Blog Archives

November 21, 2019

11/21/2019

Good Afternoon Folks,

We got a heat wave!! Today is very warm for us at this time of year. Currently sitting at 52 degrees! That is quite a change from last nights low of 31 degrees. All lingering snow and ice quickly melts away as we bake in this summer like afternoon. The next few days are looking to remain in the 40s and not drop below freezing. Forecasts are calling for a good bit of rain starting tomorrow and carrying over into Saturday. Thankfully no snow though. Be sure to pack that rain gear.

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November 20, 2019

11/20/2019

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Good morning!

It’s a COLD and frosty morning today while currently at 25 degrees. Yesterday’s high topped out at 37 degrees while our overnight low got down to a chilly 23 degrees. Over the next couple of days, we’re expecting a steady warm up beginning tonight and continuing until Saturday when we will see yet another drop in temperature. More on that once we get closer! Until then, remember to pack those warm layers and traction devices. Only one week left to get your “I Hiked It 2019” shirt!!!

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November 19, 2019

11/19/2019

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Good Afternoon All,

Once again we are graced with clear skies and another rain/snow free day. Any lingering ice and snow at the summit has melted away. They still are some spots on the trails, in shady areas, that have small patches of ice. Things are staying on the chilly side with last nights low of 24 degrees. We are currently at 32 degrees and looking to stay in the lower 30s. We may being rounding the corner to the end of the season but things are still in full swing on the mountain. Fresh coffee and hot chocolate flowing out of the kitchen along with lunches. Be sure to make a stop in the office for your 2019 season LeConte Lodge apparel.

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November 18, 2019

11/18/2019

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Good Afternoon,

Its another beautiful, but cold, day here at the lodge. Clear skies allowing for the sun to at least give us the illusion of being warm. It is currently 35 degrees outside. Not much of a change from our overnight low of 30 degrees. We got a little bit of unexpected snow flurries early this morning but not enough to even stick to the ground. Still small areas of snow and ice on the ground from previous snowfall but hoping that clears up as later this week we are looking to have warmer days. With the chilling temperatures we have seen a decrease in activity on the mountain. Deer are no longer roaming around and squirrels are slowly starting to hide away. Even day hiker activity has dropped. It is certainly a quiet lodge today.

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November 17, 2019

11/17/2019

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Good morning!

It’s a bittersweet day today as we enter our last full week of the season. Relationships among the crew have grown incredibly strong as these are some of the best friends we will ever meet. Each moving on down our own paths until we meet again. On this beautiful llama Sunday, we’re already experiencing a warm up while currently at 42 degrees, some of us are running around in tshirts! As far as weather goes, a high in the mid 40s is expected today and with an overnight low expected in the low 30s, warm layers are a must! It’s not quite time to put those traction devices away either as we will have another drop in temperature tomorrow night bottoming out in the low 20s. We hope to see you at the lodge on this gorgeous day!

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November 16, 2019

11/16/2019

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Good afternoon,

It looks like we are going to get a break from the “extreme” cold weather for the next few days. It is currently 41 degrees and dropped last night to 29 degrees. No rain or snow on the forecast for the rest of the weekend though icy conditions still linger. The trails are clear for most of the way, it is not until you reach higher elevations that you will run into icy patches. Though the trails are passible without the aid of traction devices we still advise bringing them. Those warmer layers are also advised for these chilly nights. On the plus side to all the cold air, it is allowing for some crystal clear views as far as the eye can see.

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November 15, 2019

11/15/2019

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Good morning all,

We’re currently warming up with the consistent sunshine we’ve seen over the last couple of days. While currently at 36 degrees, we’re hoping to reach at least 40 today to assist with the ice and snow melting on the trail. With a high of 40 and overnight low of 26, snow and ice are melted throughout the day however, excess water refreezes overnight causing the trails to become ice rinks as you reach higher elevations. Traction devices are a MUST for the remainder of the year as temps will remain at freezing levels. Have a great Friday and enjoy the beautiful weekend!

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November 14, 2019

11/14/2019

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12:15 PM UPDATE - US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) has been reopened. Alum Cave is once again accessible. Cherokee Orchard is of course still open, but Roaring Fork remains closed at this time. Use caution and watch for ice and snow on the roadways.

Good Morning,

Yesterday was quite the roller coaster ride. To go from the bone chilling single digits up to the lower 40’s, at times 15° warmer than temps down in the valley, was a bit of a shock to the system. Once the shadows got long late in the day, it got cold again quickly and areas that were thawing refroze. Our high temp ended up at 42° and our overnight low just down to 26°. An inch of snow and ice remains. Today should be similar, but there are more clouds present which could prohibit some melting. Areas where hikers have trampled the snow are very slick, so the traveled trails of Rainbow Falls and Bull Head are going to require traction devices for easier passage.

There is no timetable for when US 441 and Roaring Fork will reopen. Rangers and road maintenance crews were still reporting places unfit for vehicular traffic.

Have a great day.

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November 13, 2019

11/13/2019

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Moonset gives way to sunrise.

Good Morning,

Last night’s low temp was 1°, our coldest night since January 30th of this year. Any winds were light, so wind chills didn’t drop below -10°. Skies are clear and temps are rising, currently at 21°. Our snow total topped out at 1.5” and there was no melt yesterday.

Cherokee Orchard remains the only means of access to the lodge so far this morning. Guest reports are that the snow is slightly deeper down below than up here. There is no timetable for when US 441 or Roaring Fork will reopen.

Traction devices are crucial, especially while anything that begins to melt will refreeze overnight, so slick places are numerous. With the added snow and ice, everything is going to take longer, so it’s important to start early and for day hikers to leave the top with plenty of daylight. Most guests coming up Rainbow or Bull Head yesterday averaged 8-10 hours on trail.

Be safe, and enjoy these magical mountains!

Between the full moon and snow covered ground, headlamps were optional moving around camp last night.

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November 12, 2019

11/12/2019

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4:15 PM UPDATE

Cherokee Orchard is open, and guests have been safely utilizing Rainbow Falls and Bull Head trails. US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) and Roaring Fork remain closed. There is still no timetable for their reopening.

It is currently 8° at the lodge and steadily falling. We’ve been in and out of the clouds much of the afternoon, but seen no snow/ice melt. Tonight and much of tomorrow is expected to be quite frigid. Traction devices and warm, wind proof layers are highly recommended in these conditions.

11:30 AM UPDATE

Nothing new to report, but here are some more photos for your enjoyment!

8:30 AM UPDATE

Good Morning,

US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) and Roaring Fork are currently closed due to ice and snow. Cherokee Orchard remains open for guests to use Rainbow Falls and Bull Head trails.

Current snow accumulation is just over 1”, falling after 3.3” of rain and sleet over night. We have not received any new snow in the last hour. The lodge is sitting at 15° and it is not expected to get any warmer than that the rest of the day. Trail conditions are sure to be slick, especially once hikers begin to pack it down. Traction devices for your boots will be crucial in these conditions.

We will provide more updates throughout the day. Enjoy the wintry beauty and be safe!

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