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Daily Report – Yosemite National Park
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Monday January 9th, 2017
Flash Flood Watch until January 11, 04:00 PM PST
Winter Storm Warning in effect from January 9, 03:33 AM PST until January 11, 04:00 PM PST
Today: Slight chance of thunderstorms. Snow showers. Showers… Windy. Snow level 7000 feet. Highs 41 to 47 at 5000 feet…31 to 36 at 8000 feet. Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts to around 55 mph over higher elevations.
Tonight: Slight chance of thunderstorms in the evening. Showers. Snow showers. Windy…colder. Snow accumulation up to 9 inches. Snow level 6000 feet. Lows 28 to 38 at 5000 feet… 18 to 26 at 8000 feet. Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts to around 60 mph over higher elevations.
Tomorrow: Snow showers…snow showers near the crest. Breezy. Snow accumulation up to 10 inches. Snow level 6000 feet. Highs 38 to 44 at 5000 feet…31 to 36 at 8000 feet. Southwest winds 25 to 30 mph with gusts to around 50 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
Employee Update for Monday, January 9, at 10 am
RIVER STATUS
The Merced River peaked at 12.68 feet overnight and was at 11.8 feet at 9 am. The South Fork Merced River peaked just under 10 feet. The latest river forecast is calling for river stage to get below 10 feet (flood stage) around 1 pm, however, this forecast doesn’t account for the effects of the El Capitan Moraine, which slows outflow from Yosemite Valley.
RESIDENTS OF YOSEMITE VALLEY, PLEASE DELAY YOUR RETURN FOR THE VALLEY
We are planning an update around noon today and are still hopeful that you can return today via the Wawona and Big Oak Flat Roads. We understand you’re frustrated and apologize for the change in plans. Call the employee hotline at 209-379-1186 for updates.
IMPACTS
El Portal Road (Hwy 140) will be closed today (possibly longer) due to a significant rockfall near Dog Rock. Caltrans reports no issues along Highway 140 (outside the park). YARTS is operating on a limited schedule, but is not providing service to Yosemite Valley today. Check their Facebook page for updates: https://www.facebook.com/rideyarts/posts/1024317877711928.
Big Oak Flat Road has had some rockfall, which should be cleaned up soon. Chains may be required later today (and the rest of the week), based on the weather forecast.
Wawona Road (Hwy 41) has no significant issues. Chains may be required later today (and the rest of the week), based on the weather forecast.
The sewer system is near capacity right now due to floodwater infiltration. This should resolve as flood waters recede. We are waiting for this to occur before allowing additional people into Yosemite Valley, since more people in the Valley will cause the sewer system to exceed its capacity. The only lift station out of service is at Housekeeping Camp. The only issue with this is that this lift station supplies backup power to other lift stations on the south side of the river. As of now, commercial power is still on in Yosemite Valley.
WHEN SHOULD YOU RETURN TO WORK
NPS employees who were not evacuated: If you work in Yosemite Valley, do not attempt to come to work in the Valley today unless directed otherwise by your supervisor once we allow access for residents and employees. Telework or make other arrangements with your supervisor. Further guidance on Administrative Leave will be forthcoming.
NPS employees who were evacuated: Same as above, except you may return to Yosemite Valley once access is allowed.
Non-NPS employees: Work with your supervisor.
Note: YNP Child Care Center in Yosemite Valley may be closed Tuesday pending the status of El Portal Road. Look for direct email communications from YNPCCC. As of Sunday evening, the Yosemite Valley School was planning to reopen on Tuesday.
Again, all these plans are tentative and subject to change based on conditions. We appreciate your flexibility.
REMINDERS
Employee hotline: 209-379-1186
Sign up for the Rapid Notify alert service: http://www.rapidnotify.com/customer/Yosemite.html
(J. Trust)
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El Portal, Rancheria Residents
Please be aware of mountain lion activity in upper Rancheria housing this week.
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New Family Member in Buildings and Grounds
Buildings and Grounds would like to congratulate Wayne and Sarah Winterstrom and welcome Tobias Winterstrom born 1/3/2017. He weighed 7 pounds 5 ounces and is 20 inches long! (C. Mitchell)
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Request for binders
Anybody looking to get rid of 1/2″ white binders? Maybe your department has a few sitting in the mezzanine or a storage unit? If so, please email heather_bromberg@nps.gov if you have some to spare. I am in need of 40 and any contribution would be helpful. (H. Bromberg)
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RECENT NEWS
Yosemite National Park has Activated Rapid Notify
Yosemite National Park has Activated Rapid Notify to send out emergency alerts to Yosemite residents and employees. Rapid Notify can send out these Emergency Messages through email, text, and voice messages. If you would like to receive Yosemite specific Emergency Messages to your non-government email accounts and phone numbers, you need to self-register at http://www.rapidnotify.com/customer/Yosemite.html. Doing so will allow you to receive alerts even when you are out of the area and off duty. Remember that during emergencies, power outages affect your ability to receive emergency messages and you should always use your best judgment to keep yourself safe.
