March 23, 2018

Good Afternoon,
Despite not seeing any flakes fall in the last day and a half, the mountain seems to be locked in a standstill. The overcast skies continue to keep the sun at bay, and thus we aren’t seeing any snow melt. The trees are as densely caked in white as they were when the flurries started sticking. Temps continue to hover in the teens, and the breezes keep it feeling extra chilly.
With Newfound Gap Road reopening yesterday, we’ve seen a massive influx of day hikers again. Alum Cave and Rainbow Falls will continue to be your best options for ascending the mountain because of their extensive use and snow being packed down. There is a chance for more precip starting tonight and lasting through Sunday, so we’ll see how that shakes out up here. If US 441 succumbs to another temporary closure overnight, we’ll be sure and let you know.
Continue to pack those warm and waterproof layers for the climb, and especially the traction devices. Have a great weekend!