Yosemite Vacation Homes Serving Yosemite Visitor's since 1997

Yosemite National Park
Thursday, March 18, 2021

Yosemite National Park Zone Forecast
Today: Mostly cloudy. A 50 percent chance of rain and snow in the afternoon. Near the crest, a 20 percent chance of snow in the afternoon. Snow accumulation up to 1 inch. Snow level 6500 feet. Highs 48 to 55 at 5000 feet...36 to 46 at 8000 feet.
Tonight: Chance of rain and snow in the evening, then rain and snow likely after midnight. Near the crest, chance of snow in the evening, then snow likely after midnight. Chance of precipitation 70 percent. Snow accumulation up to 5 inches. Snow level 7500 feet. Lows 36 to 42 at 5000 feet...28 to 34 at 8000 feet.
Tomorrow: Rain...snow near the crest. Snow. Snow accumulation up to 6 inches. Snow level 7500 feet. Highs 42 to 49 at 5000 feet... 32 to 41 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

=======================================================

NEW AND HAPPENING TODAY

Yosemite GIS User Group Today
​​The next (virtual) meetup for parkwide GIS users is Thursday, March 18 from 10 to noon. Topics will include mobile data collection ahead of the 2021 field season and the plan for moving the enterprise GIS to ArcGIS Online and Portal. The knowledge fair portion (approx. 11-noon) will include presentations about business rules for Yosemite roads, data collection for the hydroclimate program, and GIS damage assessment after the January wind and snow events. These bimonthly meetups are also a chance to share and hear about what GIS users across the park are working on. All park employees interested and/or involved in GIS are invited to attend. Email [email protected] to request a calendar invitation. (E. Hale)
_____________________

Additional COVID-19 Testing Today
Free COVID-19 Testing will be available in El Portal on Thursdays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. The testing site is located at the El Portal Community Center.

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.

Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Yosemite National Park Zone Forecast
Today: Mostly sunny. Not as cool. Highs 47 to 55 at 5000 feet... 37 to 47 at 8000 feet.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy in the evening then becoming partly cloudy. Breezy. Lows 33 to 40 at 5000 feet...22 to 30 at 8000 feet. Over higher elevations, south winds 25 to 30 mph with gusts to around 60 mph after midnight.
Tomorrow: Mostly cloudy with a slight chance of snow showers. Slight chance of showers in the afternoon. Breezy. Snow accumulation up to 1 inch. Snow level 6500 feet. Highs 47 to 54 at 5000 feet...34 to 44 at 8000 feet. South winds 25 to 30 mph over higher elevations. Over higher elevations, gusts up to 55 mph in the morning.

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

=======================================================

NEW AND HAPPENING TODAY

Additional COVID-19 Testing Today
Free COVID-19 Testing is available in Yosemite Valley on Wednesday and now in El Portal on Thursday.

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).

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

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)

=======================================================

RECENT NEWS

Yosemite National Park
Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Yosemite National Park Zone Forecast
Today: Sunny. Not as cold. Highs 39 to 47 at 5000 feet...32 to 40 at 8000 feet. Wind chill readings around 1 below in the morning.
Tonight: Mostly clear. Lows 25 to 32 at 5000 feet...17 to 25 at 8000 feet.
Tomorrow: Mostly cloudy. Highs 46 to 54 at 5000 feet...36 to 46 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

=======================================================

NEW AND HAPPENING TODAY

YOSE FMD Customer Service Center Voicemail Not Working
The YOSE FMD Customer Service Center voicemail is currently experiencing some technical difficulties and cannot receive any work requests left on the CSC phone line at the moment. If you have any work requests, email the Customer Service Center at [email protected] and provide the address/location of requested work, a description of the issue, and your contact information. Thank you for your patience and understanding. (N. Isordia)

