Nov. 1, 2014

11/1/2014

Jack-o-lanterns in the snow. The railing outside the dining room doors is somewhere buried beneath the pumpkins. I'll try to include more information about our annual LeConte Lodge crew jack-o-lantern contest Sunday.

Update -- 3:06 p.m. : Good afternoon to you all. Officially, we have 22 inches of snow on the ground here at LeConte Lodge. There are lots of drifts around the grounds more than waist high. It's currently 17 degrees with some wind and slacking slow at the lodge. Congratulations to the meteorologists; they didn't miss this one.

I've attached a few photos for you all to peruse. There's no other news to report regarding our status for Sunday. We'll try to reassess Sunday morning after we get updates from the Park Service. All the folks at the lodge are in good shape--happy, well-fed and warm.

Please don't try to hike up today. We'll have plenty of snow hanging around for a while. We are closed, except for taking care of last night's guests who felt is wise to stay over. The Park Service has its hands full with lots of work. If you do choose to get out in the backcountry, be prepared for a self rescue. Last night we had two people destined for the backcountry shelter show up after 9 p.m., one of them in blue jeans and tennis shoes in (at that time) five inches of snow. If we were not here, he almost certainly would have died last night. This weather (snow depth, wind and temperature) is not to be taken lightly. Happy trails (just don't try it today).

Update -- 10:19 a.m. : General manager Tim Line just received word that all roads accessing trails leading to LeConte should be closed most of the day. Thus, in a rarity, LeConte Lodge is closed to new guests hiking up today.

Some of last night's guests chose to hike down together this morning. Others chose to stay at LeConte Lodge and depart Sunday. We will reevaluate our opening status Sunday morning when we get the latest road condition and weather reports. We have quite a bit going on. If we get caught up with work, I'll try to post a photo of the continuing snowfall.
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Good morning to you all. I wanted to provide a quick update on weather conditions at LeConte Lodge.

We received a significant winter storm beginning last night. Friday's high was 38 with a low of 14. We currently have 17 inches of snow on the ground with more snow steadily falling. Additionally, the wind has been quite stout, creating deep drifts around the lodge grounds. Conditions for hiking will be quite difficult and strenuous.

The forecast calls for more snow throughout the day. The high is expected to be in the 20s with windy conditions Saturday.

As far as access to the trails leading to LeConte Lodge goes, we know that U.S. Highway 441 was closed last night and remains closed. Current feeling from Park Service officials is that 441 may be closed all Saturday. Park road crews are stretched quite thin now as there is also snow at the bottom of the mountain, which has taken down lots of trees because they still were holding on to their leaves. At this point, we are unsure about whether the road to the Rainbow Falls/Bullhead parking lot will be cleared today.

As you may imagine, we have plenty of chores to do around here, too. Snow makes everything harder. If we get more information throughout the day, we'll try to pass it along via High on LeConte. Happy trails.

Crew member Jeanie Lawley stands outside the dining room in one of the snow trenches we've been busy digging today.

Crew member Brad Graham takes a breather from shoveling snow trenches. Note the ice in his beard.

59 Comments

William

11/1/2014 12:51:58 am

I had to turn around about a half mile from the Rainbow Falls trailhead at 6AM this morning because there were too many trees down across Cherokee Orchard Rd - and the snow was getting too deep for my car to handle safely.

It may be better if they can get crews in to clean it up but considering how many blowdowns were on the road, there's bound to be a lot on the trails.

I'm staying home, and hope you guys up there stay safe.

LJCool

11/1/2014 01:32:12 am

I thought the Cherokee Orchard was closed. Was the gate swung shut? Just verifying.

11/1/2014 01:41:51 am

Half shut half not. I couldn't tell if it was open or closed.

11/1/2014 02:10:16 am

Heads up, "half open" usually means the outbound lane is open for hikers to exit, but entrance is closed. I verified road status: Cherokee Orchard Rd is closed, but park road crews are plowing and removing that tree now. :)

11/1/2014 10:47:15 am

Thanks. It was still hard to tell what the gates were doing with poor visibility. One was at a 30 degree angle over part of the road and the other was not on the road. I figured if it got bad I could just turn around later anyway.

Good thing common sense won out and I just went back home.

