How much snow and ice should one expect to run into if the left Springer in mid February compared to early March? Where is the most snow on the trail and at what time of the year? I just want some sort of idea of what to expect, b/c now I am clueless. thankyous
Doug M
The most snow will be found in the Smokies due to the higher elevations with average snowfall being 20" in Feb and 26" in March at Clingman’s Dome. Most of the time the snowfall is usually heaviest in late Feb/ early March. It usually takes 14-16 days to reach the Smokies hiking at a 10-12 mile pace, so if you start mid Feb. you will be more likely to run into heavy snow in the Smokies than if you started early March. After saying all this, it’s still possible to get snow in the Smokies into late April, so there are no guarantee’s. The same applies to higher peaks south of the Smokies as well, though to a lesser degree.
Nooga
In 2000 we had snow in March in Ga. No accumulation but it was bitterly cold. Frozen boots and all. Plan for it! Don’t send home your winter gear too early.
papa john
Snow and Ice can be found on the high mountains and slopes up until April or so in VA.
North facing slopes hold the snow and ice for a long time. I would definately take some crampons for navigating icy slopes if you are starting in Feb or early March. You will probably need them. Winter hikers will tell you that you definately do. Snowshoes you don’t need and if you take them you might use them once or twice, but crampons are a must have item in my book for winter/early Spring hiking if you are going to be climbing and descending the mountains of the AT.
See you out there. :cheers
Maintain
I started March 13 last year, and hit two snowstorms. The first was just before the smokies (March 30) and dropped about 2-3" Where I was, but several inches more just a few miles north on the trail (where it was higher elevation, actually in the Smokies.) It was a lot of fun, got to make mini-snowmen and stuff. The second was April 15, and it dropped a lot more snow, drifts around 2’ deep. While post-holing wasn’t much fun, I still wouldn’t say carrying crampons or snowshoes is really needed. There’s only a small chance that you’d use them if you had them, and you could just as easily stop in a shelter and wait a day or two for other people to pack the snow down 
IMHO, the best idea is to carry plenty food, water, and clothes which will are nice to have regardless of snow levels. Most importantly, use your brain, don’t walk if you don’t think it’s a good idea.
-S-
Skittles
I was up there and it was covered! Losta ice too. It can happen in all but the summer months.
Tha wookie
Welcome back Wookie. Did you have a good trip? Missed your postings.
Snow and Ice possible in VA up until April timeframes. In PA up until May. That is why most everyone hikes NOBO.
See you out there. :cheers
Maintain
hi
I am new to this forum. Can anyone tell me how long a snowfall usually lasts on the AT in the Ga-NC area during mid-March. I know that a foot or two is possible but how long does it usually last? Do changes in the air temps cause the snow to melt fairly rapidly? Do the weather fronts bring wide swings in temps? I know nothing about the Southern Appalachains but I am assuming that it is just warmer there than here in Maine, where it takes a long time to get rid of a snowfall sometimes. Thanks
walknwally
I live in the area around Amicalola Falls and have seen and hiked in many Snowstorms.Mostly in Ga.It doesent hang around very long.By the next day the sun usually starts working on it very well.Depends on how much cold air came with the snow.One thing I love about GA. is if you dont like the weather today,hang around,It will be differant tomorrow.I hiked the GA. section last April and hiked in 70 Deg. temps and Snow in the 20’s,all in one week!!!
Snowbird
Hi Snowbird,
Thanks for the info on the weather conditions. I am looking forward to doing a through hike in a few years and I was wondering what the spring conditions were like.
WalknWally
walkinwally