Yosemite Photos, Video and News

Yosemite Valley
Today: Rain and snow. The rain and snow could be heavy at times. High near 36. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 11 to 17 inches possible. (Snow level is estimated at 4200 feet, so we may have rain today instead of snow. Either way, though, we're getting lots of snow tonight.)
Tonight: Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 22. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 15 to 21 inches possible.
Friday: Snow. High near 38. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
Saturday: Rain and snow. High near 39. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 47.

El Portal
Today: Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. High near 50. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Tonight: Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. Low around 34. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Friday: Rain. High near 53. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Saturday: Rain. High near 57. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 64.

Wawona
Today: Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. Snow level 4200 feet. High near 40. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Tonight: Rain and snow. The rain and snow could be heavy at times. Low around 32. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 5 to 9 inches possible.
Friday: Snow. High near 43. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
Saturday: Rain likely. Snow level 4400 feet. Cloudy, with a high near 45. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 52.

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COMMUNITY UPDATE - THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2011

PARK STATUS
Yosemite National Park has re-opened roads and facilities to the public for day use. As work crews continue to repair utilities, plow roads, and clean up debris from early-week storms, the park is gradually welcoming visitors and employees back with increased services and hours of operation each day beginning Thursday. Lodging is still available to those with reservations on Thursday. Limited lodging will also be available beginning Friday evening. Campgrounds will remain closed until Monday. Limited food and visitor services are available.

Current Conditions:
-  The main power transmission line in the Merced River Canyon (Hwy 140) is down resulting in the loss of electric service to El Portal, Yosemite Valley, Foresta, and Yosemite West. Pacific Gas & Electric is assessing damage and beginning repairs to the line. They have estimated power will remain out until at least Saturday evening.
-  Highway 140, 120, and 41 are all open to the park boundary, check the Caltrans road line at 1-800-427-7623 for the most up to date information on road conditions outside the park.
-  Roads inside the park are open to all; check the road line at 372-0200 for the most up to date information on road conditions inside the park.
-  Road access to Yosemite West is limited. This area is without water and power. 
-  Numerous downed trees have yet to be cleared in El Portal and within the Wawona community.
-  YARTS service will resume on Friday, March 25 with an abbreviated schedule (Runs 2, 3, and 5 into the park and Runs 9, 11, and 12 out of the park will run. Runs 6 and 7 will also operate).
-  YARTS will resume its full schedule on Saturday, March 26. 

Community Services:
-  Yosemite Valley School will be open today. Hotline number: 209-966-1172.
-  El Portal School will remain closed today. Hotline number: 209-966-1172.
-  Several warming locations (the Garden Terrace and Curry Village Lounge in Yosemite Valley. Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal) have been identified for residents who do not have heat.
-  DNC has limited accommodations with power for residents with special needs. Contact 372-1451.
-  A temporary work location has been set up at the Comfort Inn in Mariposa for Thursday and Friday between 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. for employees that are residents of Mariposa and Midpines. 

Food/Supplies Information:
-  The El Portal Market is open daily from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
-  Yosemite View restaurant in El Portal is open with a limited menu from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
-  Village Store is open 9am to 6pm
-  Yosemite Lodge Food Court is open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
-  Curry Village Store is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
-  Wawona Grocery is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
-  The Ahwahnee Bar is open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
-  The Carabiner/Loft is open 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. (No alcohol will be served or permitted).

Announcements/Cancellations:
-  NPS and DNC staff should call their respective employee hotline each day to check on work status. If you have not spoken with your supervisor about being an “essential employee” and the hotline says to remain home, please follow that direction. 
-  Please only drive if necessary and exercise caution and situational awareness when traveling – mudslides, rockfall, tree failure, and snow and ice continue to be safety concerns. 
-  The MRP workshop scheduled for this Friday is canceled as is the all employee meeting schedule for Monday, March 28.
-  Yosemite Conservancy Spring Forum has been canceled for the weekend.

Employee/community hotline numbers:
NPS 209-379-1186 
DNC 209-372-1131

Yosemite Valley Visitor Center will remain open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The park main line 209-372-0200 will be updated regularly with road information and will be answered, as call volume permits, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily.

p.s. A note from Facilities: All water systems are operating within State and Federal Standards. Conserving water during this time while the power is off will help conserve fuel and other resources. It will also help ensure our ability to maintain the current level of services. For any questions please call (209) 379-1056.