure which route he took. I will be sure and ask him the next time he runs up.
We made it!!! It was a tough hike. Alum Cave still has a bit of ice and snow on it. It has been warm enough to start melting and it made the snow turn into that soft, slushy, mix. The ground was warm enough to melt the underside of the snow, so you would break thru about 15 inches or more. The low last night was 25 and the high yesterday was 41 degrees. We did get another inch of snow last night. There is about 20 inches on the ground. Today is going to make for a long day of shoveling. It is time to get the ground ready for the helicopter to bring supplies. One more day until the crew returns to the mountain. I am hoping the bridges have melted so we do not look like this photo while trying to cross. This picture was taken by Chris a couple of weeks ago. He and a few friends hiked up Rainbow Falls trail and experienced a bit of snow. I will be sure and take pictures on the way up so you all can see what the trail conditions are. Keep us in your thoughts in the morning, for a safe return to work. The forecast is looking good for the next few days. The ideal weather is warm with lots of rain. These conditions will help melt a lot of the snow up top. Please, everyone, send thoughts of rain up the mountain. Two more days until we trudge up the mountain. While we are waiting to return to the mountain, I thought I would share some fun pictures with you. Allyson, Samantha Brown, ChrisThis photo was taken when Samantha taped a show in the Smokies. She hiked up the mountain and stayed for a night.
Welcome to the official LeConte Lodge information blog. Chris and I are excited to share with you news from Mt. LeConte. We would also like to thank our winter caretaker, Doug McFalls ,for keeping you informed about the wonderful mountain we like to call home. He certainly had his hands full this winter with the record amounts of snow.
It is time to dust off our packs and find our crampons. Friday is the day the crew returns to the mountain. From what it sounds like, we will probably hike up Alum Cave Bluffs trail. I guess I should also say thanks to all of you avid hikers that have been up the mountain in the past week. I am sure I will be appreciating the nice trail you have made for us. I am looking forward to hearing from everyone. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, feel free to send me a note. Now, it is time to go start a new season on LeConte. |
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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