Yosemite Vacation Homes Serving Yosemite Visitor's since 1997

Yosemite National Park
Friday, March 5, 2021

Yosemite National Park Zone Forecast
Today: Sunny. Highs 54 to 61 at 5000 feet...40 to 50 at 8000 feet. Over higher elevations, gusts up to 40 mph in the afternoon.
Tonight: Mostly clear in the evening, then mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow showers after midnight. Very windy. Little or no snow accumulation. Lows 31 to 37 at 5000 feet... 22 to 28 at 8000 feet. South winds around 25 mph after midnight, gusts up to 55 mph after midnight. Over higher elevations, south winds 35 to 45 mph, gusts up to 60 mph in the evening increasing to 80 mph after midnight.
Tomorrow: Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of snow showers in the morning. Very windy. Snow accumulation up to 3 inches. Highs 45 to 53 at 5000 feet...33 to 43 at 8000 feet. Gusts up to 55 mph in the morning. Over higher elevations, southwest winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts to around 80 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

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NEW AND HAPPENING TODAY

Red Card Refresher Canceled Today
The refreshers scheduled for Friday, March 5 and Monday, March 8 have been cancelled. Additional new dates will be announced when available. Thank you for your patience and trying out some new technology in bringing these courses to you. Once the link and URL location are available, another announcement will be sent with that link.

Presentations on Friday, March 19, Thursday, March 25, and Tuesday, April 6 are still scheduled. The link will be on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. Please log in and wait for the announcement. In the meantime, the application has been updated on the Incident Qualification page in share point. Don't forget to update your Confidential Diary. (B. Spielman)
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"Picture A Scientist" RSVP Deadline Today
Join Yosemite Allies For Inclusion for an independent viewing and post-viewing dialogue & panel discussion exploring the experiences of women in STEM fields and improving inclusion of women in science. You will need to RSVP by March 5 for a unique link to view the documentary.

- Sign your name and email address on the RSVP form
- You will be sent a unique link to view the film on your own between March 18, 19, 20
- Check the box on the form if you are interested in participating in the post-film Facilitated Dialogue and Panel Discussion on March 23 from 2 to 4PM
- This event is open to all Park Partners and Yosemite community members. Go to yoscommunity.com/events for more details

Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Thursday, March 4, 2021

Yosemite National Park Zone Forecast
Today: Sunny. Highs 50 to 58 at 5000 feet...38 to 48 at 8000 feet.
Tonight: Clear. Lows 32 to 41 at 5000 feet...22 to 30 at 8000 feet.
Tomorrow: Sunny. Highs 52 to 61 at 5000 feet...39 to 49 at 8000 feet. Gusts up to 40 mph in the afternoon.

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

Yosemite Medical Clinic Closed Today
Yosemite Medical Clinic (YMC) will be closed all day Thursday, March 4 while staff conducts COVID-19 vaccination clinics in Fish Camp and Wawona. The following week, on March 11, YMC will not open until 2PM so that staff can conduct a COVID-19 vaccination clinic earlier that day 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)
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Red Card Refreshers Canceled For March 5 & 8
The refreshers scheduled for Friday, March 5 and Monday, March 8 have been cancelled. Additional new dates will be announced when available. Thank you for your patience and trying out some new technology in bringing these courses to you. Once the link and URL location are available, another announcement will be sent with that link.

Presentations on Friday, March 19, Thursday, March 25, and Tuesday, April 6 are still scheduled. The link will be on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. Please log in and wait for the announcement. In the meantime, the application has been updated on the Incident Qualification page in share point. Don't forget to update your Confidential Diary. (B. Spielman)
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Tuolumne Winter Conditions Update for March 3, 2021
(https://www.nps.gov/yose/blogs/update-for-march-3-2021.htm)

New snow: none
Total settled snow depth: 40 inches (at 8,600 feet)
High temperature: 46°F (February 28)
Low temperature: 2°F (February 27)

February Weather Summary:
New Snow: 25 inches (Historical Average 62.1 inches)
Snow Water Equivalent: 2 inches (Historical Average 4.53 inches)
Average Temperature: 25.45° (Historical Average 25.2°F)

Yosemite National Park
Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Yosemite National Park Zone Forecast
Today: Mostly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of snow in the afternoon. Snow accumulation up to 1 inch. Highs 48 to 55 at 5000 feet...34 to 44 at 8000 feet.
Tonight: Mostly clear. Near the crest, a 20 percent chance of snow in the evening. Colder. Snow accumulation up to 1 inch. Lows 26 to 36 at 5000 feet...16 to 24 at 8000 feet.
Tomorrow: Sunny. Highs 51 to 57 at 5000 feet...37 to 47 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 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)
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Bridalveil Falls Project Traffic Control
There will be 15 minute delays from 0730 to 0830 (to accommodate commuting employees) and up to 30 minute delays from 0830 to 1630 on Southside Drive between Pohono Bridge and the Wawona Road junction. Contractors will be completing utility work in the roadway as part of the Bridalveil Falls project. The Bridalveil Fall parking lot and trails are closed to visitation to allow for ongoing rehabilitation work. NPS crews are currently constructing a new accessible trail and making other trail and site repairs. Contractor work consisting of utility upgrades and parking lot and bus platform improvements will continue through May 2021. (P. Johnson)

