Yosemite 2016/17 closures.
Dec 2, 2016, 5:10 pm
#1
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Yosemite 2016/17 closures.
Effective immediately, the Tioga Pass Road (Highway 120) through Yosemite and the Glacier Point Road within the Park are closed for the season. In addition, winter snow conditions are in effect throughout the Park. Chain restrictions apply, even in the Valley.
The chain restrictions could be lifted if the weather improves but it would be on a day-to-day basis as winter conditions can descend on the Park at any time.
The chain restrictions could be lifted if the weather improves but it would be on a day-to-day basis as winter conditions can descend on the Park at any time.
Dec 11, 2016, 10:23 pm
#2
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Chain restrictions come and go regularly in the Sierra, although I think the park service tends to be more conservative than Caltrans. Here is the link for highway conditions: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/mtnhwys.htm
In Death Valley, people at the visitor center lie about road conditions all the time, claiming things to be worse than they really are. I strongly suspect the same is true at Yosemite.
In Death Valley, people at the visitor center lie about road conditions all the time, claiming things to be worse than they really are. I strongly suspect the same is true at Yosemite.
Dec 11, 2016, 11:14 pm
#3
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Dec 12, 2016, 12:29 pm
#5
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Jan 4, 2017, 3:21 pm
#8
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The honest answer is that nobody knows. I've heard that someone bust 3 tires despite driving 4 wheelers and carrying spares, but at the same time someone drove the same road just fine with a sedan.
Because you can't always guarantee what kind of vehicle condition a random stranger might be driving, it's probably best to be on the cautious side.
Because you can't always guarantee what kind of vehicle condition a random stranger might be driving, it's probably best to be on the cautious side.
Jan 4, 2017, 10:21 pm
#9
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The honest answer is that nobody knows. I've heard that someone bust 3 tires despite driving 4 wheelers and carrying spares, but at the same time someone drove the same road just fine with a sedan.
Because you can't always guarantee what kind of vehicle condition a random stranger might be driving, it's probably best to be on the cautious side.
Because you can't always guarantee what kind of vehicle condition a random stranger might be driving, it's probably best to be on the cautious side.
That assumes, though, that the person giving the answer wants to be honest and to support rational, informed decision-making. Far more often a park employee giving the answer is acting instead to minimize their own effort and risk. Telling people, "Don't go" precludes needing to answer additional questions. It also reduces the chance that staff will have to expend time, effort, and risk rescuing some dumb-dumb who heard only "It's open" and didn't listen to any of the cautions.
Jan 5, 2017, 8:37 pm
#10
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January 5, 2017
Yosemite National Park braces for possible closure as storm closes in
A heads-up if you’re planning a trip to Yosemite National Park this weekend: Park officials say they’re actively monitoring a storm that could cause flooding in the park.
The decision depends on the water levels in the Merced River, which runs through the Yosemite Valley. If the water reaches 10 feet, the park will see closures.
<snip>
The park will notify the public if any closures occur. You can monitor their decision on their website or follow them on Twitter for more info.
The decision depends on the water levels in the Merced River, which runs through the Yosemite Valley. If the water reaches 10 feet, the park will see closures.
<snip>
The park will notify the public if any closures occur. You can monitor their decision on their website or follow them on Twitter for more info.
Jan 5, 2017, 10:47 pm
#11
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We actually have flash flood watches and warnings all along the east side of the Valley, at the base of the Sierra foothills. Mountain areas are at much higher risk. Until this storm system is done I would not recommend any mountain travel that can be avoided.
Jan 8, 2017, 12:43 am
#13
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And now, the main highway into Sequoia National Park from Visalia (SR 198) has been closed at the Foothills Entrance Station due to flash floods. It will undoubtedly reopen after this storm event but that might be well over a week.
Go to the coast, folks. Our mountains are temporarily unavailable.
Go to the coast, folks. Our mountains are temporarily unavailable.
Jan 9, 2017, 12:15 pm
#15
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