Most of Yosemite National Park to close Friday over flooding concerns
The Sierra Nevada region experienced record snowfall this past winter. But while the snow was a relief to drought-stricken California, the rapid melt is now raising fears.
This time-lapse video from Yosemite National Park’s “Half Dome” webcam shows snow accumulations burying the camera from Dec. 26, 2022, to Jan. 15, 2023.
(CNN) -- The ramifications of California's extreme winter and early spring weather continue.
Most of Yosemite National Park will be closed to the public starting Friday night as flood concerns awash the region, the park announced Tuesday.
Yosemite is expected to remain closed until Wednesday, May 3, "but could last longer," the National Park Service said in the closure notice.
As one storm after another dumped huge amounts of snow in the area, Yosemite was forced to close last month, and remained shut down for over three weeks. More than 15 feet of snow fell on the famous Tuolumne Meadows in less than a month.
Snowfall rests on trees in Yosemite Valley on Jan. 19 in Yosemite National Park. The park has gotten a lot more snow to add to its snowpack since then -- as has much of the high elevation in many parts of the state. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)
While the record snows were a relief in a state plagued by years of severe drought, that much in one season has also raised concerns for weeks now for flooding once the snows start to melt, creating something of a dripping time bomb.
Meanwhile, snow is expected to persist at Yosemite and could remain well into July, the park said, warning hikers that trails are expected to be wet and muddy.
Snow-covered trails could be difficult to follow, and hikers are urged to use maps and GPS to navigate.
Immediate refunds will be given to those with lodging or campground reservations, which will be automatically canceled.
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