Weather in trhe Smoky's?

“Leaving out Thursday to hike the Sterling loop. Starting out at Big Bear Creek Ranger station. What is the forecast for this weekend in that area and is there already a carpet of white on the ground?”

“Welcome to Trail Talk.

Please supply a little data on your Info Page. Then tell us again where you plan to start this trip. Unless things have changed, there is no Big Bear Creek Ranger station at GSMNP. Also, which Sterling loop are you planning to hike? There are several loop hikes that can be made, assuming that you are referring to Mt. Sterring.


If you are looking for others to join you, enter you plans on the Trips Page. BTW, how old are you and what qualifies you for a winter hike with all its' dangers? I'm sure not going to supply you with information for a dangerous trip without knowing more about you.

Until you supply some information, I'll have to assume that you are a troll.”

“SORRY! Miss spoke (typed).

Hike begins at Big Creek Ranger Station, then 5.25 miles to either camp site 36 or 37 on Friday. On Saturday we will head back towards Big Creek for about .05 miles to the connector to Shallow Fork Trail. Take the Shallow Fork Trail 4.0 miles until we reach the Benton MacKaye/Sterling Ridge Trail connector. From that point we will travel 1.5-1.75 miles to campsite 38. Then on Sunday we will head back to the Big Creek Ranger Station via the 6.1 mile stretch of the Baxter Creek Trail.

Thanks,
Non-Troll
last edited: 2/19/07 1:41:04 PM”

“that is a nice hike for sure. Great views from the fire tower.
Be prepared for cold weather (got in the 30's over July 4th one yr). Yes there is snow on the ground. See webcam link
http://www2.nature.nps.gov/air/webcams/parks/grsmpkcam/grsmpkcam.cfm

as far as what the weather will be this weekend..who knows. I never start looking until 1-2 days before I go”

“You have not answered several of my questions, but you did give your route. So I will give you some information.

1. Those are Reserved Sites, so you will have to contact the Reservation Office about your trip.

2. If you park at the Big Creek Picnic Area, you will be much closer to both your starting and exit Trailheads.

3. The Baxter Creek Trail is steep. If any ice is present, you will be at risk of a damaging fall.

4. It is possible that the water source for Campsite #38 may be frozen and/or blocked by deep snow. I advise that you check with the Park Service about this water source.

5. For your weather, trail conditions, and current snow coverage, you can inquire when you call for your reservation.”

“Thanks!
last edited: 2/19/07 2:39:39 PM”

“http://www.srh.noaa.gov/data/MRX/RTPMRX

000
ASUS64 KMRX 191443
RTPMRX

SMOKY MOUNTAIN TEMPERATURES AND PRECIPITATION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MORRISTOWN TN
942 AM EST MON FEB 19 2007


FOLLOWING IS THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN TEMPERATURE AND PRECIPITATION
INFORMATION, VALID FOR A 24 HOUR PERIOD ENDING AT 7:30 AM.


STATION ELEV HIGH LOW PCPN SNOW DEPTH

SUGARLAND CENTER 1600 35 17 0.25 T
NEWFOUND GAP 5000 23 12 0.00 3
CADES COVE 1900 34 14 0.20 T
OCONALUFTEE 2040 38 15 0.00 T
MOUNT LECONTE 6400 19 2 0.00 7

$$”

“Parking at picnic area isn't that much closer, considering the length of the trip. Baxter is steep but not that steep. Its a nice downhill. I doubt the spring will be blocked by deep snow as there is not much deep snow to be had. But if there is then fire up the XGK. Have fun. Stop at Momas.”

“Look for highs in 40's, lows in 30's”

“Mama is closed this time of yr.”

“I thought she closed down permanently”

“

"Parking at picnic area isn't that much closer, ..."
edoc

When I hike that stretch to the Ranger Station, it seems like about a mile. But both trailheads are right by the Picnic Area Parking Lot.

The lower five miles of the Baxter Creek Trail average about 700 fpm. I consider anything over 500 fpm to be steep. It is a relative thing to each individual. One can slip on level ice, but it is more dangerous on a slope.

You are right. The cam does not reveal much snow in the area.”

“This is my first trek on this route. I know Baxter is steep, but would it be easier to head up to Sterling that route the first day and spend the next two daya all down hill or would it be easier to go up to Sterling via the Benton MacKaye/Sterling Ridge Trail connector??”

“I suggest sticking with your route. The alternative downhills are relatively steep, too, and have a few water crossings with minor rock hopping. If the rocks have ice coverings, it could be risky(in either direction). Bur the water will not be deep and you could just walk two or three steps in two or three inches of water and you'll be across.

If you hike in from the road and exit the same way, it would be easier. But don't park out by the road. For vehicle safety, you'll need a shuttle to and from the trailhead.
last edited: 2/20/07 7:42:50 AM”

“There is snow above 2500'. However, it is going to be in the 50's and 60's here in the valley this week with rain for today and tomorrow. Low temps will be in the high 30's/low 40's this week. Rain will let up on TH/FR and it looks like we might get some more over the weekend.

I would expect the snow line to recede up to 4000 or above by the weekend.”

“(from "Van-Go" on the other board)

I had permits for Icewater and then Pecks but I was turned away at the gate at Smokemont b/c the road was closed due to ice/snow. Spoke to a guy in Smokemont who said it was rough up there. I tried to hike up to Pecks from Smokemont Sunday morning but it was too rough with about 4" snow, some ice underneath, and a winter pack. Bailed short of Cabin Flats. Once the road opened Sunday afternoon I drove up to Newfound and spoke to two guys who came off the AT and said it was a cold night with a lot of snow. I saw 6-12" at Newfound Gap.”

“Everything should be good to go. Be sure to open the top hatch on the firetower and climb up to where the antenna is-view is great from there. It is usually windy at the tower site. I had a clip flashlight get flattened up there one year. You might even find firewood this time of year. I'm envious.”