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Home » Daily Report – Yosemite National Park Friday, April 5, 2024

Daily Report – Yosemite National Park Friday, April 5, 2024

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Daily Report – Yosemite National Park

Friday, April 5, 2024

Yosemite National Park Zone Forecast

Today: Snow showers and slight chance of thunderstorms. Snow may be heavy at times in the morning. Snow accumulation of 2 to 10 inches. Total snow accumulation 3 to 18 inches. Highs 15 to 29. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts to around 30 mph. Chance of precipitation 90 percent.
Tonight: Colder. Mostly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of thunderstorms and snow showers in the evening, then mostly clear after midnight. Lows 1 to 15. Northwest winds up to 10 mph shifting to the northeast after midnight. Gusts up to 25 mph.
Tomorrow: Not as cold. Sunny. Highs 24 to 36. East winds up to 10 mph shifting to the southwest in the afternoon. Gusts up to 30 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 & HAPPENING TODAY

Kudos for Emily Caselman and Chad Drew

HUGE thank you to Emily Caselman and Chad Drew for their management, help, and fast response to a HAZMAT spill in a sensitive area. They both went above and beyond in mitigating the damage to the area which included extreme physical work in the pouring rain and snow. This park needs more people who are dedicated to the mission of the agency, and who are willing to brave abject misery to accomplish it. (S. Oakley)
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Housekeeping Camp Season Opening Delayed
Housekeeping Camp’s season opening day has been pushed back to Sunday, April 7th due to inclement weather. (C. Layman)
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Roof Restoration Project Begins at Wawona Hotel
The roof restoration project is beginning at the Wawona Hotel soon. The construction will be focused on replacing the roof with a new fire-rated roof and upgraded flashings to protect the historic Wawona Hotel. The construction will only take place in the Main Building of Wawona Hotel and construction sound should be limited to the working hours of 8 AM – 5 PM Monday through Friday. At this time, there will not be any impacts on breakfast or lunch services. However, please note that during this roof restoration project, there may be some interruptions to the views from the main veranda, dining room, and select second-floor room as scaffolding will be present around the main building. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause. (C. Layman)
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Tuolumne Meadows Winter Conditions Update for April 3, 2024

(https://www.nps.gov/yose/blogs/update-for-april-3-2024.htm)

New Snow: 24 inches
Settled Snow Depth: 58 inches
High Temperature: 50°F (April 2)
Low Temperature: 10°F (March 31)

March Weather Summary
New Snow: 94 inches (historical average 55.5 inches)
Snow Water Equivalent: 6.42 inches (historical average 3.84 inches)
Average High Temperature: 36.1°F (historical average 40.2°F)
Average Low Temperature: 12.61°F (historical average 13.7°F)
Average Temperature: 24.59°F (historical average 28.7°F)

Ski Conditions and Weather: It was a wintry week to close out the month of March. “Out like a lion” so to speak. It was another month of above average precipitation and snowfall, and a bit cooler than “normal.” We have been out doing the April 1 snow surveys this week and with one more course to go the Tuolumne River drainage is coming in between 90-100% of average.

Springtime in the Sierra Nevada has arrived… before we get too excited about the sunny warm days being here to stay, however, one look at the weather forecast should bring us back to the reality of the finicky nature of spring in the range of light. Temperatures in the 50’s over the next few days will give way to a blast of cold air dropping down from the north and a return to high temperatures in the 20’s. Living in the mountain moment will allow us to enjoy the bluebird powder days that the next few days have in store! It is a good time of year to be prepared for any and all snow conditions, some of which may require ice axe and crampons in the alpine zones.