Kim Woods

11/1/2014 01:28:36 am

Please be careful and stay warm. Thanks for all your updates. We live in Pigeon Forge so we are always concerned for you all there.

JT Mobile al

11/1/2014 03:26:08 am

Kim , Do you have any snow in Pigeon ?

Mary F

11/1/2014 01:33:14 am

Just curious, will the guests who stayed over last night get to stay an extra night? Even if they made it down the trails, depending where their cars are parked, they won't be able to get them on the road. The park service does amazing things, but this seems like a biggie! Be safe everyone

Donnie R.

11/1/2014 01:38:25 am

One word..YIKES ! On another note...IS SPRING HERE YET ;)

Pat N

11/1/2014 01:41:18 am

Must be beautiful! Be safe!

Chuck and Elaine link

11/1/2014 01:53:05 am

We love your reporting - hope to see some snow pictures when you can.

Hope to see snow pictures when you can put them on.

Thank you!

Will

11/1/2014 02:55:14 am

Stay warmup there Nathan! Nashvilles thinking about ya!
Go Vols!

RCH

11/1/2014 03:14:32 am

Talked to park service employee on Cherokee a Orchard Rd a few minutes before 9 this morning. He was plowing and headed to clear downed trees from the road leading to a Rainbow a Falls trail. He hoped to have the road open by noon. Anyone have a Rainbow Falls trail report?

LNeal

11/1/2014 06:03:32 am

its still closed as of 1

Jenny H.

11/1/2014 03:32:15 am

Will someone please have hikers coming down the trail tomorrow leave comments here to let those who are scheduled to come on Monday know what the conditions are on Rainbow Falls?

11/1/2014 03:41:34 am

There is a ranger now posted at the first gate on Cherokee Orchard Rd. Two plows are working the road and it has 6-8 inches of snow on it close to the RF trailhead. Asked if we could park and hike in to the trail and was told no.

11/1/2014 04:53:04 am

No from the park ranger. So don't come to the GSMNP when it is at its finest. That needs to change.

11/1/2014 07:44:57 am

That was likely just while the plow was on road. Giant plow vs people would not be a good day for anyone! The quicker they can clear it with out people in the way, the quicker we can all access the trail... which is probably covered with trees.

John Montgomery

11/1/2014 03:45:40 am

Be safe. Stay warm. Wish I was there.

Barbara Wilson

11/1/2014 04:23:59 am

Wish I was there. It's so pretty in the snow

norman

11/1/2014 05:00:48 am

K needs to change!!!!

11/1/2014 05:19:51 am

What did I say so provocative. Are you glad you can't access the SM every time there is a snow event. It is like this all the time. I have watched and waited year end and year out and it is rare that the perfect condition accur when there is great snow and access. They never are prepared and always take the easy way by just shutting down.

11/1/2014 04:56:58 am

Just when the park is at its best they shut it down. I know its hard work but they could get stuff open if they really wanted to. They just don't want to.

Chris

11/1/2014 07:27:42 am

I've been in the park many times soon after a good snow. It's not normal for them to shut all roads down for long periods of time. It also not normal for 17+" of snow to fall here, especially when many trees still have leaves.
Typically the main roads are open the next morning and anyone can enjoy the beautiful scenery to their hearts content. In any case there will still be plenty of snow up high to play in when the roads do open.
Hang in there.

11/1/2014 08:36:52 am

Trees fell on a hiker and a snow plow today. Hiker was safely rescued, and the plow operator was not hurt. Makes sense that there is a delay. Yosemite pushed hard for road openings one year and a plow operator was killed. I am glad the park is using caution.

Wally Harris

11/1/2014 02:49:34 pm

If you have never worked clearing snow and ice from roads and trails then saying what you just did is easy. Having worked as a government worker on a roads crew clearing snow and ice from the roads is hard enough when your crew is spread thin as well as lacking in numbers of people to work. The cuts in employees due to federal budget constraints is hurting the ability of the crews to clear the roads and trails in a timely manner. Patience on the part of the public is something a lot of people don't have. They all are worried about being able access the park when they want too. Sorry it doesn't work that way in an event such as this. Too many times I have seen people get impatient and then they wind up getting killed or hurt because they do something stupid in this kind of weather. Give it whatever time it takes for those people to do there job. The mountains will be there for you when this is over with. They've only been there how many millions of years? They'll be there for you later on.

