Yosemite to Close Until Early May Due to Flooding
by Aventura on April 26, 2023
Yosemite National Park has announced that it will be temporarily closed starting from Friday until at least May 3 due to the anticipated risk of flooding caused by melting snow. The closure is a precautionary measure as the National Weather Service has forecasted a temperature increase of 5 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit over the weekend, leading to the rise of water levels in the Merced River.
This winter, the Sierra Nevada region, which encompasses Yosemite Valley, Lake Tahoe, and Mount Whitney, experienced unusually high snowfall, reaching levels more than 300% above average. Consequently, the park authorities are taking necessary steps to ensure the safety of visitors by closing the park during this period.
The closure will commence at 10 p.m. on Friday, and there is a possibility of further flooding in May and June, according to the park's statement. Visitors who have made reservations for lodging and campgrounds during this period will be eligible for refunds, and wilderness permits can be rescheduled, accommodating the inconvenience caused by the closure.
While the majority of the park will be closed, certain areas will remain accessible. Wawona, Crane Flat area, and Hetch Hetchy will be open for visitors. Mariposa Grove will also be open, but only accessible via hiking. However, services in the western part of Yosemite Valley will be unavailable, and parking will be limited. The park authorities have emphasized that off-road parking is strictly prohibited and visitors must adhere to designated parking areas. The closure boundary in Yosemite Valley will be at El Capitan crossover, which refers to the road crossing the Merced River just east of El Capitan, as specified by the park.
If you need to change plans last minute as a result of the closure, check Campspot for openings nearby.
