In this photo provided by the National Park Service, a formation at Yosemite Falls in Yosemite National Park, California, is covered in snow, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023.
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In this photo provided by the National Park Service, a formation at Yosemite Falls in Yosemite National Park, California, is covered in snow, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023.
AP
Flooding is expected in Yosemite National Park from Friday through at least May 3 as snow melts. Park said tuesday
The National Weather Service predicts temperatures will rise 5 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit this weekend, prompting snowmelt to raise water levels in the Merced River.
Last winter, the Sierra Nevada region — which includes Yosemite Valley, Lake Tahoe and Mount Whitney — experienced more than 300% more snow than usual.
The closure will begin at 10 p.m. Friday, and flooding is possible throughout May and June, the park said.
Visitors who made reservations for lodging and campgrounds during the cancellation will receive refunds and can reschedule wilderness permits, the park said.
During the closure, the Wawona, crane flat area and hatch hatch will remain open. Mariposa Grove is open, but by hike only. West Yosemite Valley will remain open, but no services will be available, parking will be limited and visitors will not be able to park off-road, the park said.
“In Yosemite Valley, the closure will be at the El Capitan Crossover (the road that crosses the Merced River east of El Capitan),” the park said.
No visitors will be allowed east of that road.