=======================================================

RECENT NEWS

Wawona Emergency Electrical Repairs Complete
Emergency repairs to all electric service distribution infrastructure in Wawona for the significant damages caused by the Mono Wind event are substantially completed. A big shout out of appreciation and recognition to all involved, both Yosemite IDT and operations staff and the PG&E team, for the effective teamwork, communications, and collaboration that expeditiously mobilized and enabled completion of the essential emergency repairs. Not only was the distribution system repaired and restored, also the infrastructure that serves all Wawona has been significantly improved and upgraded (called line-hardening) for long term reliability. Good job! (J. Llewellyn)
_____________________

Yosemite GIS User Group Thursday
​​The next (virtual) meetup for parkwide GIS users is Thursday, March 18 from 10 to noon. Topics will include mobile data collection ahead of the 2021 field season and the plan for moving the enterprise GIS to ArcGIS Online and Portal. The knowledge fair portion (approx. 11-noon) will include presentations about business rules for Yosemite roads, data collection for the hydroclimate program, and GIS damage assessment after the January wind and snow events. These bimonthly meetups are also a chance to share and hear about what GIS users across the park are working on. All park employees interested and/or involved in GIS are invited to attend. Email [email protected] to request a calendar invitation. (E. Hale)
_____________________

« Tuolumne Meadows Winter Conditions
Update for March 10, 2021
March 10, 2021 Posted by: Laura and Rob Pilewski
New snow: 7 inches
Total settled snow depth: 41 inches (at 8,600 feet)
High temperature: 51°F (March 5)
Low temperature: 4°F (March 9)

Ski Conditions and Weather
Winter weather has returned to the Sierra. Although the week started warm and dry, as of this writing a cold low pressure system is bringing snow showers and below-average temperatures to the area. While skiing across Tuolumne Meadows yesterday, a short-lived, but very impressive, cloud burst left a fresh blanket of three inches of snow in its wake within only an hour’s time. The old snow surface was overdue for a refresher as the warm and dry spell had left a textured melt freeze crust on the surface making for challenging ski conditions during certain times of the day. The snow has been supportable, but not quite in its spring skiing glory yet. This new snow will result in a delay to the spring ski conditions and a return to more of a winter feel for now.

Left photo shows Ragged Peak and Young Lake with skier on March 2, 2021. Right photo shows wind and snow patterns on Lake Helen pass on March 5, 2021.
Left photo: Ragged Peak and Young Lake on March 2, 2021. Right photo: Wind and snow patterns on Lake Helen Pass on March 5, 2021.
We took advantage of the good touring conditions this week to continue our wildlife surveys, as it was much easier to cover the miles and travel farther from the Tuolumne Meadows patrol area. While the ski conditions were good at and below tree line, the high alpine continues to be wind affected. Above tree, line the snow surface is firm and very textured. This was most evident as we skied through the Roosevelt Lake basin this week on a surface resembling a “frozen ocean.” The “waves” that were formed by the wind were frozen in time and made for a pretty bumpy ride on skis.
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 has increased over the past 24 hours due to the new snow and wind. The primary hazard now is from wind slab avalanches. Strong south west winds during this weather system have caused wind slabs to form primarily on north and east aspects. Travelers should be particularly attentive to terrain and aspect. The firm and slick snow surface that existed prior to the new snowfall could make for a good bed surface for wind slabs, as well as, loose snow avalanches in steeper terrain.

Yosemite National Park
Monday, March 15, 2021

Yosemite National Park Zone Forecast
Today: Snow in the morning, then chance of snow in the afternoon. Colder. Snow accumulation up to 6 inches. Highs 29 to 37 at 5000 feet...19 to 29 at 8000 feet. Wind chill readings around 6 below.
Tonight: Partly cloudy. Near the crest, mostly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of snow in the evening, then mostly clear after midnight. Snow accumulation up to 1 inch. Total snow accumulation up to 14 inches. Lows 18 to 24 at 5000 feet...9 to 15 at 8000 feet. Wind chill readings around 7 below.
Tomorrow: Sunny. Not as cold. Highs 39 to 47 at 5000 feet... 31 to 39 at 8000 feet. Wind chill readings near zero in the morning.