Avalanche and Snowpack Conditions: Please refer to the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center (ESAC) (https://www.esavalanche.org/) and the Bridgeport Avalanche Center (https://bridgeportavalanchecenter.org/) for the avalanche advisories for this part of the Sierra Nevada. The snowpack is becoming more isothermal with each passing warm day. With the new snowfall this week there was some wind slab formation and isolated pockets of wind slab avalanches. For now, avalanche hazard will be driven by new loading and periods of instability on solar aspects during the heat of the day. It is always a good idea this time of year to keep an eye on overnight temperatures to ensure a surface freeze of ski objectives. Read more about ski and avalanche conditions, recent wildlife activity, and learn about the automatic snow sensors that dot the Sierra Nevada in Laura and Rob’s recent blog post (posted weekly): https://www.nps.gov/yose/blogs/tmconditions.htm. (L. & R. Pilewski)

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RECENT NEWS

Bike Rentals Closure Notice for 4/4/24-4/5/24

Due to forecasted inclement weather, all Bike Rental locations will be closed tomorrow, Thursday, April 4th, and Friday, April 5th, 2024. We anticipate returning to normal operations on Saturday, April 6th, 2024 (K. Milam).
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ESC Parking Lot Closed 4/6 Through 4/7
The ESC parking lot is closed to parking for the upcoming Spring Bear Ceremony this weekend 4/6. There will be a private ceremony on Saturday, April 6th. Please move all vehicles from the ESC/gas pump parking lot to facilitate parking for the event by 8:00 am the morning of Saturday, April 6th (J. Micon).
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Yosemite Forum
Tuesday April 9th 3:30-4:30pm-Guardians of the Valley: John Muir and the friendship that saved Yosemite.

Please join us at the next Yosemite Forum where author Dean King will be presenting from his book Guardians of the Valley. In 1889, John Muir—iconic environmentalist, writer, and philosopher—traveled to Yosemite with his longtime editor Robert Underwood Johnson, an influential figure at The Century magazine. There the men were confronted with a shocking vision, as predatory mining, tourism, and logging industries had plundered and defaced “the grandest of all the special temples of Nature.” While Muir was devastated, Johnson, an arbiter of the era’s pressing issues in the pages of the nation’s most prestigious magazine, decided that he and Muir must fight back. The pact they formed marked a watershed moment, leading to the creation of Yosemite National Park, and launching an environmental battle that captivated the nation and ushered in the beginning of the American environmental movement.

This talk will be held virtually on Microsoft Teams:

https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MTI1ZTk2OTItOGM5YS00NzNhLThiMmMtYTUwZmZkYjIzOTBj%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%220693b5ba-4b18-4d7b-9341-f32f400a5494%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22d4a59213-f3e6-4d4b-b7d8-d2dfbaa8581f%22%7d
(G. Dickman)
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Y8 Fuel Station

The Y8 gas station is back up and running! (C. Layman)
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Kudos fot Cara Whalen

Many thanks to Cara for taking the trek to Fresno to replace a busted windshield on a work vehicle! (John S.)
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Home for Rent

Available is a two bedroom one bath roughly 1100 square feet on a half acre lot with a basement and two car garage. The home is located near the hospital on Meuller Road. The deposit required is 1850.00 and rent is 1850.00 per month. Utilities are not included. Home is available immediately. Please feel free to reach out with any further inquiries to Jason Smith at 209-810-4059 or via email at jaysmithis@live.com (C. Henry)
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Glacier Point Road Closed for Plowing Operations

Glacier Point Road is closed to the public at Chinquapin for spring plowing operations as of April 1. This includes all foot and bicycle traffic beyond the gate at Chinquapin. Administrative traffic is not allowed beyond the Badger Pass turnoff until further notice. When the road opens for bicycle traffic it will be signed as open at Chinquapin and an announcement will be posted in the Daily Report. Please direct any questions to Wawona Ranger Office. (H. Edgecomb)
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Midpines Rental Available May 4th

