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Daily Report – Yosemite National Park
Thursday, August 3rd, 2017
Today: Mostly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of thunderstorms. Near the crest, slight chance of thunderstorms in the morning, then chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs 83 to 91 at 5000 feet…69 to 79 at 8000 feet.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy. Chance of thunderstorms in the evening, then slight chance of thunderstorms after midnight. Near the crest, a 50 percent chance of thunderstorms. Lows 60 to 70 at 5000 feet…49 to 59 at 8000 feet.
Tomorrow: Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of thunderstorms…a 40 percent chance of thunderstorms near the crest. Highs 81 to 89 at 5000 feet…67 to 77 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
Early Bird Offer for YSSA Season Pass
Yosemite Hospitality is offering an amazing $99 sale from now until 9/1/2017 for a season pass at Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area for the 2017-18 season. This will be the lowest price of the season! You can purchase the season pass online via the website below. Actual passes can be picked up at the ski area when it opens for the season. http://www.travelyosemite.com/special-offers/specials-packages/lodging/early-bird-season-pass. (L. Cesaro)
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Yosemite Fire Update – August 2nd, 2017
Empire Fire: N 37° 38.673′ x W 119° 37.096′ at approximately 7300 feet elevation
Size: 147 acres
Cause: Lightning
The Empire Fire is in the wilderness and reported on the night of July 31st. This fire is being managed for multiple objectives, for both protection and resources. It is approximately 1 mile south of the Bridalveil Campground and between Alder Creek and Bridalveil Creek on a north-northeast aspect with an over story of red fir, burning in forest ground litter, needle duff, and dead and down red fir. Current fire behavior is creeping and smoldering in needle duff, burning in heavy dead and down timber, and backing and flanking on the NW and NE sections of the fire.
Crews are on scene and will continue to monitor this fire. The wilderness area the Empire Fire is in is a fire adapted forest ecosystem. By allowing fires to burn naturally we can ensure a healthier, more diverse and natural forest. Most importantly, managing fires under the right conditions can reduce fuels and thereafter reduce the intensity of future fires.
There are no threats to the area, Bridalveil Campground, or the hiking trails at this time. Both the Alder creek trail and Bridalveil trail are being assessed by fire crews. The fire will be seen from the high country and may be seen from viewpoints in the immediate area off Glacier Point Road.
Smoke will be seen in the fire area and may impact the Bridalveil Campground. Fire Managers are working with the local Air Quality Districts and will continually be monitoring smoke impacts to the park and local communities. Community members who are sensitive to smoke may want to close their windows and doors and continually monitor the attached air quality links.
For additional Information:
Fire Information: Yose_Fire_Info@nps.gov
Yosemite National Park Fire Information website: http://www.nps.gov/yose/blogs/fireinfo.htm
Twitter: https://twitter.com/YosemiteFire
https://airnow.gov/index.cfm? action=airnow.local_city&mapcenter=0&cityid=533 (S. Saunders)
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Yosemite Valley and El Portal Roadwork Update
Contractors will finish paving Northside Drive between Bridalveil View and Pohono Bridge this Wed and Thursday (8/2-8/3) with one lane closed and continued limited delays (<10 minutes). They will stripe at night on 8/7, 8/8, and maybe 8/9. Contractors will also install signs.
Nighttime road work at “the Narrows” (El Portal Road between Pohono Bridge and the Big Oak Flat intersection) will continue through August. Work will take place Sundaynight through Thursday night from 8pm to 8am. Delays are as follows:
8pm to 10pm – delays limited to 5 minutes
10pm to 6am – delays limited to 30 minutes
6am to 8am – delays limited to 5 minutes (L. Acree)
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Apple Picking Wednesday
All visitors, employees, and residents are invited to pick apples to help keep bears wild!
This event will take place Wednesday, August 9th in the Curry Orchard Parking Lot from 6:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
These apples attract bears into developed areas and alter their natural diets. By removing the apples, bears will return to natural food sources found throughout the park and not become exposed to humans and their food.
Parking will not be allowed in the Curry Orchard Parking from Wednesday, August 9th from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please check with your supervisor before attending. Even an hour of your time will be greatly appreciated. If you are able to spend the entire morning, email yose_bear_mgmt@nps.gov. Your help will be appreciated! (C. Lee-Roney)
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RECENT NEWS
Tuolumne and Bridalveil Campgrounds Open
Tuolumne Meadows Campground opened August 1st. This campground is 1/2 Reservation and 1/2 first come, first served (FCFS), except for the 4 Horse and 7 Group Sites. Hopeful campers must go directly to the campground office to secure a regular, 6 person FCFS site. Horse camp reservations are only available by calling rec.gov directly (877-444-6777); Group Site reservations may be booked via www.recreation.gov, calling 877-444-6777 or at any campground office. The campground office will normally be open from 9AM to 5PM, seven days per week. Currently, their phones do not work, but they do have internet access. For questions about Tuolumne, please email ryan_kirtland@nps.gov or call Eric Bissmeyer at 372-0331.
