This Does Not Count

Last year, we received our first measurable snow fall on October 27.  When we woke up this morning, here was the scene:

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Our view of the ridge is obscured by fog, but we can see a little snow on leaves

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For some reason, we have a “no fur” car.  Why?  At least you can see a little snow.

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We have frosts heavier than this

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Rusty – It is not even worth getting off the bench.

On the good news front, we are under a winter weather advisory above 3500 feet today for snow showers and 1-3 inches of snow.  Enough to play in, at least.  And The Herd is singing for it this morning.  If you watch our weather thingy in the side bar, remember that our winter temperatures are usually 5-10 degrees cooler because those measures are the valley floor (we live at 4500 feet).

Public Service Announcement – For those of you visiting the area, we know that the motels are packed with those wanting to see the fall colors.  Be aware that the Blue Ridge Parkway will probably close sections of the road during the day as they do not attempt any snow removal.  You can always get road closure information by calling 828-298-0398 (1 for recorded information and then 2 for Virginia or 3 for North Carolina).

A section from Asheville to Mt Pisgah is already closed this morning, but that is actually because of an identified threat of a landslide and has nothing to with our current weather.  Landslides are a constant threat here and the Park Service identified a 1,000 ton potential landslide about 200 feet above the road in that area.  Hats off to the Park Service for identifying it.  But that will mean that section of the road will be closed for weeks until it is resolved.  That also has one of our favorite hiking trails closed, but there are plenty of other trails so we will be ok.

Road closures for snow may be true today for the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, too.  You can call 865-436-1200 and then extension 631.  Highway 441 over Newfound Gap often closes in snowy conditions and that is the main road between Cherokee and Gatlinburg.  While they do snow removal on that road, snow falls can be much heavier than in the valleys and they do close the road often.

Otherwise, enjoy your visit.

15 Comments

  1. Steve & Kat on October 19, 2009 at 11:20 pm

    Measurable snowfall is better than measurable rainfall, which is what we have here.

    Kat

  2. Mochi on October 19, 2009 at 2:47 am

    Can I come stay with you for the winter? 🙂

    Mochi

  3. Brice on October 18, 2009 at 1:23 am

    that’s not even enough to snooter!

    We only had our snow for one day. Momma says that was enough for the season but we want more.

    Bricey the “we found a possum in our yard tonight but I didn’t kill it” good dog

  4. Norwood on October 17, 2009 at 10:15 pm

    We had a bit of snow too but nothing big.. just enough to make the news for 24 hour straight. It was good practice for catching snowflakes? Something about the cold weather makes me a bit.. nutso.
    norwood

  5. Huffle Mawson on October 17, 2009 at 7:54 pm

    I hope you get lots of snow to play in, even if it’s just in your own yard.

    Huffle Mawson

  6. Sparky on October 17, 2009 at 5:44 pm

    Thundering Herd!

    OMDog, even I haven’t got that much snow yet this year! Though I do hope you guys get lots more to play in! When you do get more, would you mind sending some to me? I’ve been waiting for ages for snow. I’m a husky in a poodle’s clothing, ya know!

    I hope you’re all having a grrrrEAT weekend my friends!

    Sparky

  7. The OP Pack on October 17, 2009 at 4:51 pm

    Well, that is more snow than we have gotten. Hope you find a good hiking spot and please stay safe on those roads.

    Woos, the OP Pack

  8. Ozzie & ZoZo on October 17, 2009 at 4:22 pm

    We are hoping for snow snooters abound. Sounds like you all are in for a great adventure. Will your humans take you up in elevation if the snow is higher than your house?

    Have a great Husky weekend,

    Oz and Zo zo

  9. MAX DOG on October 17, 2009 at 2:54 pm

    Keey safe and warm. We send lots of good wishes for an easy winter.
    Licks
    MAXDOG IN SOUTH AFRICA

  10. Denns the Vizsla on October 17, 2009 at 2:13 pm

    That sounds like a big potential landslide, best avoided!

  11. Stella on October 17, 2009 at 1:33 pm

    We have lost whatever snow week had a week ago (to the snoweaters, I guess), and right now its in the 40s and 50s here, nice enough weather for fall, but too soggy for me. Our Amur maple still hasn’t completely turned, so I don’t know whats going on.

    I hope you get snow up to your ears if you want it!

    Kisses,
    Stella

  12. the Army of Four on October 17, 2009 at 12:20 pm

    Great pose, Rusty!
    I hope you get lots more snow than the bipeds say!
    Play bows,
    Zim

  13. KB on October 17, 2009 at 10:23 am

    Now that’s a big change in the weather. Suddenly winter! You must have a very very happy herd!

    Drive carefully. The first snow always seems to lead to the most accidents, even when it’s only a dusting.

    Have a great hike!

  14. Storm's Owner on October 17, 2009 at 10:03 am

    Cool I went to Gatlinburg in 1996. 🙂 I’m happy I don’t have to worry about snow. 🙂 I do wish Storm could play in it more, but more often than not it’s just an inconvenience. And it scares me so bad to drive in it. I hope you get some since you actually want it. 🙂

  15. Khyra on October 17, 2009 at 9:25 am

    Woo soooo do have all the fun!

    I’m still out sponging up my ‘snow’ – so what if it just rain – being wet is good!

    I’ll be looking furward to pikhs!

    Hugz&Khysses,
    Khyra

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