April 12, 2025

Good Morning from the Mt. LeConte Ice Palace!

For much of Friday, the sky couldn’t make up its mind about what it wanted to do until mid afternoon. At that point, winter firmly took hold and let the flurries fly. By the time evening rolled around, a very wet and heavy 3” of snow covered the ground. Now all surfaces are cold and crunchy after the clouds lifted overnight and temperatures dropped into the low 20s. The precip chances once expected to linger this morning have since disappeared, and the Lodge is currently admiring the stars and moon hand off illumination responsibilities to the rising sun. The air is cold and clear as residents of the summit look out over a cloud sea.

Temps will remain cool today, barely stepping above freezing, but the sunshine should kickstart the melting process. Sunday and Monday will both bring a substantial uptick in warmth and really inspire some rapid thawing, likely turning all trails into a slushy slog. That means tricky and even treacherous footing for those visitors unprepared for the conditions. Traction devices will be a must for safely navigating the slopes this weekend. Waterproof footwear will also improve one’s comfort and well-being instead of marching many miles in cold, soaking wet feet.

Please don’t let spring naivety make for a miserable mountain experience with winter being far from over. Even in mid April, injuries from slips and tumbles or hypothermia for the underdressed are very real threats in remote wilderness locations. Lack of preparation in an age of abundant information access garners no sympathy. Please make smart decisions when it comes to your health and safety, and that of those dependent upon you, in these conditions.