Daily Report - Yosemite National Park Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Daily Report – Yosemite National Park

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Yosemite National Park Zone Forecast

Today: S

Tonight: C

Tomorrow: S

Additional Point Forecast Weather Links:

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NEW & HAPPENING TODAY

Daily Report Technical Difficulties

The Daily Report is experiencing technical difficulties with sending to personal email addresses. We are working to resolve the issue with IT. Thank you for your patience. (S. Miyako)

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Mist Trail Repair July 10th – November 2nd

The Lower Mist Trail – from the John Muir Trail (JMT) junction (just uphill from the Vernal Fall Footbridge) to the top of Vernal Fall – will be closed Monday -Thursday between 7:00am and 3:30pm.

The trail will remain open on weekends. It is expected to be open overnight, however there may be certain days when trail crew is not able to make it safe to open overnight. In that case, the gates will remain closed, and signs will be posted at the two closure gates that the trail is closed.

Hikers and backpackers headed to Little Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and points beyond from the trailhead at Happy Isles may hike uphill on the Mist Trail if they reach the Mist Trail/JMT junction by 7:00am, Monday through Thursday. Otherwise, they must hike the JMT. (W. Weaver)

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Hills Studio Bookstore Closing For The Season
The last day for the Hills Studio Bookstore will be Sunday 10/22, open from 9am to 5pm (K. Bouchard)
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PGE Power Outage For El Portal and Glacier Point Road
PG&E will be temporarily interrupting the electrical services on Friday, October 27 from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

Areas in between Abbie Road and the El Portal Fire Station.
October 27 from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Chinquapin Restrooms, Badger Pass, Glacier Point Road, and HWY 41.
October 27 from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM

For further questions contact Heather Gonzales at PG&E 209-726-5588 (C. Flores)
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Crane Flat Gas Station Out Of Service
The Crane Flat Gas Station is currently down. We are working to get it back up and running ASAP but do not have an ETA at this time (C. Layman)
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Free LNT Trainer course offering
Last-minute opportunity to join Yosemite Conservancy on a two-day Leave No Trace (LNT) Trainer Course from Oct 20-21 in Yosemite Valley. Alongside an LNT master educator, you’ll hike and learn essential outdoor practices. By the end, you will earn an LNT Trainer certification. Please contact Adventures@yosemite.org to reserve a space today. (C. Goehring)

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RECENT NEWS

Prescribed Burning Resuming 10/17

Yosemite fire crews will continue prescribed burning operations this week with two units in Yosemite Valley. Fire crews will first focus on 22 acres on Northside Drive between the Valley Woodlot and Pohono Bridge and there will be a one lane traffic closure along Northside Drive beginning 10/17. Later this week, crews plan to work around El Cap Cross for 44 acres with a one lane traffic closure along Southside Drive beginning 10/19. Conditions will be monitored closely and air quality information can be found online: Current Air Quality and Smoke Monitoring – Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) (N.Phillipe)

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Hill’s Studio Seasonal Closure October 23

Beginning October 23, Hill’s Studio will be closed for the season. See you next year! (J. Connors)

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Hydroseeding Winter Road Repair

The Vegetation and Ecological Restoration Branch will be hydroseeding slopes as part of the road repairs beginning Thursday October 19th through October 31st. Crews will begin on Big Oak Flat Road, followed by Wawona Road, then El Portal Road. Expect alternating one-way traffic control and delays up to 15-20 minutes, Monday-Thursday, 8 am – 3:30 pm. Contact alisa_simonoff-smith@nps.gov with any questions. (A. Simonoff-Smith)

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RISE Innovation Station Workshops 10/19, 9am-12pm
Join us at the Large Breakroom in the El Portal Warehouse for an open forum brainstorm to explore the new NPS RISE Framework and Surgeon General Mental Health in the Workplace Framework. This will be the third and final session of an interactive style 3-part workshop with breakout groups and a chance engage with the material and your peers. You can join one individually or participate in the full series. Can’t attend the full time? Feel free to stop in for an hour or two! For questions and RSVP, email yose_dei@nps.gov. (Yose DEI)

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Mariposa Condo for Rent

Two Bedrooms, One Bath, Master Vanity, Washer, Dryer, Stove, Refrigerator, Dishwasher, Pool Privileges, Fireplace, and Covered Parking Included.

