It’s going to be a slippery sloppy day on the mountain to mark the halfway point of November. US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) has been temporarily closed since last night because of the current high winds and possibility of icy conditions. There is no timetable for when it will reopen, but hikers still have access to trails emanating from Cherokee Orchard and Roaring Fork. Those trails are all longer than Alum Cave, thus requiring earlier starts to ensure reaching the lodge in time for relaxation and supper.
A Wind Advisory is in effect until 5:00 PM tonight with gusts of 55mph. Intermittent rain showers started a few hours ago and are expected to last well into Wednesday morning. Temps up top managed to stay above freezing during the night, so we dodged receiving any new snow for the moment, but plenty of patchy snow and ice remain. Another chance for freezing rain or snow will take place on the back side of this storm tomorrow as temperatures plummet. Strong winds shifting out of the north will contribute to frigid temps for several days beginning Wednesday. We’re talking all day and night with wind chills in the single digits. Thankfully the sun should rejoin us tomorrow afternoon, but it will contribute little to providing any warmth at our elevation. Traction devices and warm layers from head to toe are an absolute must. Trails are going to be super slick up top and squishy down low.
Be safe and have a great day.
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