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

=======================================================

NEW AND HAPPENING TODAY

Wawona Emergency Electrical Repairs Complete
Emergency repairs to all electric service distribution infrastructure in Wawona for the significant damages caused by the Mono Wind event are substantially completed. A big shout out of appreciation and recognition to all involved, both Yosemite IDT and operations staff and the PG&E team, for the effective teamwork, communications, and collaboration that expeditiously mobilized and enabled completion of the essential emergency repairs. Not only was the distribution system repaired and restored, also the infrastructure that serves all Wawona has been significantly improved and upgraded (called line-hardening) for long term reliability. Good job! (J. Llewellyn)
_____________________

Yosemite GIS User Group Thursday
​​The next (virtual) meetup for parkwide GIS users is Thursday, March 18 from 10 to noon. Topics will include mobile data collection ahead of the 2021 field season and the plan for moving the enterprise GIS to ArcGIS Online and Portal. The knowledge fair portion (approx. 11-noon) will include presentations about business rules for Yosemite roads, data collection for the hydroclimate program, and GIS damage assessment after the January wind and snow events. These bimonthly meetups are also a chance to share and hear about what GIS users across the park are working on. All park employees interested and/or involved in GIS are invited to attend. Email [email protected] to request a calendar invitation. (E. Hale)
_____________________

Additional COVID-19 Testing Day
Free COVID-19 Testing will be available in Yosemite Valley on Wednesday and now in El Portal on Thursday this coming week.

Yosemite National Park
Friday, March 12, 2021

Yosemite National Park Zone Forecast
Today: Mostly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of snow showers...a 50 percent chance of snow showers near the crest. Snow accumulation up to 1 inch. Total snow accumulation up to 2 inches. Highs 39 to 47 at 5000 feet...26 to 36 at 8000 feet. Wind chill readings around 7 below in the morning.
Tonight: Mostly clear. Lows 20 to 30 at 5000 feet...10 to 18 at 8000 feet. Wind chill readings around 8 below.
Tomorrow: Sunny. Not as cold. Highs 44 to 51 at 5000 feet... 33 to 42 at 8000 feet. Gusts up to 40 mph in the morning. Wind chill readings around 6 below in the morning.

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

=======================================================

NEW AND HAPPENING TODAY

There are no new submissions for today, Friday, March 12.

=======================================================

RECENT NEWS

Tuolumne Winter Conditions Update For March 10, 2021
(https://www.nps.gov/yose/blogs/update-for-march-10-2021.htm)

New snow: 7 inches
Total settled snow depth: 41 inches (at 8,600 feet)
High temperature: 51°F (March 5)
Low temperature: 4°F (March 9)

Ski Conditions and Weather: Winter weather has returned to the Sierra. Although the week started warm and dry, as of this writing a cold low pressure system is bringing snow showers and below-average temperatures to the area. While skiing across Tuolumne Meadows yesterday, a short-lived, but very impressive, cloud burst left a fresh blanket of three inches of snow in its wake within only an hour’s time. The old snow surface was overdue for a refresher as the warm and dry spell had left a textured melt freeze crust on the surface making for challenging ski conditions during certain times of the day. The snow has been supportable, but not quite in its spring skiing glory yet. This new snow will result in a delay to the spring ski conditions and a return to more of a winter feel for now.

We took advantage of the good touring conditions this week to continue our wildlife surveys, as it was much easier to cover the miles and travel farther from the Tuolumne Meadows patrol area. While the ski conditions were good at and below tree line, the high alpine continues to be wind affected. Above tree, line the snow surface is firm and very textured. This was most evident as we skied through the Roosevelt Lake basin this week on a surface resembling a “frozen ocean.” The “waves” that were formed by the wind were frozen in time and made for a pretty bumpy ride on skis.

Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Thursday, March 11, 2021

Yosemite National Park Zone Forecast
Today: Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of snow showers in the morning, then chance of snow showers in the afternoon. Near the crest, chance of snow showers in the morning, then snow showers likely in the afternoon. Chance of snow 50 percent. Snow accumulation up to 4 inches. Highs 33 to 40 at 5000 feet...22 to 31 at 8000 feet. Wind chill readings around 5 below.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy in the evening then becoming partly cloudy. Mostly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of snow showers in the evening, then partly cloudy after midnight. Near the crest, chance of snow showers in the evening, then slight chance of snow showers after midnight. Snow accumulation up to 3 inches. Lows 20 to 28 at 5000 feet...12 to 18 at 8000 feet. Wind chill readings around 6 below.
Tomorrow: Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of snow showers in the morning, then chance of snow showers in the afternoon. Near the crest, a 50 percent chance of snow showers. Snow accumulation up to 3 inches. Total snow accumulation up to 13 inches. Highs 39 to 46 at 5000 feet...26 to 36 at 8000 feet. Wind chill readings around 6 below in the morning.

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

=======================================================

NEW AND HAPPENING TODAY

Yosemite Medical Clinic Closed Today
Yosemite Medical Clinic (YMC) will be closed all day Thursday, March 11 while staff conducts a COVID-19 vaccination clinic in El Portal. As usual, ambulance response will be available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week by calling 911.

YMC continues to administer the COVID-19 vaccinations by appointment, following priorities set by the CDC and California Department of Public Health. Persons who respond to the online Yosemite NPS Covid-19 Vaccination Planning survey requesting the vaccine will be contacted by a YMC representative to schedule an appointment. Please do not call the clinic directly to schedule an initial vaccination. (C. Griffin)
_____________________

Tuolumne Winter Conditions Update for March 10, 2021
(https://www.nps.gov/yose/blogs/update-for-march-10-2021.htm)

New snow: 7 inches
Total settled snow depth: 41 inches (at 8,600 feet)
High temperature: 51°F (March 5)
Low temperature: 4°F (March 9)

Yosemite National Park
Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Yosemite National Park Zone Forecast
Today: Mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow showers. Snow accumulation up to 6 inches. Highs 32 to 39 at 5000 feet... 20 to 29 at 8000 feet. Wind chill readings around 4 below.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy. A 50 percent chance of snow showers in the evening. Colder. Snow accumulation up to 3 inches. Lows 18 to 24 at 5000 feet...7 to 13 at 8000 feet.
Tomorrow: Mostly cloudy. A 50 percent chance of snow showers... Snow showers likely near the crest. Snow accumulation up to 2 inches. Highs 34 to 41 at 5000 feet...22 to 31 at 8000 feet. Wind chill readings around 6 below in the morning.

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

=======================================================

NEW AND HAPPENING TODAY

Free COVID-19 Testing in Yosemite Valley & El Portal Today
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.

COVID-19 Testing times and locations:
- Yosemite Valley: Wednesdays 7 am – 11 am at the Yosemite Valley Emergency Services Complex (9034 Lost Arrow Rd)
- El Portal: Wednesdays 1:30 pm – 4 pm and 5 pm – 7 pm at the El Portal Community Center
- OptumServe/LHI testing is also available in Mariposa 7 am – 7 pm, Tuesdays through Saturdays. Additionally, testing is available in Groveland and Coulterville each week.

Testing is now 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.

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)
_____________________

Mariposa County Library Yosemite Branch Hours Begin Today
The Yosemite Branch of the Mariposa County Library will add hours starting March 10. Wednesdays: 12-5 and Thursdays: 11-5. Social distancing rules and limited entry prodedure will continue. (C. Reynolds)

=======================================================

RECENT NEWS

Yosemite National Park
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Yosemite National Park Zone Forecast
Today: Mostly cloudy. A 50 percent chance of snow showers in the afternoon. Snow accumulation up to 2 inches. Highs 36 to 42 at 5000 feet...22 to 32 at 8000 feet. Wind chill readings around 3 below.
Tonight: Chance of snow showers in the evening, then snow showers after midnight. Snow accumulation up to 7 inches. Lows 24 to 30 at 5000 feet...14 to 20 at 8000 feet. Wind chill readings around 5 below.
Tomorrow: Snow showers in the morning, then chance of snow showers in the afternoon. Snow accumulation up to 6 inches. Highs 31 to 39 at 5000 feet...19 to 29 at 8000 feet. Wind chill readings around 5 below.