Located in Acuerdo Con Dios [Across From the Community Health Center].

$1100.00 per month plus $1100.00 Security Deposit.

Contact: Chris & Al Thorpe at 209-966-5029 or AlancThorpe72@gmail.com (C. Henry)

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Project Scientist for James Webb Telescope Dr. Amber Straughn presenting Friday, October 20
Yosemite Conservancy is hosting an event at the Yosemite Theater on October 20th, from 5:00 to 6:00 PM for park employees. We are privileged to have Dr. Amber Straughn, Astrophysicist and Associate Director of the Astrophysics Science Division and Deputy Project Scientist for the James Webb Telescope from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center join us for an enlightening lecture. This event is complimentary for all employees and offers a fantastic chance to delve deeper into the incredible endeavors taking place at NASA. We look forward to seeing you there! (C. Goehring)

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Wilderness Permit Update

Wilderness permits are on self-registrations for trailheads along Tioga Rd, Glacier Point Road, and Wawona Rd for the winter season. Self-registration permits are available at Hills Studio, Big Oak Flat Information Station, and Tuolumne wilderness center. Register at the permit station closest to desired trailhead. There is no overnight parking on Tioga and Glacier Point Roads including all side roads and parking lots.

Trips originating out of Yosemite Valley and Hetch Hetchy trailheads are still on reservation and wilderness center issuance thru October 22. They will transfer to self-registration stations at that time. Bear cans are available to rent in Yosemite Valley through the winter. (E. Kretsch)

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Come celebrate Yosemite Conservancy’s 100-year anniversary!

The Conservancy’s roots stretch back to August 1923, when the Yosemite Museum Association was established as the original nonprofit partner to the National Park Service. Today, we help Yosemite fans from around the world explore and conserve the park, through Outdoor Adventures, Volunteering, Art programs, books, and retail. Over the past hundred years, Yosemite Conservancy donors have provided over $152 million in grants to Yosemite for more than 800 completed projects. Now that is something to celebrate!

Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 19, as Yosemite Conservancy hosts a special event dedicated to giving back to the Yosemite community. Festivities will kick off at 5:30 pm at the El Portal Community Hall, featuring food vendors and captivating entertainment. We look forward to celebrating this momentous occasion with all of you! (K. Chappell)

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Condo for Rent

Two bedroom, 1 1/2 bath condo in Mariposa, covered parking, pool, two story, 1 1/2 miles to town of Mariposa, close to YARTS. Available mid-November. $1550/month, first, last, and deposit. One year lease. No pets. (209) 600-3339 (M. Pieper)

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Artist Reception for Tom Killion
“Tom Killion’s High Sierra,” a new exhibition of woodblock prints by Tom Killion has opened at The Ansel Adams Gallery. A reception for Tom will be held at the Gallery between 11 am and 1 pm on Sunday, October 22nd. This event is open to the public. (I. Carlson)
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Carson Lillard Going Away Get Together

Join us for a night of ribbeting fun as we send Carson Lillard hopping off into the sunset to Congaree National Park! We will be gathering at Sal’s Night Thursday October 19th in El Portal for a toad-ally wild send-off for our much beloved toad and salamander expert as she moves south to greener lily pads. (N. Daniele)

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Fight the Flu Friday

YMC is partnering with Mariposa County Health and Human Services Agency to provide free flu vaccine during the next few Fridays from 9am-3pm until the limited doses run out.

We will kick off Fight the Flu Friday this Friday, 10/20/23 starting at 8:15am with the county public health nurses on site for a pop-up flu clinic at 8:15a.m.-9:30am.

