November 21, 2023

Update: GSMNP WEATHER CLOSURE TURNED REOPENING

Conditions atop Mt. LeConte and across the Smokies are slowly but surely improving, enough so that NPS personnel have been able to safely start assessing roads and facilities this afternoon. Several popular points of interest are in the process of being reopened, if they hadn’t been already. Folks eager to access trails out of Cherokee Orchard may now do so, although the one-way loop around Roaring Fork remains closed at this time. And of great concern to many, US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) is scheduled to be reopened this evening as well, once again allowing passage between TN and NC. This latest news has everyone who’s been sheltering up here excited.

The winds have eased off significantly in the last few hours. The rain seemed to gain strength throughout the day but it too has finally let up. With this storm the mountain has received close to 2” thus far, exactly what was predicted and very much needed. Our smothering cloud remains in place obscuring any views just yet while also still producing a fine mist. Temps continue to hover in the mid 40s. Now that we’ve cleared some weather hurdles, it’s on to the next big question…will we wake up to snow in the morning?

You’ll know when we know! Have a great evening.

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Update: GSMNP WEATHER CLOSURE

We have been informed that the NPS will not be reopening park roads today…at least those that provide access to Mt. LeConte’s trailheads. For all intents and purposes, LeConte Lodge is now closed for the winter season.

Strong winds and rain showers continue to pound the summit. The mountain remains cloudy with temps in the lower 40s.

We will continue to provide updates as we receive new information.

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Good Morning,

We are in the thick of it now! These last few hours before sunrise have seen the storm’s highest intensity as it relates to wind and rain thus far. Although the rainfall itself hasn’t been constant or heavy yet, its occasional pitter-patter is comforting enough in getting things wet. The winds are certainly rolling through as advertised, with speeds and sounds consistent with hurricane strength. The forecast has recently elevated possible max wind gusts to 100mph over the mountain! If the lodge were sitting on an airport tarmac with the constant hum of jet engines overhead, that would best describe our current predicament. The Red Flag Warning is set to expire at noon today, while the High Wind Warning will drag on into the afternoon. It will be several more hours yet before these raging winds ease off at our elevation. Rain is expected to last all day and linger into tomorrow. The possibility of snow showers come Wednesday remains. Temps are reading in the mid 30s to lower 40s today, but the windchills will have it feeling significant colder across the board.

Reminder that we are essentially closed today to any new guests or day visitors. Due to the extreme weather conditions and (now dissipating) fire threat, numerous GSMNP roads and facilities are closed until further notice, which includes all those accessing Mt. LeConte’s base. Lodge guests who made the climb yesterday and stayed with us have the option of sheltering in place another night, or hiking back down at their own risk. There are still several unknowns and risks as it relates to trail or road conditions at this time, or how quickly the NPS will be able to safely assess and attempt to reopen areas of the park. Hopefully by Wednesday morning, if not tonight, conditions have improved enough that travelers can more safely and effectively enter and exit the park. By that point, we will be officially closed for the winter anyways, and visitor services at the lodge will not resume until March 2024.

We will provide updates or new instruction from the NPS as we receive it. Stay safe and have a great day.