Yosemite Vacation Homes Serving Yosemite Visitor's since 1997

Tuolumne Winter Conditions Update For April 7, 2021

New snow: none
Total settled snow depth: 33 inches (at 8,600 feet)
High temperature: 57°F (April 3)
Low temperature: 15°F (April 6)

March Weather Summary
New Snow: 45 inches (historical average 55.5 inches)
Snow Water Equivalent: 2.84 inches (historical average 3.87 inches)
Average Temperature: 26.0°F (historical average 28.5°F)

Ski Conditions and Weather: It was warm and dry in the Yosemite high country this week. The sound of wind has been replaced by the sound of running water. The Tuolumne River is opening up fast and snow depths are shrinking. Although our snow stake still shows 33 inches at our weather plot, more bare ground is appearing daily. South aspects below 9,000 feet are now mostly snow free.

Ski conditions and coverage remain good on all but south aspects along the Tioga Road and adjacent high country. The continued melt-freeze cycles should keep touring conditions in good shape for now. The rapid warm up over the past week has also resulted in rapid changes to the snow surface. Fast travel over refrozen snow in the morning becomes a slow slog through the mank (slushy snow) during the heat of the day. An early start to snow travel is always beneficial this time of year.

The Tioga Road is mostly snow covered through Yosemite National Park from Tioga Pass to Crane Flat. Snow depths average from one to four feet with deeper snow in favored locations. As of this writing, to the east it is bare pavement between the closed gate in Lee Vining Canyon and the Warren Fork. There is only patchy snow left between the Warren Fork and Ellery Lake. Above Ellery Lake the road is mostly snow covered.

Avalanche and Snowpack Conditions: Please refer to the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center (ESAC) for the avalanche advisory for this part of the Sierra Nevada.

The avalanche hazard is low to moderate in the Tuolumne Meadows area and along the Tioga Road. For now, the primary concern will be wet loose avalanches on granite slabs and rocky outcrops during the heat of the day. The higher elevations are still holding on to a mostly winter-like snow surface. South aspects above 9,000 feet are starting to corn up. The snow surface in the alpine zone is still textured after a winter of high winds.

An ice-ax and crampons are good to have in the kit this time of year.

Wildlife: The sound of drumming is in the air. Hairy woodpeckers and northern flickers are pounding away on the tree snags. The peculiar screech of the Williamson's sapsucker can now be heard. If it weren't for these unique calls, one might mistake the sight of the female Williamson's sapsucker for a more drab version of the northern flicker. The male Williamson's sapsucker, however, like many bird species, is more striking with two white wing patches, a red throat and yellow belly.

Yosemite National Park
Thursday, April 8, 2021

Yosemite National Park Zone Forecast
Today: Sunny. Highs 57 to 65 at 5000 feet...44 to 54 at 8000 feet.
Tonight: Clear. Lows 37 to 46 at 5000 feet...26 to 36 at 8000 feet.
Tomorrow: Sunny. Highs 59 to 67 at 5000 feet...46 to 56 at 8000 feet.

Additional Point Forecast Weather Links:
Yosemite Valley | Wawona | Tuolumne Meadows | Glacier Point | Big Oak Flat | Hetch Hetchy | El Portal | Mariposa | Badger Pass

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NEW AND HAPPENING TODAY

Free COVID-19 Testing
The park's testing provider is OptumServe/LHI. Testing is available for people of all ages, including children 3 and up with their parents/guardians present, as long as the children can tolerate the test. Registering in advance is strongly advised, though space for some walk ins may be available. It is easy to sign up online or by phone.

There are 100 appointments available each testing day. Register online for your OptumServe test at https://lhi.care/covidtesting. It will take several minutes to complete your initial registration. You can also register by calling 888-634-1123.

OptumServe testing also remains available in Mariposa from 7:00 am - 3:00 pm (closed 11:30 - 1:00 for lunch) break) Tuesdays through Saturdays. Testing is also available in Groveland.

