November 2, 2020

Good Morning,

There was no easing into it. Yesterday morning’s mild start in the mid 40s was the day’s high point. Even with the sun eventually coming out and providing a fabulous sunset later on, the temps continued to slide and the north winds picked up. Once the sun dropped behind the horizon, conditions cooled quickly and continued to do so til day break. Our low temp ...get ready for it... was 11° at reporting time. And if that wasn’t cold enough for you, we’re also getting blasted by winds gusting upward of 40 mph. That puts the wind chills at the lodge as low as -10°. “Brrr” might be an understatement, especially for what is not normal this time of year.

These conditions should not be taken lightly. If you don’t have the layers and hiking gear to keep yourself comfortable and safe in such extreme temps, you are putting yourself and others (potential rescuers) at risk. Already yesterday there were several groups of day hikers arriving to the lodge way too late in the afternoon, unaware of the time change’s effect on an earlier sunset and the rapidly decreasing temperatures. Advanced reservations are required to stay overnight at the lodge and we are fully booked every night of the season. If you are banking on snagging a last minute opening as a walk-in this time of year, you are already setting yourself up for failure. Do the research, know your limits, and do everything necessary to have a safe and enjoyable experience in these mountains as winter approaches.

Thank you and a have a great start to the week.