March 22, 2018

Good Afternoon,
That was quite a snow squall we witnessed yesterday. The flurries and the winds just never seemed to end. By dawn this morning, things finally appeared to ease up, but not before leaving us with 13” of measurable snow. The drifts across the mountain have it much deeper in places. Our temps only varied a little yesterday, our high being 12 degrees and our low at 9. It’s been a heat wave comparatively today, as we’ve soared up to the 20’s.

The NPS recently reopened Newfound Gap Road (US 441), so guests with reservations tomorrow can once again utilize Alum Cave Trail. With all of this snow, and the high probability of thaw/refreeze over the next couple days, you’ll still want to tote those traction devices. The first folks to use Alum Cave, The Boulevard, and Trillium Gap should expect to be breaking trail and post-holing. The weather has thrown a wrench into our first llama trips of the season, but we’re hoping to see them back on schedule next week. It’s looking like Monday/Wednesday/Friday, but please keep in mind that pattern is subject to change at a moment’s notice. Be safe out there and happy trails!