It continues to be recommended for anyone working in close contact with high volumes of the public to continue to get tested frequently. For those who have been fully vaccinated, it is recommended to get tested between every two weeks to at least once a month. For those who have not yet been fully vaccinated, or for those who work in healthcare/EMT or other close-contact positions, it is recommended to get tested every 7-14 days.

If you have been traveling out of your home area or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, it is recommended to get tested within 4-6 days of returning from travel or from the date of the COVID-19 exposure. (J. Richards)
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Meadow Loop Trail Temporary Closure
Due to the roughly 90 downed trees and a number of standing snags, the Meadow Loop Trail in Wawona will be temporarily closed. Forestry and Trials crews will be clearing the 3.5 mile fire road/trail over the next couple of weeks. The closure applies to all users. Conditions are currently such that navigation and trail-finding are difficult and hazardous. If you see them, please thank the Forestry and Trails crews for their work on this popular local trail. (C. Andrews)
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Tuolumne Winter Conditions Update For April 7, 2021
(https://www.nps.gov/yose/blogs/update-for-april-7-2021.htm)

Yosemite National Park
Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Yosemite National Park Zone Forecast
Today: Sunny, breezy. Highs 58 to 66 at 5000 feet...44 to 54 at 8000 feet. Over higher elevations, southwest winds 25 to 30 mph with gusts to around 45 mph in the afternoon.
Tonight: Mostly clear. Breezy. Lows 36 to 45 at 5000 feet... 26 to 34 at 8000 feet. Southwest winds around 25 mph over higher elevations. Gusts up to 45 mph over higher elevations.
Tomorrow: Sunny. Highs 57 to 65 at 5000 feet...44 to 54 at 8000 feet.

Additional Point Forecast Weather Links:
Yosemite Valley | Wawona | Tuolumne Meadows | Glacier Point | Big Oak Flat | Hetch Hetchy | El Portal | Mariposa | Badger Pass

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NEW AND HAPPENING TODAY

Trail Crew Blasting In Foresta Today
Trail Crew is performing blasting operations April 7 along Little Nellie Falls road in Foresta. For more information call Greg Torres at 742-8811. (G. Torres)
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Starbucks
Starbucks will be closed until April 15. For more information email [email protected] (J. Carow)

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RECENT NEWS

April 1 Snow Survey Results
Park staff have completed the April 1 snow surveys. Water content for the Tuolumne drainage is at 63% of average, and at 64% of average for the Merced drainage. (M. Fincher)
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Yosemite Forum April 13
"California True Firs & Their Pest Complexes Are Complex" by Beverly Bulaon

The next virtual Yosemite Forum will be held virtually on GoToWebinar on Tuesday, April 13, 3:30-4:30 pm. This month's talk will be given by Beverly Bulaon, USFS regional forest health program.

True firs in southern Sierra Nevada of California have a complex of pest agents that are often overlooked in their ability to significantly weaken and eventually kill their hosts. These insects and pathogens sometimes work interactively or adversarial in order to reproduce and survive. Changing climate and current stand conditions may provide more opportunities for these agents to be successful and proliferate. Mortality associated with these agents, particularly fir engraver, is expected to worsen in upcoming years.

This Yosemite Forum presentation will take place via GoTo Webinar. Please register for this webinar in advance at: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2775757100730390797
Email [email protected] for more information. (G. Dickman)
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Yosemite National Park
Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Yosemite National Park Zone Forecast
Today: Sunny. Highs 58 to 66 at 5000 feet...45 to 55 at 8000 feet.
Tonight: Partly cloudy. Lows 38 to 47 at 5000 feet...28 to 36 at 8000 feet.
Tomorrow: Mostly sunny. Breezy. Highs 58 to 66 at 5000 feet... 45 to 55 at 8000 feet. Southwest winds around 25 mph over higher elevations. Gusts up to 40 mph over higher elevations.