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

=======================================================

NEW AND HAPPENING TODAY

Yosemite Forum Today
The next virtual Yosemite Forum presentation will take place Tuesday, March 9 from 3:30 to 4:30 pm: "Hydrological benefits of restoring wildfire regimes in the Sierra Nevada persist in a warming climate," by Ekaterina Rahkmatulina, University of California, Berkeley.

"In combination with recent drought, elevated temperatures, and extended fire seasons, the high fuel loads in fire suppressed forests are contributing to larger and more severe wildfires in the Western United States. Many of these fires occur in the forested montane watersheds that provide 60-90% of the developed water supply of the state, creating a critical nexus between water and fire from a management perspective. Wildfire management strategy implemented in one watershed has shown to increase water yields, improve landscape diversity, and decrease risk of catastrophic wildfires. Will these observed benefits hold in future climate?"

This Yosemite Forum presentation will take place via GoTo Webinar. Please register for this webinar at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/522925944491579403

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. For more information email [email protected]. (G. Stock)

=======================================================

RECENT NEWS

Coping With Stress & Change Saturday 11-11:45AM
Led by Giselle Diaz: zoom.us/join
Meeting ID: 843 7138 2184
Passcode: 861892

This peer-led event will help you learn strategies to become a more resilient person when dealing with stress and change. Topics include:
- What is Stress?
- How to avoid stress
- Developing Emotional Resilience
- Change (J. Gonzales)
_____________________

Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Monday, March 8, 2021

Yosemite National Park Zone Forecast
Today: Mostly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of snow. Windy. Little or no snow accumulation. Highs 39 to 47 at 5000 feet... 26 to 36 at 8000 feet. Gusts up to 40 mph in the afternoon. Southwest winds 25 to 30 mph with gusts to around 50 mph over higher elevations.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of snow after midnight. Breezy, colder. Little or no snow accumulation. Lows 23 to 31 at 5000 feet...11 to 19 at 8000 feet. Over higher elevations, southwest winds around 25 mph in the evening. Gusts up to 50 mph over higher elevations. Wind chill readings around 5 below.
Tomorrow: Mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow. Snow accumulation up to 4 inches. Highs 36 to 42 at 5000 feet...22 to 32 at 8000 feet. Over higher elevations, southwest winds around 25 mph in the afternoon. Gusts up to 40 mph in the afternoon. Wind chill readings around 5 below.

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

=======================================================

NEW AND HAPPENING TODAY

Coping With Stress & Change Saturday 11-11:45AM
Led by Giselle Diaz: zoom.us/join
Meeting ID: 843 7138 2184
Passcode: 861892

This peer-led event will help you learn strategies to become a more resilient person when dealing with stress and change. Topics include: - What is Stress? - How to avoid stress? - Developing Emotional Resilience - Change (J. Gonzales)
_____________________

Yosemite Medical Clinic Closed Thursday
Yosemite Medical Clinic (YMC) will be closed all day Thursday, March 11 while staff conducts a COVID-19 vaccination clinic in El Portal. As usual, ambulance response will be available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week by calling 911.

YMC continues to administer the COVID-19 vaccinations by appointment, following priorities set by the CDC and California Department of Public Health. Persons who respond to the online Yosemite NPS Covid-19 Vaccination Planning survey requesting the vaccine will be contacted by a YMC representative to schedule an appointment. Please do not call the clinic directly to schedule an initial vaccination. (C. Griffin)
_____________________