The free flu vaccine supplied by the county is first come, first served and no appointment needed.

The patient should bring an ID that shows date of birth. The county vaccine is approved for use in persons aged 6 months and older.

For 65 and older, the Clinic provides high potent flu vaccine with fee. Please check with your insurance or pay out of pocket. (S. Webb)

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ONGOING PROJECTS

Mariposa Grove Road Closure for Culvert Replacement (October 16-27):

The Mariposa Grove Road will be closed to all pedestrian and vehicular traffic Monday October 16th thru October 27th to complete road repairs. The Grove Shuttle will not be running. However, Mariposa Grove will remain open to pedestrian traffic, via the Washburn trail which you can connect with at the far back end of the South Entrance parking lot. M. Pieper (209) 200-1131 (M. Pieper)

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Mariposa Grove Road Hazardous Fuel Removal
Tribal crews and contractors are removing hazardous fuels along the Mariposa Grove Road from the South entrance to the lower grove welcome plaza. Removing hazardous fuels in the form of small trees and logs will support fire fighters to implement planned prescribed fires that will ultimately lead to better protection of the Mariposa Grove from high severity fires. Delays up to 15 minutes may be expected. Please slow down and watch for workers along the road. Contact garrett_dickman@nps.gov with any questions. (G. Dickman)

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Yosemite Valley Shuttle Bus Stop Improvements

The NPS contractor continues site demolition and preparation in Curry Village (Orchard Parking) and at Upper Pines and Lower Pines campground stops on the Happy Isles Loop. Work sites are being prepared for paving. Disruption and delays in traffic circulation are to be expected. The contractor is authorized to conduct traffic control operations Monday through Thursday. This work will continue until mid-December, weather permitting. (J. Donovan)

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Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment

The contractor completed installation at the Tuolumne Meadows visitor parking area and is finalizing system connections in Wawona and in Yosemite Valley. Newly installed vehicle chargers are not available until the units can be energized. Until then, EV charging stations are available at Yosemite Valley Lodge, the Ahwahnee Hotel, the Village Store, and in between the El Portal market and gas station. (J. Donovan)

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Ackerson Meadow Restoration Project
The long-planned Ackerson Meadow Restoration Project, on Evergreen Road, is set to begin. Be aware of potential truck traffic in the area between August 14 and October 31.

The project goal is to eliminate excessive soil erosion, slow water loss, and reverse loss of water-loving plants and animals, and impacts to endangered species. To do this, a contractor will completely fill the century-old human-caused erosion gully that is now more than 3 miles long, and up to 14 feet deep by 100 feet wide. Revegetation of the area will be completed using more than 425,000 wetland container plants and 700 pounds of native plant seeds. This project is planned for completion in spring 2025, and is a partnership of American Rivers, Stanislaus National Forest, Yosemite Conservancy, and Yosemite National Park. Learn more: https://go.nps.gov/ackerson. For questions, contact tim_kuhn@nps.gov. (T. Kuhn)

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Glacier Point Road Delays

Crews are continuing rehabilitation of the Glacier Point Road between Wawona Road junction (Chinquapin) and Glacier Point. The Crews will be working Monday thru Friday from 6AM to 6PM with alternating one-way traffic control and up to 30-minute delays. Delays should be diminishing as work progresses over the next couple of months; however, please expect delays thru November. Please contact Michael Pieper, with any questions or concerns at (209) 200-1131. (M. Peiper)
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Tioga Road Delays

Crews are continuing to complete intermittent road repairs on the Tioga Road between Tamarack Flat Campground entrance road and Little Blue Slide. Over the next couple of months there will be multiple crews working at various locations along the Tioga Road corridor. The Crews will be working Monday thru Friday, from 6AM to 6PM with alternating one-way traffic control and up to 15-minute delays. These Tioga Road delays will continue thru November. Please contact Michael Pieper, with any questions or concerns at (209) 200-1131. (M. Peiper)
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Construction in Bug and Ranger Camps is underway in Tuolumne Meadows

