You are here

Home » Mandatory Evacuation Notice Issued For Non-Essential Personnel In Yosemite Valley

Mandatory Evacuation Notice Issued For Non-Essential Personnel In Yosemite Valley

Share

Published Date

January 7, 2017

Rain and fog filled the Yosemite Valley on Saturday in advance of heavier precipitation that was expected to push the Merced River high above flood stage/NPS

Non-essential personnel in Yosemite National Park's iconic valley were ordered to leave by 4 p.m. Saturday ahead of a potent winter storm that was predicted to push the Merced River high above flood stage.

The mandatory evacuation order was issued by the Mariposa County sheriff's office.

"This decision was made based on high projected water levels and the high likelihood of utility system failures," read the order.

Weather forecasts predicted that by early Sunday afternoon the Merced River would crest at approximately eight feet above flood stage at the Pohono Bridge on the west end of the Yosemite Valley. The projected crest, at 18.4 feet, is roughly five feet below the 23-foot crest that occurred during the catastrophic flooding in January 1997.

On Friday the National Park Service closed all roads leading into the Yosemite Valley at 5 p.m., a closure that was to last until Monday at the earliest.

Related Stories:

A Day In The Park: Yosemite National Park
Staffing Issues May Affect Your 2025 National Park Plans
Yosemite To Delay Summer Campground Reservation Sales Amid Staffing Crisis

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Submitted by Gary Wilson on January 7, 2017 - 7:34pm.

Extreme drought to extreme deluges...just like some climate scientists have predicted.  This has happened in many other areas of the country over the last decade, that it's a pattern worth noting.


Submitted by Lee Dalton on January 7, 2017 - 8:25pm.

Mandatory evacuation order issued by Maricopa County Sheriff?????

Maricopa County is Phoenix.  Yosemite is Mariposa.  I thought Yosemite was exclusive NPS jurisdiction.  What's up?


Submitted by ecbuck on January 7, 2017 - 8:41pm.

.just like some climate scientists have predicted

And as everyone else has predicted.  Has happened for millions of years before carbon fuels and will happen for millions of years after carbon fuels. Hay, I don't believe in AGW and predict the sun will come up tomorrow.  If I am right about the sun, does that mean there is no AGW?


Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on January 7, 2017 - 8:47pm.

Thanks Lee. Proof of why we need to expand the Traveler's staff.


Submitted by Gary Wilson on January 8, 2017 - 4:15am.

Actually, an increase in extreme rainfall is one of the effects of a warming climate.  Many times over the last decade we have seen patterns of extreme drought bouncing to extreme rain on an amplified level as the climate continues to warm.  Cyclical patterns seem to indicate this, and these sort of events are increasing as we pump a higher dosage of emissions into the atmosophere.  These cycles are amplifying, and not decreasing.  Anyway, carry on.

http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/highlights/report-findings/extreme-weather


Submitted by ecbuck on January 8, 2017 - 9:17am.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Droughts_in_the_United_States#/media/File:...

Check the chart - no discernable increase in either frequency or intensity. In fact the droughts of th 30s and 40s were worse. 


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.