Bridalveil Creek Campground also opened August 1st. This campground is FCFS, except for the 3 Horse and 2 Group Sites. Campers must go directly to the campground to obtain a regular, six-person site. Horse camp reservations are only available by calling rec.gov directly (877-444-6777); Group Site reservations may be booked via www.recreation.gov, calling 877-444-6777 or at any campground office. Please advise Bridalveil campers to conserve water/flushing at this campground to help keep leach fields from backing up. If you have questions about Bridalveil, please contact the Wawona CG office at 375-9535. (E. Bissmeyer)
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Yosemite Conservancy Employment Opportunities
Volunteer Program Manager: Yosemite Conservancy is seeking a Volunteer Program Manager to take the reins on the Conservancy’s dynamic and award winning volunteer program. The Volunteer Program Manager coordinates with NPS to ensure Conservancy volunteers are providing the highest level of service and stewardship to Yosemite National Park and its visitors. This position oversees a cadre of committed volunteers who are passionate about the park and serve in the three program components of visitor information assistants, work weeks, and corporate work projects. Successful candidates will be able to juggle logistical chainsaws amid natural disasters with a sense of humor and kindness. For position description and application information go to yosemiteconservancy.org/employment. The application period ends August 15th. This position is expected to begin late November/early December. (A. Ripple)
Year Round Wilderness Reservation Assistant: Yosemite Conservancy is accepting applications for a full-time Wilderness Reservation Assistant position in Yosemite Valley. This year round, full-time position is subject to a 6-10 week furlough. Reservation Assistants process backpacking permit requests by fax and phone. During the summer, they periodically assist NPS with staffing the Valley Wilderness Center front desk and hike trails for trail condition reports. Applicants must know Yosemite’s backcountry trails well and be capable of processing a large amount of paperwork in an efficient and organized manner. Pay is $14/hr. with benefits. Park housing is not available through Yosemite Conservancy. Please send resume and cover letter to Laurie Stowe, lstowe@yosemiteconservancy.org. (L. Stowe)
Seasonal Warehouse Assistant: Summer seasonal position available immediately. The Warehouse Assistant, based in El Portal, is responsible for delivering product to retail stations throughout Yosemite National Park, fulfilling orders, and receiving product. Applicants must be able to lift 50 pounds and have a clean driving record. No housing available. Compensation is $13.75/hour. Please send applications or inquiries to Katie Manion, kmanion@yosemiteconservancy.org. (L. Stowe)
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Training Opportunity
Wanted: YOSE Structural Firefighters – Yosemite National Park is in need of additional Structural Firefighters to respond to fires and other emergencies. This opportunity is open to anybody residing in the park, whether employed by the NPS or not. The structural fire response at Yosemite is provided by personnel that perform structural firefighting duties as collateral duties or as an AD Hire if not employed by the NPS. These services are critical to the communities of Yosemite National Park. There is a recurring commitment to remain a structural firefighter after the initial training. The requirements are a minimum of 24 hours of currency training per year. In addition, there is a 24-hour live fire refresher training required every other year. Applicants must complete a medical examination, physical fitness test and respirator fit test prior to attending the initial training. The initial class is located at Glen Canyon and will require travel. All costs associated with the class will be covered.
Course Schedule (plan on 30-40 hours of pre-work prior to attending the course):
1 August: Online Course open and available for student access
(approx + 75 days from Class Start & +30 days from application deadline)
4 September: Application Deadline (approx +40 days from class start)
2 October: All online course requirements must be completed and student selections made
(+ 2 weeks prior to class start date and minimum time required for lodging suspense dates and accounting)
16 October: Firefighter I/II Course Start Date
27 October: Firefighter I/II Course End Date
26 December: All outstanding post-course requirements due date (-60 days) (D. Mills)
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CONSTRUCTION & TRAFFIC DELAYS
El Portal Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation – Phase 1
June 24-28: Contractor will be cleaning and inspecting the sewerline on HWY 140 from Yosemite View Lodge to El Portal Market 9:00PM to 6:00AM. Please observe traffic control signs and watch for workers on the road. For additional information please visit the Construction Update Boards located at the Post Office and El Portal Market. For any further questions or concerns, please contact Jamie Richards at jamie_richards@nps.gov. (G. Chun, Y. Lugo, J. Richards)
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Big Oak Flat Road Hazard Tree Removal
Mather Forestry will be removing hazardous trees in the Crane Flat area working east along the Big Oak Flat road towards Foresta. Work began 7/26 and is expected to take several weeks. Motorists should anticipate traffic control and 10 to 15 minute delays. Please drive slow and watch for workers and hazards in the work area. (J. Brown)
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Wawona Road Delays
Between the Wawona Tunnel and the Rostrum: There will be up to 30 minute delays Sunday night thru Thursday night, 8PM to 6AM as crews complete storm damage repairs along Wawona Road.
Near South Entrance: Crews will be running single lane traffic control from 6AM to 8PM on Tuesday, July 25th, Wednesday July 26th, and Thursday, July 27th. An Asphalt Test Strip will be placed on Mariposa Grove Road Wednesday, July 26th so there will be some additional truck traffic coming thru the entrance station kiosks. Note: Although only three days are specifically noted for delays, please plan on up to 30-minute delays on Wawona Road over the next couple of months, Monday thru Friday 6AM to 8PM. (M. Pieper)