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Winter Storms Mean Late Opening For Some Yosemite National Park Facilities

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Published Date

March 13, 2019
Damaged guest facilities in Upper Pines campground, Yosemite National Park/NPS

Damaged guest facilities in Upper Pines campground, Yosemite National Park/NPS

Potent storms and heavy snowfall that damaged facilities in Yosemite National Park have forced park staff to push back some seasonal openings for facilities and guest services.

Through March 1 the park had received roughly 143 percent of its normal snowfall. Heavy storms in January and February dropped great amounts of snow on the park, leading to road closures, rock slides, downed trees, and damaged guest facilities, such as the tent cabins in Yosemite Valley. Campground restrooms also sustained damage, utilities systems were compromised, and downed trees impacted campsites, parking areas, hiking trails, and roads. 

Although the park will begin plowing the Glacier Point and Tioga roads in April, neither is anticipated to be open before Memorial Day. Extensive snow along Tioga Road portends a late opening; park visitors should plan accordingly. 

Damaged tent cabins, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park/NPS

Damaged tent cabins, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park/NPS

There was no specific word on how concession-operated programs and facilities are being affected. In general, though, park visitors should anticipate additional late openings, including the installation of the Half Dome cables, the Mariposa Grove Visitor Shuttle, and vehicular access to the Mariposa Grove parking areas.  

As spring temperatures begin to warm, the park will see significant snowmelt, resulting in higher levels of water in river and streams. This cold and swift-moving water poses a potential hazard to park visitors. All visitors are reminded to take special precautions around water, especially around stream-crossings. Even the best swimmers can find themselves in a difficult situation under the current water conditions.

For updated 24-hour road and weather conditions for Yosemite National Park, please call 209-372-0200 and press 1.

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