January 2, 2020

Good Morning,

It was another splendid Smoky Mountain day to kickoff the New Year. Sunshine and breathtaking vistas dominated the daylight hours one more time before bringing this lovely stretch of weather we’ve enjoyed to a close. Not much temperature variance yesterday, hovering between the mid 20s and low 30s all day and night. The mountain is clouded over currently and temps have actually risen to the mid 30s under gusty winds.

Rain is approaching from the south and it looks like we’ll be seeing plenty of it and the white fluffy stuff in the coming days. Mild temps should keep things wet this afternoon, but by late Friday and through all of Saturday temps should turn frigid and we could see some decent snow accumulation. It’s a safe bet to expect US 441 getting temporarily closed once conditions really start to sour. Please use caution if you have the motivation to get outside and play in it.

Special thanks to our battalion of winter caretakers these last few weeks for tending to priority number one, and that’s “taking care” of the lodge in it’s December dormancy. Also for the insights, stunning photos, and live captures of what’s been happening on the mountain daily. Here’s a toast to Steve, Pnut, Greg, Al, Kemp, Dick, Ann, and John for their efforts.

Kemp, who you may recall as one of our in-season cooks and crew, will be taking up the mantle for the next long while. We look forward to seeing what he has to offer as an avid outdoorsman and someone who appreciates the beauty of Mt. LeConte.

​Have a great day.