Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow....

10/29/2012

7 AM and we have 6.5" of snow. It is coming down pretty hard at the moment. The temperatures dropped to 20º last night. The winds were howling all night long. We are settling for a long day of more snow. If the forecast is correct, today and tonight will bring most of our snowfall. Hwy 441, through the park, is closed. That leaves Trillium, Bullhead, and Rainbow Falls trail. Please make sure you have plenty of clothing, snacks, and water when you start out. I beg every hiker out there, do not set foot on the trail if you are wearing blue jeans or any other cotton clothing. That type of clothing could become deadly in weather like this. Hikers will want to stop at a local outfitters and purchase some sort of ice walker. Yak Trax, Micro spikes, or Stableicers are good brands. I know several of the outfitters in Sevier county carry these. Please be safe out there and we look forward to seeing you up top. We will have the hot cocoa waiting for you.

Pat N.

10/29/2012 12:27:47 am

Wow! It sounds frightful and beautiful all at the same time. Weather advisory shows a heap of snow for y'all by tonight...as much as 17 inches. Enjoy! Stay cozy and above all... safe. Hope those who hike are wise and safe, too.

Juanita

10/29/2012 12:32:35 am

Oh my goodness! It sounds like this stormis going to be a doozy with all the snow and wind. You should be prepared to loose power up there for a few days. Be SAFE!

High On LeConte

10/29/2012 12:35:40 am

Juanita,
Considering we have never had power up here, I don't think I need to worry about that. That is the one great thing about being snowed in on the mountain. We don't have to worry about a line down.

Gina

10/29/2012 12:32:44 am

Hope all are safe that attempt the mountain today. Part of me would like to but part of me just likes sitting by my fire over here in Maggie Valley where were awaiting the snow later today.

Michele C.

10/29/2012 12:35:08 am

Can you guys measure wind speeds up top?

doug

10/29/2012 12:55:33 am

One of these days I intend to be at the lodge when a big snow is forecast; being there when that begins, for me, would be a tremendous pleasure ! Brian: you may get your wish for your trip; I wonder if there'll be any cancellations ? I've got to call. Enjoy it up there and I, too, hope that anyone coming up, or down, will exercise great care and dress correctly.

Matthew

10/29/2012 01:07:22 am

I hope Chris dosn't have to go out this evening for any rescues.

Cameron Rodman

10/29/2012 01:12:56 am

I have been waiting for this all year long!

tomk in Bulgaria

10/29/2012 01:14:58 am

I usually write from SC, but today from Bulgaria. It is raining here, but I'm watching the snow there. So, some questions:
1) Who won the snow pool?
2) Do guests ever get trapped up top? What happens then?
3) This would seem a good opportunity for locals (Doug?) to get abandoned slots. Does that happen in weather like this or do most LeConte hikers triple their resolve and hike up?
4) How does this affect Chrissy and the llamas?

Bobby H

10/29/2012 01:18:23 am

Snow pool? Swimming in this weather makes no sense?

10/29/2012 01:22:58 am

Bulgaria? That might be a record for farthest post. Let's see, now to answer your questions...
1.) John won the snow pool
2.) The only time guests got trapped up here was the blizzard of '93. The trails were impassible. The roads were closed. Good thing is there is plenty of food. You might get tired of beef and gravy, but you won't go hungry.
3.) You would be amazed. More people make it up for the snow then when it is raining.
4.) Chrissy is still on the crew on top of the mountain. Mitch is our llama wrangler. He has been with us since last season. He has already had to turn around due to the rhodo blocking the trail. It is a really wet and heavy snow. The llamas can not make it through with their wide loads. It is passable for humans. Chrissy will be starting next season as the co-llama wrangler. She and Mitch will be sharing the duties out at the farm and taking turns bringing the llamas up.
Hope this gives you some light reading while hanging out in Bulgaria.

Corky

10/29/2012 01:53:45 am

We will be hiking up to the lodge this Thursday...first timers!
I hadn't planned for snow so am wondering how to dress, especially footwear. Will my hiking shoes be sufficient or do hikers wear snow boots?

Devin R

10/29/2012 02:09:04 am

Hiking boots should work ok, but it depends how deep/wet the snow by then. Since the bulk of the snow is happening today and tomorrow, you might be ok with the sun coming out and temps warming up a bit. If your hiking boots are waterproof, that's even better. We've never needed anything more than waterproof hiking boots and microspikes for our feet (but then again we haven't hiked during a heavy snowfall), and we usually wear insulated/waterproof pants for our legs (think ski pants but not as baggy!).

Brian N bama

10/29/2012 02:05:32 am

Yippee! looks like there may be some lingering snowfall when I come up on the 9th of nov. Just hope 441 is open so I can come up alum. Allyson, I sure could use an awesome snow pic!

Travis

10/29/2012 02:05:47 am

What will be the last day for the crew this year?

Chris

10/29/2012 02:24:31 am

Allyson, PLEASE! Give us a daylight pic of the snow on the mountain today.

connie roark link

10/29/2012 02:54:00 am

would love to look at all your pictures.I didn't know anyone lived up there...I've never been to the top of LeConte I'm way past the hiking age lol but all our family loves the Smokies and we have so many pictures of the area but would love to see your's....is there a link I can go to??Love the idea of no electric ....love snow.....

10/29/2012 02:54:01 am

The snow has obviously generated all sorts of excitement, including my own, for hiking up to the lodge ! Devin R is right about having a good pair of boots, an item I always spend more on than any other piece of gear. On a few occasions over the years I've used an old pair of snow gaiters, sometimes a wee bit hard to put on, but lightweight and easily stored in even a small day pack, and they're excellent for keeping out loose snow. I've run into first-timers on many different trails who are very eager to get out there, and sometimes they seem to ignore weather warnings, etc., perhaps thinking nothing bad could happen to them, but this is a dangerous attitude, one that can lead to severe problems, and it really bothers me when I encounter it. But I believe that most folks who are headed for the lodge, in particular, make proper preparations and have a good hike. I now have three pairs of those "convertible" pants and this could be a great opportunity to try them. Some people disagree with me, but I have occasionally hiked in cold weather in short pants which I find to be enjoyable, so the convertibles will come in very handy. Hope everyone has a great hike up or down today !

10/29/2012 03:15:35 am

Hiking boots are like running shoes, it pays to spend good money on a good pair of boots. If you're a runner like me, you know the difference between running in a pair of Brooks or Mizunos over a $40 pair of New Balance from Rack Room. Same thing with boots. A nice pair of Merrells will do you good.

Darlene

10/29/2012 02:56:41 am

Always wanted to hike up there. maybe one day.Thanks for postings pictures.

Randy

10/29/2012 03:23:53 am

I'm a native Sevier Countain --now living in Orlando --we're all bundled up in heavy jackets & complaining 'cause it's 51 here! LOL I guess it could be worse. Enjoy the snow,ya'll!

JT from mobile

10/29/2012 03:39:45 am

Beautiful pictures, the snow has finally arrived !!!! more pictures please thanks

Patty Scott

10/29/2012 10:04:00 am

Enjoy the snow, sure it is really beautiful up on the mountians, stay safe & warm. Send some snow pictures.

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Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow....

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