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RECENT NEWS

Yosemite National Park
Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Yosemite National Park Zone Forecast
Today: Mostly cloudy. Highs 49 to 58 at 5000 feet...40 to 50 at 8000 feet.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy. Lows 32 to 42 at 5000 feet...21 to 29 at 8000 feet.
Tomorrow: Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of snow near the crest. Snow accumulation up to 1 inch. Highs 46 to 54 at 5000 feet... 32 to 42 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

Yosemite Forum March 9
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)
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Free COVID-19 Testing in Yosemite Valley & El Portal Every Wednesday
Beginning Wednesday, March 3, free COVID-19 testing will be available in Yosemite Valley and El Portal.

The park's testing provider has transitioned from Verily to OptumServe/LHI. 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.

Yosemite National Park
Monday, March 1, 2021

Yosemite National Park Zone Forecast
Today: Sunny. Highs 50 to 57 at 5000 feet...35 to 45 at 8000 feet.
Tonight: Clear. Lows 31 to 41 at 5000 feet...20 to 30 at 8000 feet.
Tomorrow: Sunny. Highs 51 to 57 at 5000 feet...37 to 47 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

Attention Red Carded Employees
This year's Wildland Fire Refresher will be instructor lead. However, Covid is still active, we are trying out some distance learning instructor lead applications for this year's refresher. In addition, Yosemite Dispatch has asked that we help facilitate the Red Card Application process sooner for permeant employees with an application deadline of April 30th. Our first VILT ( Virtual Instructor Lead Training) will be March 5th with a second date on March 8th, more dates to come. The course content will require you to complete certain aspects (pre-work) before attending the webinar session. For us to manage content, enrollment, and signups we are using the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. Please log into the Learning Portal in preparation for the upcoming dates. We will announce and provide links on the Red Card page for the specific NPS, Yosemite, PWR course soon. If in the meantime if you have questions about the refresher, please contact Bernard Spielman via email at [email protected].

https://wildlandfirelearningportal.net/

The Learning Portal works best with "Crome" best. Some aspects of the program may not work in other internet systems. (B. Spielman)
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Yosemite Branch of the Mariposa County Library
Yosemite Branch of the Mariposa County Library will add hours starting March 10th. Wednesdays: 12-5 and Thursdays: 11-5. We will continue to practice social distancing rules as well as limited entry. (C. Reynolds)
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Tuolumne Meadows Winter Conditions, February 25, 2021

New snow: 3 inches
Total settled snow depth: 42 inches (at 8,600 feet)
High temperature: 55°F (February 22)
Low temperature: -2°F (February 18)

Wind and sun describes this winter in a nutshell. Photo from February 17, 2021.
Wind and sun describes this winter in a nutshell. Photo from February 17, 2021.
Ski Conditions and Weather
The photo “wind and sun” pretty much sums up the ski conditions and weather for the week, and this winter season so far. In a winter that has included two significant weather events, a historical Mono Wind event in mid-January and a cold atmospheric river winter storm in late January, the rest of this season has been rife with wind and sun. The textured snow in the photo, the result of wind blowing up and down the slope (at different times and dependent on changing weather patterns), is representative of what the alpine snowpack looks like presently. Although at this point there is not much loose snow left to leave a ski track like the one in the photo. Visitors to the alpine zone above tree line should anticipate hard surface conditions and be prepared with an ice-axe and crampons if traveling in steeper terrain.

We have been out doing the monthly snow surveys this week. Per usual, the snowpack is deeper as one travels west from Tuolumne Meadows (as that area gets more precipitation), with five to six feet of snow on the ground at Tenaya Lake and Snow Flat. The snow line goes down to about 7,200 feet and is patchy below. The snow surface has become more supportable below tree line as it has gone through more melt freeze cycles. Touring conditions are good, though corn snow has been elusive so far.
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 in the Tuolumne Meadows area. We did observe several old glide avalanches on the slopes of Clouds Rest and Cathedral Peak while on patrol in these areas this week. Glide occurs when the entire snowpack slowly slides as a unit on the ground. Glide avalanches are difficult to forecast and occur on steeper slopes and often in areas where the ground consists of a smooth surface. The domes and granite slopes of Yosemite are prime areas for glide avalanches to occur.

As we continue into a warm spell, visitors should be attentive on solar aspects for the potential of wet avalanches and rockfall.

Modified Traffic Patterns Extended Through February 28
Due to the popularity of Horsetail Fall, from noon to 7pm expect one lane of traffic on the one-way section of Northside Drive, with no parking on both Northside and Southside Drives in western Yosemite Valley. Cars parked in undesignated areas may be impounded/towed.

Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Friday, February 26, 2021

Yosemite National Park Zone Forecast
Today: Sunny, breezy. Highs 47 to 55 at 5000 feet...35 to 43 at 8000 feet. West winds 25 to 30 mph over higher elevations. Gusts up to 55 mph over higher elevations.
Tonight: Mostly clear. Colder. Lows 24 to 33 at 5000 feet... 13 to 21 at 8000 feet. Wind chill readings around 3 below.
Tomorrow: Sunny. Highs 44 to 50 at 5000 feet...29 to 39 at 8000 feet. Over higher elevations, north winds around 25 mph in the afternoon. Wind chill readings around 3 below.

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

Modified Traffic Patterns Extended Through February 28
Due to the popularity of Horsetail Fall, from noon to 7pm expect one lane of traffic on the one-way section of Northside Drive, with no parking on both Northside and Southside Drives in western Yosemite Valley. Cars parked in undesignated areas may be impounded/towed.

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RECENT NEWS

Seasonal Climbing Closures March 1 - July 15
Please respect Peregrine Falcons nesting in Yosemite by complying with seasonal climbing closures. Starting Monday, March 1, closures go into effect at Arch Rock, B.O.L.T. Wall, Fifi Buttress, El Capitan, Fairview Dome, Hetch Hetchy, Lost Arrow Spire, Mt. Broderick, Rhombus Wall, the Rostrum, Sentinel Rock, Washington Column and Wawona Dome. If you want to climb at any of these areas, please check the closure notice (posted at http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/climbingclosures.htm) first to make sure you are complying with the closures and no​t disturbing any nesting peregrines. Thank you for helping to protect Yosemite's nesting peregrine falcons! (S. Smith)
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Tree Trimming In El Portal Beginning March 1
Valley Forestry will begin residential trimming and hazard reduction in Rancheria and Old El Portal beginning Monday, March 1. Surveyors will be assessing trees. They will be followed by climbing crews performing work. This work will focus on reducing dead wood in trees, and minimizing removal of green limbs unless absolutely necessary. Requests for hazard evaluation can be sent to [email protected]. Thanks for being patient with Forestry vehicles affecting traffic. (B. See)
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Yosemite National Park
Thursday, February 25, 2021

Yosemite National Park Zone Forecast
Today: Sunny. Highs 48 to 55 at 5000 feet...38 to 46 at 8000 feet. Gusts up to 40 mph in the afternoon.
Tonight: Clear. Lows 29 to 39 at 5000 feet...20 to 28 at 8000 feet.
Tomorrow: Sunny. Highs 49 to 56 at 5000 feet...37 to 45 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

There are no new submissions for today, Thursday, February 25.

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RECENT NEWS

Seasonal Climbing Closures March 1 - July 15
Please respect Peregrine Falcons nesting in Yosemite by complying with seasonal climbing closures. Starting Monday, March 1, closures go into effect at Arch Rock, B.O.L.T. Wall, Fifi Buttress, El Capitan, Fairview Dome, Hetch Hetchy, Lost Arrow Spire, Mt. Broderick, Rhombus Wall, the Rostrum, Sentinel Rock, Washington Column and Wawona Dome. If you want to climb at any of these areas, please check the closure notice (posted at http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/climbingclosures.htm) first to make sure you are complying with the closures and no​t disturbing any nesting peregrines. Thank you for helping to protect Yosemite's nesting peregrine falcons! (S. Smith)
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Tree Trimming In El Portal Beginning March 1
Valley Forestry will begin residential trimming and hazard reduction in Rancheria and Old El Portal beginning Monday, March 1. Surveyors will be assessing trees. They will be followed by climbing crews performing work. This work will focus on reducing dead wood in trees, and minimizing removal of green limbs unless absolutely necessary. Requests for hazard evaluation can be sent to [email protected]. Thanks for being patient with Forestry vehicles affecting traffic. (B. See)
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Yosemite Medical Clinic Closures - All Day March 4 & Partial Day March 11
Yosemite Medical Clinic (YMC) will be closed all day Thursday, March 4 while staff conducts COVID-19 vaccination clinics in Fish Camp and Wawona. The following week, on March 11, YMC will not open until 2PM so that staff can conduct a COVID-19 vaccination clinic earlier that day in El Portal. As usual, ambulance response will be available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week by calling 911.

Yosemite National Park
Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Yosemite National Park Zone Forecast
Today: Sunny. Highs 49 to 55 at 5000 feet...36 to 44 at 8000 feet. Gusts up to 45 mph in the afternoon.
Tonight: Mostly clear. Very windy. Colder. Lows 24 to 34 at 5000 feet...13 to 23 at 8000 feet. Northeast winds 30 to 40 mph in the evening. Over higher elevations, northeast winds 30 to 40 mph. Gusts up to 85 mph in the evening decreasing to 65 mph after midnight.
Tomorrow: Sunny, breezy. Highs 48 to 54 at 5000 feet...38 to 46 at 8000 feet. Over higher elevations, north winds around 25 mph in the afternoon. Gusts up to 45 mph.

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 In Yosemite Valley Today
Walk-Ups Welcome

Free COVID-19 testing is available in Yosemite Valley on Wednesdays. The park's testing provider has transitioned from Verily to OptumServe/LHI. 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.

The testing site is located at the Yosemite Valley Emergency Services Complex (9034 Lost Arrow Rd) on Wednesdays from 9 am to 4 pm. 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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