February 16, 2023

Good Morning,

It’s been another solid 24 hours spent above freezing; thus, what little snow remained yesterday around the lodge has now completely melted away. Wednesday’s high temp came in at 46° and our low was 36°. The mountain received another 0.1” of rainfall and continues to be socked in with thick clouds, which is pretty much the theme for this winter. Nonetheless, there is beauty to be had in all of it.

Turbulent weather will continue today and tomorrow, as we’re back under a High Wind Advisory until Friday morning. The forecast is predicting several inches of rain and gusts upwards of 65mph at times. US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) is open, but it’s possible the hazardous conditions force another temporary closure, especially if we see a transition over to snow once temperatures drop tomorrow.

The unpredictability of nature in the weeks leading up to the spring equinox certainly makes thing interesting up here. In a matter of hours we can go from sunny and warm, to cool and rainy, to snowy and frigid, then promptly go in reverse. A fierce tug-of-war between some of the year’s most dramatic looking landscapes and most treacherous conditions. So use caution if looking to explore the backcountry.

​Have a great day.