View Full Version : Snow in the Smokies?
I'm doing the section from Newfound Gap to Standing Bear this weekend. Has anyone been through there recently? I'm curious about how much snow and/or ice is on that section right now.
The Solemates
01-14-2014, 13:23
not too much. its been melting the past week.
http://www.highonleconte.com/daily-posts.html
good to check for on the ground smokies (worst case) weather
Slo-go'en
01-14-2014, 13:46
The cold is suppost to come back this weekend, not sure how far south it will reach, so keep an eye out for that cold front. Which might trigger snow in the higher elevations as it arrives. It's not suppost to be as bad as the recent "polar vortex", but it could get down right chilly.
BTW, we've lost most of our snow here in the White Mtns. Hoping for a lot of late season snow or this will be the winter of ice. I took a ride over into Maine yesterday and there are some pretty impressive ice flows down the cliffs along the side of the highway right now.
kayak karl
01-14-2014, 13:47
be prepared for ice. perfect weather for and ice storm.
HooKooDooKu
01-14-2014, 13:48
In addition to the above mentioned LeConte Blog:
1. National Weather Service reports (http://www.srh.noaa.gov/productview.php?pil=mrxrtpmrx): Currently reporting a snow depth of 2" @ LeConte and 1" at NewFound Gap
2. GSMNP Web Cams (http://www.nature.nps.gov/air/webcams/parks/grsmcam/grsmcam.cfm): If there is significant snow on the ground, you'll see the white in the web cams.
As a basis of comparison, check out this image from the web cam a week ago.25569
It might be getting snow and ice tonight.
MuddyWaters
01-14-2014, 20:45
Good trip report and pics from about a week and a half ago here
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=86158
Jan 14 NOAA forecast shows up to 12" of fresh snow on the Northwest slopes, and below freezing temps thru Saturday. Gusts over 20 mph.
be careful on that hike Ashman. I did it in similar conditions a few years ago.
Jan 14 NOAA forecast shows up to 12" of fresh snow on the Northwest slopes, and below freezing temps thru Saturday. Gusts over 20 mph.
be careful on that hike Ashman. I did it in similar conditions a few years ago.
Thanks for the tips links and info! I'm pretty excited about this trip. I'll keep checking the webcams.
Tonights NOAA forecast has very little new snow accumulation. Winter Watch cancelled.
I live in Maggie Valley, NC not to far from there. We got about 2 inches of snow down here in the valley today so im sure they got more than that up there. There is a chance of some snow on Friday night also. Right now about 30 % but you know how that can change.
Lucky Dog
01-15-2014, 21:49
We did that section last March and we got hit hard with snow the first night, after that it was blue sky's but VERY hard to walk in.http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/16/adene5aq.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/16/ugy8arun.jpg
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MuddyWaters
01-15-2014, 22:10
We did that section last March and we got hit hard with snow the first night, after that it was blue sky's but VERY hard to walk in.
And if Im recalling correctly, at the very end of last March, for a few days it would have been impossible.
Got back from the trip. Temps got down to 0. Friday night we got snow 3-6 inches for most of the trail Icewater to Cosby, drifts up to your knees, fresh powder untouched by human feet. It was a fun hike! I will try to get some pictures up soon.