Oh no! Just as the Firefall season is upon us to see one of the special this-time-of-year-only phenomena, the National Park Service has announced that Yosemite National Park is closed for the next few days due to severe winter conditions. It is due to reopen on Wednesday, March 1. A webcam that until recently displayed the rushing waters of Yosemite Falls now only shows white-out conditions with large snowflakes drifting past the cam: the waterfall’s back there somewhere! This comes just days after a rockslide at El Capitan on February 21 closed one of the major thoroughfares through Yosemite Valley, Northside Drive, for about 24 hours.
According to the National Weather Service, there is also a blizzard warning through Wednesday. Heavy snow is to be expected, and even thunder is possible. For instance, today’s predicted snow accumulation in Yosemite Valley is 13 to 19 inches, with nighttime snow accumulation projected to be 11 to 17 inches. Tuesday’s new snow accumulation could be 16-22 inches, while the nighttime figure is 12-18. And on Wednesday? The possibility of snow showers dips from 100 percent to 40 percent, and the accumulation may only be 1-2 inches. What all that means is...come back on Wednesday!
With access through the park only open to administrative traffic, it’s sad news for those who had campground or other housing reservations and braved coming to the park in cold weather. Usually, Yosemite is a great winter destination with plenty of activities although access to certain parts of the park does close to road traffic. Thankfully, the weather always passes, and one of the most incredible national parks we have will again be welcoming guests.
Update, March 1: According to the National Park Service, "Yosemite has experienced significant snowfall in all areas of the park, with snow up to 15 feet deep in some areas and the park’s closure on Feb. 25. Park crews are working to restore critical services so visitors can safely return. There is no estimated date for reopening."