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May 16, 2014

5/16/2014

 
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Although there was still more snow to come, Steve appears more than ready to head back down to the llama farm, where it doesn't snow in mid-May.
Flurries on the furries.  The llamas don't like working in the heat, but this is probably a little overboard in the other direction.  The midday snow marks the big news on top of LeConte today.  As of 2 p.m., we have received about half an inch of snow, along with sun, clouds and some ice pellets--and that's just in the last two hours.

Thursday's high reached 49 degrees with an overnight low of 26.  We tallied 0.34 inches of rain.  As of early afternoon, the temperature hasn't risen above 33 degrees.

I expect the trails to be slippery near the summit of LeConte.  However, several people have told me that they enjoyed nice weather and clear skies until the last two miles of the hike to the lodge.  If the temperature falls at all tonight I expect the upper section of trails on Saturday morning
to be more slippery than today because of wet conditions and refreezing.

I awoke to pretty conditions this morning.  As the thermometer dipped to 26 degrees, Thursday's rain had frozen into a thin sheen of ice on my porch.
  It looked like an off Broadway (way off Broadway) production of "The Waltons on Ice" as I slid across my cabin porch toward the kitchen for work this morning--"Goodnight John Boy, pass the snow cream."

However, the morning was lovely with sun and good visibility down into the valley.  About 10 a.m. clouds began to hem us in up on top.  The heaviest snow and ice pellet showers occurred about 1:15 p.m., just as we were loading up llamas for their return trip.

The most recent forecast I heard called for about a 30 percent chance of showers and below average temperatures for the next few days
.  Please be prepared if you are hiking up to see us.  I've seen some miserable dayhikers walking around in shorts and sandals today.  I spoke to a nice couple in shorts and t-shirts this morning (who dropped by to purchase LeConte hooded sweatshirts) who spent last night in the shelter with a light sleeping bag.  They said it wasn't a pleasant night.  We'll keep the heaters on.

Some have asked if this is a record-late snowfall for Mt. LeConte.  I've done a little research on this (dating back to the late 1970s) and will pass
it along.  Today's snowfall (0.5 inches as of now) marks the latest snowfall on Mt. LeConte since 1993 when we totaled 0.5 inches on May 22.  Last year, our latest snow came via flurries on May 6, so a light snow in early May is the norm.  The latest snowfall on Mt. LeConte since the late 1970s came on June 1, 1983 when flurries were observed.

Last night we were pleased to welcome a whole lodge of friends and descendants of the Huffs, the first family of LeConte Lodge.  Perhaps I'll pass along a Jack Huff story tomorrow if things work out.  Happy trails.

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Conditions were much nicer earlier in the morning before we were reintroduced to winter precipitation.
Janet
5/16/2014 08:01:34 am

I had to laugh when I saw the first photo you posted. That Llama looks thoroughly disgusted! I love it! He's so cute, I just want to let him know that I agree with him totally about the cold and the snow. We don't have any of the white stuff in Ohio... but it is rainy and very chilly. Stay warm!!!

TracyG
5/16/2014 08:06:18 am

Ok, I laughed so loud at this picture and caption! Go away winter!!! Love your writing Nathan. Yall stay warm up top. Have a great afternoon.

ShellG
5/16/2014 08:24:28 am

Love Steve, bless him! Planning on heading up the Boulevard Trail tomorrow morning, any updates? Or suggestions, considering the varying weather conditions, of the best route?

Paulrom
5/16/2014 01:41:33 pm

I'd check the park service weather 865-436-1200

High on LeConte
5/16/2014 03:23:16 pm

ShellG,

It looks like Saturday's forecast is much like today's--which means not a lot up here. However, if I were hiking the Boulevard in the morning, I'd bring some traction devices because although there's not much snow, there's plenty of water on the trails which has already frozen tonight at the lodge. Be careful on your hike. We look forward to having you. Happy trails.

Nathan

Lisa Farsht
5/16/2014 08:40:20 am

When is the earliest snowfall recorded in the late summer, early fall?

High on LeConte
5/17/2014 04:09:26 pm

Lisa,

The earliest snowfall on Mt. LeConte, dating back to the late 1970s, was Sept. 25, 1985 when the mountain saw some flurries. October is the more normal month for early snow. Thanks for reading. Happy trails.

Nathan

Jenny B. link
5/16/2014 10:19:15 am

I was hiking today on Breakneck Ridge over between Hyatt Ridge and Raven Fork, and experienced intermittent showers and sleet. Right now back home in Sylva NC the skies are clear, but there is continuing unstable weather that makes it hard to predict conditions. If I was climbing LeConte over the weekend and didn't have foot traction with me, I might opt for a less rocky route (staying away from Boulevard or Alum Cave).

cboone
5/16/2014 10:24:49 am

Poor Steve! Sure hope he got some pancakes before he left the lodge.

Donna Cuic
5/16/2014 11:02:48 am

I was there during the heaviest snow at about 1:15 to 1:45. It was so awesome. I am from Florida and my friend was with me and has never seen snow before so I was tickled that she got to see it up there on top of the world for the first time.

Debi
5/16/2014 11:11:33 pm

Cute picture Nathan. Steve does not look like a happy camper. I remember when my daughter was about 11 she went to a llama group. Well, the first time she went she got spit on. Poor kid never went back and isn't fond of llama's til this day.

DannyH
5/17/2014 05:43:51 am

Poor Steve, your photo made us laugh. Hope he doesn't come down with a cold from the snow on his head. Tee-shirt picture?


Comments are closed.
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