Advisories have ended for the 2008-2009 season. Look for the avalanche center to reopen in late fall with a new website and and many educational events. Thank you all for your interest during a season with a late start, a dry and warm January and snowy February and March. Mammoth Mountain received above average snowfall this season and the Mammoth Lakes Basin did well for snowfall also. The Southern Sierra was shorted again. The Sonora Pass area received far more snow than Mammoth and still has over 10 feet of snow on the ground above 9500 ft. Sonora Pass will be opening soon for late spring skiing!

Weather: (April 22 to April 28) High temp: 61° (April 22) Low temp: 3° (April 25) New Snow: 6” (April 23-24) Total settled snow depth: 12” as of April 29 Ski Conditions and Weather: This will be the last update for this winter, as the ski touring season is rapidly melting away. It was another nice week of spring weather here at Tuolumne, with afternoon highs in the fifties most days. Birds are singing everywhere, and the first wildflowers (buttercups) have been spotted. It is recommended that you get an early start if you are planning to ski through the area, as the snow is turning to slush in the afternoon sun. Most of the rivers and creeks have opened up and are running high; there are few places to cross other than at the summer trail bridges. The park plows are in the vicinity of the May Lake road, working their way towards Tioga Pass. There is no estimate yet for the opening date of the Tioga road. For the most current Tioga Road status call 209-372-0200 or visit http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tioga.htm Caltrans has plowed to the park boundary at Tioga Pass, and the road east of the pass is now open to traffic. It always pays to call ahead if there has been any stormy weather, to be sure the road hasn’t been re-closed. Backcountry visitors are reminded that bear canisters are required for all overnight backcountry use in Yosemite from April 1 to December 15. The ski hut will remain open for backcountry visitors until shortly before the park opens the Tioga Road to traffic. Visitors who have food or gear in the cache at the Tuolumne Ski Hut are reminded that all property must be removed within two weeks following the road opening date; any gear left after that time will be discarded.