Several crews are repairing damaged structures and replacing the underground and overhead electric. Please avoid the area unless you are a resident. Any questions, contact Matt Outhier. (M. Outhier)

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Mist Trail Repair July 10th – November 2nd

The Lower Mist Trail – from the John Muir Trail (JMT) junction (just uphill from the Vernal Fall Footbridge) to the top of Vernal Fall – will be closed Monday -Friday between 7:00am and 3:30pm. The trail will be open on Columbus Day.

Hikers and backpackers headed to Little Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and points beyond from the trailhead at Happy Isles may hike uphill on the Mist Trail if they reach the Mist Trail/JMT junction by 7:00am, Monday through Friday. Otherwise, they must hike the JMT. (W. Weaver)

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The Merced Grove is Closed for Restoration

Giant sequoias are adapted to frequent, low-intensity fire and depend on fire for reproduction. Frequent fires reduce fire intensity by thinning the forest of small and unhealthy trees and reducing the accumulation of dead branches and trees. But over the past century, fires were suppressed, and drought and insects killed millions of trees in Yosemite. In the Merced Grove, there is limited sequoia regeneration and fuel loading has increased to dangerous levels. Currently, we cannot safely introduce fire without first mechanically removing fuels first. Since 2020, wildfires have killed almost 20% of mature giant sequoias across their range due to extreme fuel loading, and we aim to prevent that outcome in the Merced Grove. Therefore, we are removing small diameter conifers, trees posing a hazard to firefighters and containment lines, and dead and downed wood to reduce wildfire risk to the sequoias and firefighters as preparation for the first prescribed fire in and around the grove. The grove will be closed for 2.5 months during the restoration for visitor and worker safety. Please contact garrett_dickman@nps.gov with questions or for access. (G. Dickman)

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Dispatch Expansion Project

The Dispatch Expansion project is converting most of the El Portal Warehouse lobby into office space for the Emergency Communications (Dispatch) Center. The lobby elevator is off-limits except in case of emergency. The lobby stairs are still blocked off and the rest of the lobby area is closed unless you are involved with the project. Warehouse occupants and visitors need to use alternate means of ingress/egress until the re-construction of the stairs is finished. 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. Apologies for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience. Contact Nicole Belle Isle, Project Manager, for more information. (N. Belle Isle)

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Sugar Pine Floodplain Restoration Through November 10

The Vegetation and Ecological Restoration Branch will be conducting restoration work in the floodplain south of Sugar Pine Bridge from August 14 to November 10. This project will excavate fill from historic channels to reactivate the floodplain, provide habitat for aquatic wildlife and plants, and restore natural hydrology. This project is a recommended action from the Merced Wild and Scenic River Management Plan to mitigate the effects of the historic but undersized Sugar Pine Bridge on the Merced River. Earth moving machinery, including excavators and dump trucks, will be operating in this area. Please ask that the public stay out of this area for their safety. To learn more about Merced River restoration visit: https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/nature/mercedriverrestoration.htm (A. Puchkoff)

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Y8 Fuel Station Down
The Y8 gas station is currently down. For gas needs in the meantime, please call the garage from 8 am – 5 pm, 7 days a week at 209-372-1060 to schedule a fill until further notice. We’ll update when the station is back up and running. (C. Layman)

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Valley Shuttle Construction Impacts

Valley Shuttle stops 19, 4 and 2 are out of service due to construction. (C. Layman)

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Road work on Wawona and Glacier Point Road

Park Forestry crews will be working on Hwy 41 Wawona Road South of Chinquapin through the end of October. Crews will also be working along Glacier Point Road intermittently through the end of October. Anticipate 15 minute delays, and please keep speeds slow while traveling through the work zone. Thanks for your patience. (B. See)