March 12, 2018

3:00 PM Update:

     The snow seems to be letting up, and the clouds are slowly glowing brighter, but not before bringing our total snow accumulation up to 8".  Temps have dipped into the mid-teens this afternoon.  Perhaps the skies will break open just in time for a stellar sunset!  There's another chance for snow showers late this evening before hopefully clearing up tomorrow.  Fingers crossed for flying. Newfound Gap Road remains closed, but Rainbow Falls is accessible out of Cherokee Orchard.  We'll keep you posted on the conditions up top and any changes regarding the major roadways.

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Good Morning,
     The mountain top is once again glazed over in fresh powder.  In the middle of the night, scattered rain showers eventually went silent giving way to lightly falling snow.  At measurement a fresh 2" of snow had already come down, bringing our current total to 4".  The liquid precip accounted for 0.45".  Once the rain shifted to snow temperatures steadily dipped into the low 20's.  This is likely where we'll hover much of the day.  Tuesday evening into Wednesday appears to be coldest it will get this week.  At this time, US 441 remains temporarily closed and our helicopter remains grounded.

     Our team continues to make the best of the situation, cleaning and tidying up where we can.  There comes a point where there's nothing left to do but sit back and admire the beauty of nature around you.  The wind is calm, so stepping outside and away from the noise gives one the impression of standing in a snow globe, the softly falling flakes barely breaking the hush of the air.  The fresh powder covers up any imperfections, creating uniformity from cabins to red spruces.  Peering into the fog as the landscape blurs into white leads the mind to wander.  Winter in these mountains can be both beautiful and treacherous.  Best to safely enjoy the former and stay clear of the latter.

     We hope to kickoff our annual resupply Airlift in the next day or two.  We'll see if all of the contributing factors in that decision align for us.  Once flying begins, there will be temporary closures of the lodge grounds.  We will be posting signs and caution tape around the perimeter of camp with staff to inform and direct visitors about the closure.  Accessing water spigots and restrooms will be limited to when it is deemed safe for visitors to enter camp.  While the helicopter is in the air, keeping hikers away from the action at a certain distance is the best way to ensure their safety.  Please respect these closures and the dedicated folks staffing the entrances.  Places like Cliff Tops, High Top, and Myrtle Point will of course remain accessible to hikers.
     Thank you and have a great afternoon.