Non-NPS personnel can use this link for self registration (NPS staff can use either):
http://www.rapidnotify.com/customer/Yosemite.html
This system is available for all Yosemite employees — NPS, concessioner, park partners, etc. Non-NPS personnel can use this link for self registration (NPS staff can use either):
http://www.rapidnotify.com/customer/Yosemite.html
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Yosemite National Park Expects Significant Precipitation Over the Next Several Days – News Release
Flooding projected for the weekend; park closure possible. Yosemite National Park is making preparations for visitor and employee safety in response to weather reports predicting significant precipitation, and possible flooding, over the next several days and through the weekend. The predictions for significant rainfall in Yosemite Valley, well above flood stage on the Merced River, could prompt the park to be closed in the next few days. People planning trips to the park, beginning tomorrow, Thursday January 5, 2017, should make alternate plans if the park does close.
The park experienced a significant flood event in January 1997, which caused extensive damage to park roads, campgrounds, lodging, and utilities. The park was closed until March 1997 due to extensive damage to the park’s infrastructure. During the closure, there was no running water and electricity was intermittent. Since the 1997 flood, the park has made significant improvements to park roads and facilities. Yosemite National Park officials continue to monitor the weather forecast and will make decisions in the next day or two based on the forecast, and the ability of the park to safely accommodate visitors and employees. For updated 24-hour road and weather conditions for Yosemite National Park, please call 209-372-0200 and press 1. Updated information is also available on the park’s website at www.nps.gov/yose (J. Richrards)
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Hazardous Tree Removal
Valley Forestry will be working in two locations in the valley today 1/5/17. We will be completing hazard tree removal at Valley Clinic. We will begin removal operation on the large black oak at Ranger Club. John Ivey 209 379 1248 (J. Ivey)
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Reading with a Ranger
Yosemite: “Check out” the freshly minted “Ranger Reads” inaugural issue starring Erik Westerlund: https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/historyculture/yrl-dec-2016-winter-solstice.htm
This also serves to officially announce the new web presence of the Yosemite Research Library. Many thanks to the Yosemite Conservancy for funding the project that made this website possible as part of the Modernization of the Research Library! (V. Sanchez)
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Sal’s Thursday!
The celebration continues on Thursday evening in El Portal. Come out and enjoy mixing and mingling in the new year. YEA for 2017! (J.Chavez)
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Yosemite Valley School Speakeasy
Please join us Saturday, January 14th at the Majestic Hotel for this 1920’s inspired fundraising event which will support the students of the Yosemite National Park Valley School. The evening includes wine, beer, special time inspired cocktails, appetizers, silent auction, gaming tables, music, friends and fun. This is an adult only event and if you are interested in childcare you can contact the Yosemite Child Care Center. Tickets are on sale now they are $25 per person until January 1st at which time they will be $30 per person, tickets include 2 drink tickets. You can purchase tickets by following this link to our website https://squareup.com/store/yosemite-valley-school-ptg (C. Archer)
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Balanced Rock Community Yoga
Classes resume after the holiday break. Bring in the New Year practicing yoga and meditation with an amazing community.
2017 Classes:
Monday evenings 6pm-7:15pm, El Portal, El Portal Community Hall
Wednesday evenings 6pm-7pm, Yosemite Valley, Employee Wellness Center
All classes are taught by our talented volunteer staff. There is no charge for classes and a schedule of instructors can be found here: http://balancedrock.org/programs/ongoing-yoga-classes For more information contact: heather@balancedrock.org (H. Sullivan)
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DICK EWART’s RETIREMENT PARTY RESCHEDULED !
The retirement party for Park Ranger Dick Ewart has been rescheduled to be on Friday, January 20, from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm in the Yosemite Valley Auditorium. Please help spread the news. (D. Shenk)
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Housing Opportunities
4 bedroom, 2 bath, washer, dryer, refrigerator in Jerseydale. $1300.00 per month.