Additional Point Forecast Weather Links:
Yosemite Valley | Wawona | Tuolumne Meadows | Glacier Point | Big Oak Flat | Hetch Hetchy | El Portal | Mariposa | Badger Pass

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NEW AND HAPPENING TODAY

Trail Crew Blasting Today
Trail Crew is planning blasting operations April 6 at Mariposa Grove in Wawona and April 7 along Little Nellie Falls road in Foresta. For more information call Greg Torres at 742-8811. (G. Torres)

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RECENT NEWS

April 1 Snow Survey Results
Park staff have completed the April 1 snow surveys. Water content for the Tuolumne drainage is at 63% of average, and at 64% of average for the Merced drainage. (M. Fincher)
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Yosemite Forum April 13
"California True Firs & Their Pest Complexes Are Complex" by Beverly Bulaon

The next virtual Yosemite Forum will be held virtually on GoToWebinar on Tuesday, April 13, 3:30-4:30 pm. This month's talk will be given by Beverly Bulaon, USFS regional forest health program.

True firs in southern Sierra Nevada of California have a complex of pest agents that are often overlooked in their ability to significantly weaken and eventually kill their hosts. These insects and pathogens sometimes work interactively or adversarial in order to reproduce and survive. Changing climate and current stand conditions may provide more opportunities for these agents to be successful and proliferate. Mortality associated with these agents, particularly fir engraver, is expected to worsen in upcoming years.

This Yosemite Forum presentation will take place via GoTo Webinar. Please register for this webinar in advance at: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2775757100730390797
Email [email protected] for more information. (G. Dickman)
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Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Monday, April 5, 2021

Yosemite National Park Zone Forecast
Today: Sunny, breezy. Highs 54 to 62 at 5000 feet...41 to 51 at 8000 feet. Gusts up to 40 mph in the morning. Southwest winds 25 to 30 mph with gusts to around 55 mph over higher elevations.
Tonight: Partly cloudy. Lows 34 to 44 at 5000 feet...24 to 32 at 8000 feet.
Tomorrow: Sunny. Highs 57 to 65 at 5000 feet...45 to 55 at 8000 feet.

Additional Point Forecast Weather Links:
Yosemite Valley | Wawona | Tuolumne Meadows | Glacier Point | Big Oak Flat | Hetch Hetchy | El Portal | Mariposa | Badger Pass

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NEW AND HAPPENING TODAY

Free COVID-19 Testing Available Each Week In El Portal & Yosemite Valley
Free COVID-19 Testing is available in El Portal on Monday, April 3, 2021 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (closed 2:00-3:00 pm for lunch). The testing site is located at the El Portal Community Center.

Testing is available in Yosemite Valley on Wednesday, April 5, 2021 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (closed 2:00-3:00 pm for lunch). The testing site is located at the Yosemite Valley Emergency Services Complex (9034 Lost Arrow Rd).

The park's testing provider is OptumServe/LHI. Testing is available for people of all ages, including children 3 and up with their parents/guardians present, as long as the children can tolerate the test. Registering in advance is strongly advised, though space for some walk ins may be available. It is easy to sign up online or by phone.

There are 100 appointments available each testing day. Register online for your OptumServe test here: https://lhi.care/covidtesting. It will take several minutes to complete your initial registration. You can also register by calling 888/634-1123.

OptumServe testing also remains available in Mariposa from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm (closed 11:30 - 1:00 for lunch break) Tuesdays through Saturdays. Testing is also available in Groveland.

It continues to be recommended for anyone working in close contact with high volumes of the public to continue to get tested frequently. For those who have been fully vaccinated, it is recommended to get tested between every two weeks to at least once a month. For those who have not yet been fully vaccinated, or for those who work in healthcare/EMT or other close-contact positions, it is recommended to get tested every 7-14 days.