Dave Doherty

11/1/2014 05:01:04 am

Stayed in Gatlinburg all last week and the weather was nice. Left Thursday night because of the weather coming in, would have like to stay and see the snow cover. Hope to see pictures posted

KGW

11/5/2014 11:27:24 am

We STAYED an extra day just to SEE the snow...LOL...Was worth it...

Rick Shepherd

11/1/2014 05:04:04 am

Thanks for the update.....Stay safe and post us some pics when you can.

Lois R. Griswold

11/1/2014 05:35:28 am

Did Miki and Julie Dunn start down the mountain today or are they waiting for tomorrow?

Lois R Griswold

11/1/2014 01:19:37 pm

Miki and Julie arrived down safely...tonight.

Ron Adams

11/1/2014 06:29:44 am

K,
Remember, or at least do not forget, that not every hiker or driver in the Smokies are adept at winter conditions. One of the reasons for closing the park trails and roads is because the park service lacks the resources to save every driver and hiker who makes silly amateurish mistakes. There are only so many rangers who can go out and rescue novice hikers stranded on the trails.

11/1/2014 06:35:43 am

Amen Ron!

JB from KY

11/1/2014 06:38:38 am

I cant believe those people hiked off this am. That would have been a no brainer for me and my people. Great food, the best hot chocolate in the world and really warm blankets !!!

Sharon S

11/1/2014 06:48:57 am

Seems like an apropos end to the tenure(s) of some of our favorite LeConte crew members. Everyone stay safe.

11/1/2014 07:09:59 am

K.
Why don't you volunteer to cut the falling trees down..that would help and you could see the snow..

11/1/2014 07:20:46 am

I would love to help….. if I could get up to a trailhead anywhere. Ron, I get it but it still seems they could have a small entrance they could clear somewhere. I have heard of people going up above gates, getting snow, and having to leave car for weeks before rangers would let them get their car. Just frustrating to miss out on snow in the Greatest of the Smokes.

11/1/2014 08:50:10 am

K ~ trails are all open, you just need to be creative. You can drive into Sugarlands Visitor Center from Gatlinburg, or Oconaluftee via Cherokee, and hike trails from there. Tons of trails are easily accessible! from SVC: Gatlinburg, Old Sugarlands, Sugaland Valley Nature Trail, Catarct Falls/Cove Mountain.... Happy Trails!

11/1/2014 07:14:42 am

K
You could go help the Rangers carry a hiker out..
Injured hikers still in the process of being rescued on the Ramsey Cascades trail in Greenbrier.

11/1/2014 07:37:15 am

No one has to wait weeks to gain access to their car here in the GSMNP. That just doesn't happen. Now if someone cuts a lock or otherwise goes into a closed area with their car and gets caught, then I would not be surprised if it's towed and that could very take that long to get back but then of course I would argue they deserve what they get.

11/1/2014 07:57:57 am

If you were able to go in (above gate) on thursday to hike and stay in shelters or campsites then your car would be behind gate. A couple of people have said when that happened to them the park would not allow them to get their car until gate was reopened. It took a couple of weeks. Just saying it has and can happen.

Chros

11/1/2014 01:31:23 pm

This will be my last comment on this subject but felt obligated to correct misinformation when I read this. Park roads here have never been closed for weeks at a time due to bad weather except perhaps ones such as clingmans done road which is closed for winter, all winter, each year. Maybe when the roads were still dirt there were exceptions.....put not in our lifetimes. LOL.

Bill

11/1/2014 01:17:30 pm

Amen!!

Kathy

11/1/2014 08:06:54 am

Wow this reminds me of Oct 30 2012, when we hiked up and it was snowing so hard. Trees were down in some parts and hiking was a challenge in the snow. They closed also back then and we did stay and extra night. Was very beautiful, but glad we got to enjoy another night at the lodge. Be careful out there all you hikers..

11/1/2014 08:22:02 am

K
There a trail by the bridge right before you get to Sugarland Visitor Center you can hike it to the top of Cherokee Orchard ..if there no trees down..

11/1/2014 08:50:17 am

I can't believe those idiots hiked up there last night in jeans and tennis shoes. Do they ever check the weather??? Bless you people at the lodge, they would have died no doubt if not for you folks...There is no margin for error if you are not prepared in the GSM....