1345 SF Manufactured Home off of Colorado Road. 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath on 6 acres with amazing views towards Chowchilla range. Includes: Washer, Gas Dryer, Gas Stove/Oven, New Dishwasher, Wood Burning Stove, Evaporative Cooler and Central Heat. Available May 4th. 1-year lease. Non-smokers. $1700/month + $1700 security deposit. Please contact: Kathleen at kathleenpfeffer@gmail.com or (209)742-3369 (K. Pfeffer)
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Kudos for Eddie Corona, Mike Preston and Wawona/Valley road crews

Thanks to Valley and Wawona Road crews, this winter Badger Pass ski season had no delays or closures due to our road crews unlike previous years. Badger employees were able to make it to work every open day and the public was able to enjoy the resort and travel safely on roads. Mike Preston and Eddie Corona deserve a special mention as without there sacrifices, efforts, and dedication to this park, our goal wouldn’t have been possible this year. (Z. Woods)
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Hiring Seasonal Yosemite Bike Share Attendants

The Yosemite Bike Share provides sustainable active transportation within Yosemite National Park. The Bike Share Attendant positions, based in Yosemite Valley, are responsible for daily operations of the bike share fleet. Primary duties include customer service, bike collection, fleet inventory, and limited bike maintenance. These positions collaborate with National Park Service staff and Yosemite Conservancy Volunteers. Housing is potentially available. Full details at https://yosemite.org/careers (T. Goehring)​​​​

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ONGOING PROJECTS

Temporary Closure of the Administrative Loop in Yosemite Village

NPS contractor VLJM LLC resumed work last week after taking a hiatus during the snowy/rainy/wet season. The contractor suspend work over the last 10 weeks, with NPS approval. If the weather and other factors allow the contractor to proceed with work on April 1, the Yosemite Village administrative loop drive will be closed to all vehicles for delivery of materials and construction activity. The anticipated duration of construction is three work weeks, excluding Fridays and weekends. YARTS buses will use Stop 1 in the Village Parking Area on Northside Drive during the period when the Village Loop is closed in the weeks ahead. Shuttle service will be temporarily suspended at bus stops #2 (Village Store/Welcome Center), #4 (Degnan’s Kitchen), and #5 (Yosemite Exploration Center and Museum). (J.Donovan)
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Expect Delays: Hazardous Fuel Reduction from EP/BOF Road Intersection to Pohono Bridge Area
Hazardous fuel reduction is taking place from the El Portal and Big Oak Flat Roads intersection to Pohono Bridge and along southside drive towards Bridalveil Meadow. This work is being conducted in preparation of prescribed fire and provide a safer place for fire fighters to work if a wildfire burns up the Merced River Canyon like the 2018 Ferguson Fire. Personnel will be removing small trees and dead and down material. Wood will be transported to Ackerson Meadow where it will be mixed with fill as part of a massive gully restoration project will the aim of restoring one of the largest mid-elevation meadows in the Sierra Nevada. Mixing the wood with the soil sequesters the carbon and increases the water holding capacity of the soil. Please watch for workers.

Delays of up to 15 minutes may be expected 05:30-15:30 through April 5th, weather permitting. Thank you for your support and understanding. (G. Dickman)
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Dispatch Expansion Project
The Dispatch Expansion project is converting most of the El Portal Warehouse lobby into additional office space for the Emergency Communications (Dispatch) Center. The lobby stairs are no longer walled off, but the stairwell and adjacent entrance will periodically need to be temporarily closed as work dictates. The entrance, stairs, and elevator can be used as long as they have not been blocked off, but use extra caution in the stairwell as there is currently no lighting. When the stairs and entryway are blocked off, Warehouse occupants and visitors will need to use alternate means of ingress/egress. Do not enter through the RMS building unless you work there. To access the Dispatch office area, follow the signs in through the Trails area door just inside the fence/gate. Contact Gregory Dowell, YOSE Project Manager, for more information. (N. Belle Isle)
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Valley Shuttle Construction Impacts
Service stops 2, 4, 5, 14, 15, 18, and 19 are subject to intermittent closure, due to construction. Stops #1, 16, and 17 are the next closest stops that will remain available throughout construction. (C. Layman)

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