Yosemite National Park is currently seeing the effects of very heavy winter snows. The May 1st snow survey, conducted by the California Department of Water Resources, reports the snow pack in the Merced River drainage at 199 percent of normal and the Tuolumne River drainage at 184 percent of normal – among the deepest snow packs in recent history.
Yosemite’s waterfalls are spectacular and the park is currently seeing near peak conditions. Due to the large amount of snow still in the high country, the waterfalls are expected to last longer into the summer season than normal.
The heavy winter snow and wet spring have presented challenges to the Yosemite road crews, who are working to clear the Glacier Point Road and the Tioga Road. Although progress has been made on both roads, late openings are possible, especially on the Tioga Road.
The cables on Half Dome, used by hikers to ascend the summit of the granite monolith, have not been placed for the season. The cables will be erected when trail crews have safe access to Half Dome and can perform the work. There is currently too much snow on Half Dome and the sub dome for the cables to be put in place. Therefore, it is doubtful that the cables will be ready for use by the Memorial Day weekend.
Visitors within the park are being advised to be aware of high water level and fast moving water in the Merced River and other streams. With the increasingly warm weather, snow in the high country continues to melt and fill the Merced River. Extreme caution is important when in proximity to any moving water.
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