February 15, 2023

Good Morning,

The snow continues to disappear after another warm day on the mountain. Yesterday’s sunny skies, high temp of 48°, and 0.2” of rainfall during the night brought the ground accumulation down to 2”. Our low reading was only 35°, and it’s expected to be warm up top again today back up around 50°. The clouds have set up shop on the summit and could be sticking to us the next few days as intermittent rain showers pass through. The high winds will also be persisting, with gusts of 45mph today and 55mph tomorrow. US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) is back to being closed again after a brief reopening yesterday. Anyone attempting the trails today should be cautious of the wind, and definitely pack the traction devices and waterproof layers.

One neat thing about the presence of snow around camp is the assortment of animal tracks found between cabins and trees. Squirrels and juncos are common, but yesterday was highlighted by finds of fox prints and the leaping of our local weasel. 100 years ago Paul Adams wrote about a timber wolf that stalked the perimeter of his initial camp. Imagine stumbling across those foot prints in the snow! Though such a sighting has not happened for quite some time, it just goes to show that one is always in the company of nature atop Mt. LeConte, day or night, summer or winter.

​Have a great day.