If you have been traveling out of your home area or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, it is recommended to get tested within 4-6 days of returning from travel or from the date of the COVID-19 exposure. (J. Richards)
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Yosemite National Park
Friday, April 2, 2021

Yosemite National Park Zone Forecast
Today: Sunny. Highs 64 to 72 at 5000 feet...49 to 59 at 8000 feet.
Tonight: Mostly clear. Lows 41 to 51 at 5000 feet...30 to 40 at 8000 feet.
Tomorrow: Sunny. Highs 63 to 71 at 5000 feet...50 to 60 at 8000 feet.

Additional Point Forecast Weather Links:
Yosemite Valley | Wawona | Tuolumne Meadows | Glacier Point | Big Oak Flat | Hetch Hetchy | El Portal | Mariposa | Badger Pass

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NEW AND HAPPENING TODAY

Vernal Fall Footbridge Seasonal Facilities Open Today
The Vernal Fall Comfort Station and Drinking Fountain at the Vernal Fall footbridge open for the 2021 season on Friday, April 2. (S. Zumbrunnen)
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Curry Village Reopening Hours
Curry Village will reopen for F&B, retail, and overnight lodging on Friday, April 2. On opening day, the hours will be as follows:
- Pizza Deck: 12pm – 8pm
- Bar 1899: 12pm – 8pm
- Gift & Grocery: 12pm – 6pm
- Mountain Shop: 12pm – 4:30pm

Starting Saturday, April 2, the hours will be as follows:
- Meadow Grill: Breakfast 7am – 10am, Lunch/Dinner 11am – 6pm
- Pizza Deck: 12pm – 8pm
- Bar 1899: 12pm – 8pm
- Gift & Grocery: 10am – 6pm
- Mountain Shop: 8:30am – 4:30pm

The following Curry operations will open at a later date:
- Curry Bike Rentals: April 9
- Coffee Corner: April 23
- Mountaineering School: May 21 (E. Callahan)

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RECENT NEWS

Prescribed Fire Postponed
Fire ignitions around the Crane Flat area originally planned for this Thursday and Friday have been postponed due to unfavorable conditions. (N. Phillipe)
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Tuolumne Meadows Winter Conditions Update for March 31, 2021
New snow: 2 inches
Total settled snow depth: 41 inches (at 8,600 feet)
High temperature: 54°F (March 27)
Low temperature: 11°F (March 29)

Ski Conditions and Weather: Springtime arrived in earnest this week. The mercury was pushed into the 50s the past five days, and near record highs are forecast into the weekend. These daytime highs and overnight lows here in Tuolumne have been quite favorable for corn snow development. Most aspects are getting a healthy dose of sunshine at these middle elevations (8,000–10,000 feet) this time of year. South aspects below 9,000 feet started with such a shallow snowpack that they are quickly becoming a patchwork of patchy snow and bare ground.

The April 1st snow surveys are in progress and here in the Tuolumne River Basin. The results so far show a winter’s worth of snowfall that has left about 63% of average SWE (snow water equivalent) on the ground at this time.

Tuolumne Meadows Winter Conditions
Update for March 31, 2021
April 01, 2021 Posted by: Laura and Rob Pilewski
New snow: 2 inches
Total settled snow depth: 41 inches (at 8,600 feet)
High temperature: 54°F (March 27)
Low temperature: 11°F (March 29)

Ski Conditions and Weather
Springtime arrived in earnest this week. The mercury was pushed into the 50s the past five days, and near record highs are forecast into the weekend. These daytime highs and overnight lows here in Tuolumne Meadows have been quite favorable for corn snow development. Most aspects are getting a healthy dose of sunshine at these middle elevations (8,000–10,000 feet) this time of year. South aspects below 9,000 feet started with such a shallow snowpack that they are quickly becoming a patchwork of patchy snow and bare ground.

The April 1 snow surveys are in progress and here in the Tuolumne River Basin the results so far show a winter’s worth of snowfall that has left about 63% of average SWE (snow water equivalent) on the ground at this time.