Mike Seeber

11/1/2014 09:28:05 am

I am part of a group of 20 people with a planned visit arriving sunday and departing Monday. Our group has cancelled because of the bad conditions, but I would like to still come with one other person if it was possible. I do not want to jeopardize our ability to get slots in the future. Is there any way to come to the lodge on Sunday assuming the roads are cleared without jeopardizing the rest of my group?

kat

11/1/2014 09:57:45 am

Love the picture of Jack-o-lanterns in the snow [ and the people too!!] I would love to see the lodge in a snow like this one but unless I am caught up there in it, its not likely to happen. Even if the roads were open I would not attempt it. Hope everyone makes it down safely.
I think the park service does a wonderful job. We need to do all we can to help them by not putting ourselves in danger.

Patty Stevens

11/1/2014 09:58:44 am

I was one of the group that was up there 2 years ago and stayed the extra night. Everyone is just trying to keep the hikers safe. Hiking up that year on the 29th we could hear trees falling behind us. Safety first people, the Park Service is just doing their job.
Oh and Ha Ha Jeanie you get to experience what I got to experience..........awesome right?

ed fuhr link

11/1/2014 10:05:43 am

Any sense whether any of the roads will be open tomorrow a.m.?

K - be glad this isn't Shenandoah; that park closes on a forecast and a snow like this would keep the entire roadway closed for weeks. It has become a big issue around here.

Debi

11/1/2014 10:51:04 am

Well, Leconte. You beat me. Its a beautiful sunny day here in Ludington, Michigan without a stich of snow. I sure do enjoy seeing all that snow when I don't have it. Stay safe good people.

Jane T.

11/1/2014 10:59:40 am

Sending all best wishes for the entire stalwart crew. You all are awesome! Thanks for the great pictures for those of us who are living vicariously this weekend. Stay safe and, of course, Go Vols!

Daniel

11/1/2014 11:18:31 am

Does anyone know if access to Mt. Cammerer will be open tomorrow (Sunday)?

Zeke

11/2/2014 12:00:12 am

Sure, park outside the Cosby gate (if closed) and have at it. I have been there in mid January, 15 degrees and beautiful. But, it is a full day's work.

elaine

11/1/2014 12:51:24 pm

Thanks for the updates, Nathan. As always, you and your staff are doing whatever is necessary to keep your guests warm and safe. What a last Hoorah this would have been for Allyson and Chris. And where's our JP? He would love a snowfall like this during his watch. Be safe everyone.

Sandy

11/1/2014 01:09:35 pm

I was one of the Watson party that spent Halloween night at the lodge. We were a party of 11 with 2 children. We were extremely well geared up for bad weather and hiked down Alum Cave Trail behind a few of the greatest young men that blazed the trail through the snow the entire way!

Hiking up took 2 hours and 55 minutes. Hiking down with the group in the snow took 6 hours and 15 minutes. Slow going, but doable for experienced hikers who know the trail and know how to handle themselves in adverse conditions.

The forest rangers were waiting on us and clearing the parking lot when we got there and gave us a "snow plow" escort out the gate of the park at Sugarlands.

Epic trip that will go down in our hiking log and talked about for years to come. Thanks to everyone on top, the trail blazers, and the forest service!

Melody

11/1/2014 01:40:02 pm

Glad to get an update on y'all. I saw and talked to some members of your group as you were on the way up. My friend and I decided we were too inexperienced and hiked back down yesterday after hot chocolate and talking with Tim. As exciting and beautiful as it sounds I think we made the best decision for us. No winter hiking/icy experience and not geared up for deep snow and ice. By the way, we saw those two backpackers going up. We had hoped they had better clothes and equipment in their backpacks, but it looks like they didn't. Glad to hear they are ok. And hopefully wiser.

11/1/2014 01:45:59 pm

Melody! I remember you too. I was with my husband near the top. You absolutely made the right decision. We worried about you guys last night and hoped that you had decided to turn around.

Happy trails for the future!

11/2/2014 12:14:46 am

We sure have been thinking about all of you and are glued to the blog updates. Enjoy the beauty and be safe. We pray that hikers will take your wise advice seriously. Looking forward to more pics.

Nov. 1, 2014

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