3 bedroom, 2 bath, all new paint, flooring, window coverings and kitchen counters. Located in Midpines $1100.00 per month. Please contact, judiebee1@mac.com for
additional information. (C. Baker)
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Attention All
As we continue to mourn the passing of Brian Chilcott many are left wondering, “Is there anything can I do?” A close friend has created a GoFundMe page to help with surgery cost for beloved dog Axel and assist Jessi through this difficult time. If you would like more information about helping Axel and Jessi please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/fundraiser-for-axel-and-jessi (H. Bromberg)
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CONSTRUCTION & TRAFFIC DELAYS
Yosemite Valley Traffic Detour
Northside Drive and Southside Drive west of Sentinel Drive are back to one-way traffic. Sentinel Drive is open to two-way traffic.Northside Drive and Southside Drive east of Sentinel Drive are open for two-way traffic. Maps are available at:
Yosemite National Park website- https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/roadwork.htm
Yosemite Sharepoint (internal only)-http://sharepoint.yose.nps.gov/SitePages/Parking%20and%20Road%20Improvements.aspx(L. Acree)
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Cook’s Meadow Boardwalk
The Trails Crew has started preparing on-sight to replace the deck material on Cook’s boardwalk. Work typically is being performed Monday-Thursday, during which time the boardwalk will be closed to visitors. When crews are not working, the boardwalk will be left so visitors can safely use the boardwalk. This should take 3-4 weeks depending on weather and other emergencies.(A.Shapiro)
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Parkwide Communication Data Network (CDN):
During the next five weeks (Dec 23rd through Jan 20th) Abide International (Contractor) will be installing radio equipment in shelters and aligning microwave dishes on towers at eleven locations throughout the park. This is part of the last phase of the Parkwide Communication Data Network (CDN) project, which started in the Fall 2010, with the construction of communication towers and shelters. Yosemite’s CDN system will replace the dated/unreliable communication infrastructure (wires which run through park/wilderness areas), which dates to the 1950s, with a modern wireless system to support high speed data services and emergency communications for Yosemite National Park. Staging of the microwave equipment is at Old El Portal parking lot. Project is scheduled to be complete by January 20, 2017 (weather permitting). (D. Engelstad)
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Emergency Services Complex:
Construction continues. Structural retrofit is nearly done. Most of the site grading, drainage improvements, utilities, and paving is done. Work on the interior electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire suppression, and fire alarms continue, as well as the remaining structural work. Finish work will begin soon. Completion is expected in winter 2017. (K. White)
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ACTING DESIGNATIONS
Joshua Keyes will be Acting Buildings and Grounds Branch Chief through Friday 1/6/2017. He can be reached at 209-375-9508.
Jeff Pirog will be acting Branch Chief of Fire and Aviation Management until 01/06/2017. He can be reached at 209-379-1902.
Dave Henderson will be acting Hetch Hetchy Program Manager and Yosemite Conservancy Liaison until 1/16/2017. He can be reached at 372-0600 or 372-0238.
Parker Davis will be acting Fee and Revenue Branch Chief until the end of February. Parker can be reached at 372-0406 or Parker_Davis@nps.gov
Ben Cunningham-Summerfield will be acting Branch Chief of Interpretive Field Operations until January 4. He can be reached at 372-0303
Michael Liang will be acting Branch Chief for Creative Media (formerly interpretive services) through February 2017. He can be reached at 372-0643
Heather Boothe will be acting Hetch Hetchy Program Manager and Yosemite Conservancy Liaison until 4/15/2017. She can be reached at 372-0238.
Sally Kintner will be acting Volunteer Program Manager until 4/15/2017. She can be reached at 379-1850.
Sheri Ogden will be acting Division Chief of BRM until further notice. She can be reached at 209-372-0316.
Ron Gaunt will be acting Division Chief of Project Management until further notice. He can be reached at 379-1027.
Sabrina Diaz will be acting Chief of Interpretation & Education until further notice. She can be reached at 372-0291 or 347-0113.
R. Brad Lewis will be acting Branch Chief of Design and Construction for Project Management until further notice. He can be reached at 379-1006.
Billy Bryan will be acting Concessions Management Branch Chief until further notice. He can be reached at 372-0272 or william_bryan@nps.gov.
Erin Davenport will be acting Branch Chief of Environmental Planning and Compliance from 12/19/2016-12/23/2016.
Renea Kennec will be acting Branch Chief of Environmental Planning and Compliance from 12/27/2016-12/30/2016.
Ryan Leahy will be acting Program Manager for Human-Wildlife Conflicts until February 13, 2017. He can be reached at 209-372-0476.
Rick McNeill will be acting Park Botanist until further notice. He can be reached at 379-2175.
Rebecca Lund will be acting Deputy Fee Manager through February 2017. She can be reached at 372-0207.
Katie Burnham will be acting Arch Rock Entrance Supervisor through February 2017. She can be reached at 379-2210