Fair warning--winter storm warning for the Southern Appalachians

[Gambit McCrae]

I ended up callin off our trip as well, With having to park on a mountainous forrest road, and having to be back a t work on monday, it would be awfully frustrating to be locking on the mountain my a couple blow downs. We are going to a pocketwilderness closer to home instead, bigger fires, more whiskey. lol

[CalebJ]

I'm supposed to do my first ultra race tomorrow. In addition to being woefully unprepared (my son is almost two months old and my training fell completely apart when he was born), the weather is starting to look ridiculous. This will be interesting.

[Dogwood]

In Mckee KY expecting the light rain to turn to sleet/snow as it gets down near the freezing mark tonight into the colder tomorrow Sat A.M. with some sleet/snow accumulation before it slushing out late morning A.M into the afternoon on Sat. I'll see some flurries and icy slush.

[10-K]

In Mckee KY expecting the light rain to turn to sleet/snow as it gets down near the freezing mark tonight into the colder tomorrow Sat A.M. with some sleet/snow accumulation before it slushing out late morning A.M into the afternoon on Sat. I'll see some flurries and icy slush.

Are you at the hotel? If so, tell the owner - I believe his name is Bob - that Tom, the hiker who was stuck in town when it snowed 2 years ago says hi. He drove me on the 15 mile road walk to show me where the trail crossed when I left the next day.

[Dogwood]

Don't know where I'm going to stay yet. If I go to the hotel mentioning your name will they try to get me to pay for all the things you broke in the room?

[10-K]

Heck no, you might get a great deal!

I've still got his card... Robert Gabbard, Town and Country Motel.

[FatMan]

Pretty much a non-issue here in GA at Grassy Gap. Less than a half inch but windy as heck. Low temp this morning at 28 degrees but wind chill in the mid teens. Plan on getting out a little later on.

[rmitchell]

Web site high on LeConte was reporting 17 inches and snow steadily falling as of a couple of hours ago.

OX may be right about snow load on the trees.

[Slo-go'en]

Web site high on LeConte was reporting 17 inches and snow steadily falling as of a couple of hours ago.

OX may be right about snow load on the trees.

Yeah, that's not good. Early season heavy, wet snow while there are still leafs on the trees means lots of down limbs and trees. Could be quite a mess in places. Those who insist on starting a thru hike too early might consider packing a chainsaw with them.

It's trying to snow here in the Whites, but at 37 degrees, it's having a hard time staying that way. Probably not going to get much here.

[rafe]

Who cares? Nice and warm in here.

[Dogwood]

Heck no, you might get a great deal!

I've still got his card... Robert Gabbard, Town and Country Motel.

Talked to him on the ph this morning, after the Mayor in McKee, Mr Thompson(really nice guy), called him for me and negotiated a good hiker rate. Robert(Bob), Mr Gabbard, teh Sheltowee Trace President, is giving me his Email to comment on what a hiker would like to experience in McKee. Mckee is living up to its Sheltowee Trace trail town designation by avidly seeking hiker responses. Mckee logistically can make sense for many a Sheltowee Trace hiker! Good compact small trail town WITH HIKER SUPPORT! YIPPEE for Mckee.

[Dogwood]

If I get the same room you were in will I see a note on thE wall saying: 10-k WAS HERE?

[10-K]

If I get the same room you were in will I see a note on thE wall saying: 10-k WAS HERE?

Ha! No, when I leave you can't tell I was there.

McKee is great. Bob actually picked me up at the trailhead in the rain and drove me into town, then out to dinner at Opals. Then we had breakfast and lunch again at Opals....

There's another guy in town named Paul Rose (believe he is the building inspector) who helps out ST hikers. I talked with by phone several times but didn't get to meet him because he had to go to a funeral or something.

[Miami Joe]

22 inches on Mount LeConte

[jjozgrunt]

One extreme to the other. Went for a last day walk today in my full kit, bloody hell I won't do that again. Hit 35C or 95F, just before the biggest climb. I was a soaking wet, dehydrated rag by the time I got to the top and my car.

[wornoutboots]

People around the Smokies are getting stupid. I have heard 'rumors' of up to 20 inches of snow in the high country. I have to see it to believe it. Temps have been in the 60s and 70s all week here. any snow that might come is likely to melt as fast as it hits the ground. May stick to the trees and shelter roofs, but not on the warm ground.

I'm sorry, what were you saying?? Just messing with ya Interesting how these mountains we love so much, make their own weather & command our respect..

[Dogwood]

Got a ride back to the trail too from the nice folks at Town and Country Motel. That's Mayor Bill Thompkins.

[gwb]

How long do you suppose this snow sticks around?

[hikernutcasey]

How long do you suppose this snow sticks around?

Considering its in the 40's today and forecasted to be in the 50's tomorrow even in the highlands, my guess is not long at all

By the way here is a pic of what I encountered yesterdayIMG_3430.jpg

[10-K]

Just got back from hiking Unaka Mt. over Beauty Spot to Indian Grave Gap. Now is anywhere from 9" to 3" with drifts up to my knees in places.

It's not going to last very long though - the sun is beating down and it's well above freezing.