Ski conditions and coverage remain pretty good in this area. The continued melt-freeze cycles should keep touring conditions in good shape for now. The higher elevations are still textured from a winter of high winds, but as the days continue to lengthen and become warmer ski conditions will improve there too.

The Tioga Road is 100% snow covered through Yosemite National Park from Tioga Pass to Crane Flat. Snow depths range from three to six feet. As of this writing, to the east, snow line starts around 9,000 feet (Warren Fork) on the road in Lee Vining Canyon.

Avalanche and Snowpack Conditions
For the avalanche advisory for this area of the Sierra Nevada go to https://www.esavalanche.org/ for the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center.

The avalanche hazard is low to moderate in the Tuolumne Meadows area and along the Tioga Road. For now the primary concern will be wet loose avalanches on granite slabs and rocky outcrops during the heat of the day especially at lower elevations where with increasing temperatures the window of stable snow will be a bit shorter. Wilderness travelers should be particularly attentive to this hazard if the overnight temperatures do not produce a good refreeze of the snow surface.

Wildlife
While skiing through the meadows this week the sun was so intense as it reflected off the snow that it took a few minutes to figure out whether we were seeing white spots or the quick flash of the vibrant (white bellied) violet-green swallows. Sure enough, with the Tuolumne River starting to open up, these migrant flocks are venturing into the subalpine. The soft plaintive notes of a lone mountain bluebird was also heard as we headed out early one morning on our snow surveys. Spring is definitely in the air, but with the cool mornings it’s not quite a chorus of song yet.

Yosemite National Park
Thursday, April 1, 2021

Yosemite National Park Zone Forecast
Today: Sunny. Highs 63 to 71 at 5000 feet...47 to 57 at 8000 feet.
Tonight: Clear. Lows 41 to 51 at 5000 feet...29 to 38 at 8000 feet.
Tomorrow: Sunny. Highs 64 to 72 at 5000 feet...50 to 60 at 8000 feet.

Additional Point Forecast Weather Links:
Yosemite Valley | Wawona | Tuolumne Meadows | Glacier Point | Big Oak Flat | Hetch Hetchy | El Portal | Mariposa | Badger Pass

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NEW AND HAPPENING TODAY

COVID-19 Testing Today
Free COVID-19 Testing is available in El Portal Today and in Yosemite Valley on Wednesday. Note: Both locations are closed from 2-3pm for lunch.

Testing will be available in El Portal today from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. The testing site is located at the El Portal Community Center.

Testing will be available in Yosemite Valley on Wednesdays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. The testing site is located at the Yosemite Valley Emergency Services Complex (9034 Lost Arrow Rd).

The park's testing provider is now OptumServe/LHI. Testing is available for people of all ages, including children 3 and up with their parents/guardians present, as long as the children can tolerate the test.

Registering in advance is strongly advised, though walk ins may be available. It is easy to sign up online or by phone. There are 100 appointments available each testing day. Register online for your OptumServe test here: https://lhi.care/covidtesting. It will take several minutes to complete your initial registration. You can also register by calling 888-634-1123.

OptumServe testing also remains available in Mariposa from 7 am to 7 pm, Tuesdays through Saturdays. Testing is also available in Groveland and Coulterville.

It is recommended for anyone working closely with the public, anyone who has been traveling, or anyone who has been exposed to a lot of people outside of your household bubble to get tested every 14-days. (J. Richards)
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Prescribed Fire Postponed
Fire ignitions around the Crane Flat area originally planned for this Thursday and Friday have been postponed due to unfavorable conditions. (N. Phillipe)
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Tuolumne Meadows Winter Conditions Update for March 31, 2021
New snow: 2 inches
Total settled snow depth: 41 inches (at 8,600 feet)
High temperature: 54°F (March 27)
Low temperature: 11°F (March 29)