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Daily Report – Yosemite National Park
Wednesday, August 30th, 2017
Today: Mostly cloudy with a slight chance of thunderstorms. A 50 percent chance of showers near the crest. Highs 82 to 92 at 5000 feet…70 to 78 at 8000 feet.
Tonight: Partly cloudy. Near the crest, a 20 percent chance of thunderstorms in the evening. Lows 57 to 67 at 5000 feet…45 to 55 at 8000 feet.
Tomorrow: Mostly sunny. Slight chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs 84 to 94 at 5000 feet…71 to 81 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 National Park Adds Two New Shuttle Buses to Serve Park Visitors – Yosemite News Release August 29, 2017
Free shuttle service in Yosemite Valley helps reduce traffic congestion and serves over 3.7 million visitors each year
Yosemite National Park has added two new shuttle buses to the park’s fleet that serve over 3.7 million visitors each year. Visitors are encouraged to park their vehicles in a day-parking area, at their campground, or lodging and ride the park’s free shuttle to explore Yosemite Valley. With the addition of these two new diesel-electric hybrid buses, Yosemite National Park operates 27 shuttle buses that serve visitors in Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows, and Glacier Point. These shuttle buses help alleviate traffic congestion throughout the park, cut down on fuel emissions, and provide visitors with easy transportation to popular destinations.
Park visitors utilizing the free shuttle bus can visit popular Yosemite Valley destinations, such as Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Village, and El Capitan. The shuttle service in Tuolumne Meadows provides access to the visitor center, Lembert Dome, and other popular trailheads. The shuttle bus to Glacier Point brings visitors to the iconic location, in which visitors can view Yosemite Valley, Vernal, Nevada, and Yosemite Falls.
The park’s shuttle fleet is operated by Yosemite Hospitality, Inc. (a subsidiary of Aramark), the park’s primary concessionaire. These new buses were manufactured by New Flyer in St. Cloud, MN. The buses are 40-feet long, fully accessible and accommodate up to 74 passengers. They are powered by a diesel-electric hybrid engine that is 50 percent more efficient than standard diesel engines.
“The shuttle bus system in Yosemite National Park provides visitors with easy access to popular destinations and alleviates the need to drive from one point to another throughout the park,” stated Acting Superintendent Chip Jenkins. “These shuttle buses are an essential component of our visitor services operation in Yosemite National Park. We are excited to add two new buses to the fleet.”
Yosemite National Park serves over 5 million visitors annually, including visitors who arrive by private tour bus, YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System – www.yarts.com), and in private vehicles. Park visitors provide a cumulative benefit to the local economy in our gateway communities of $686,339,500. (J. Richards)
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Fire Update August 29th, 2017
Railoroad
Start Date: 8/29/17 Location: N 37°26 ‘3″ x W 119° 39’5″
Size: 5,724 acres Cause: Under Investigation
Containment: 5%
This vegetation fire is burning on the Sierra National Forest. The fire is located near
the communities of Sugar Pine and Fish Camp. The cause is under investigation.
Fire crews, engines, dozers and aircraft are at scene. The fire is burning in steep
terrain with heavy fuel loading. Fire Crews made good progress last night. Additional
resources have been ordered. A Type 2 Incident Management Team will take over
the fire today. Evacuations and closures remain in effect.
For more information go to http://www.fs.usda.gov/sierra
South Fork
Discovered: 8/13/17 Location: N 37°32 ’15” x W 119° 35’54”
Size: 5,724 acres Cause: Unknown
Fuels: Ponderosa Pine/White Fir Strategy: Suppression County: Mariposa
The north flank of the fire was the most active yesterday as it burned into heavy pockets of fuel. The south and west flanks of the fire are contained, some smoke will be visible as logs and brush burn in the interior. Crews will continue to patrol and monitor the flanks closest to the community of Wawona and Mariposa Grove. Crews are continuing containment strategies on the north-west edge of the fire and to keep fire south and south-east of Chilnualna Creek. The north and east flank of the fire is continuing to burn in the wilderness, and will be monitored by aircraft due to inaccessible and steep terrain. As fire continues into the high country it will hit some pockets of heavy vegetation with little fire history but slow down with natural granite barriers and sparse vegetation which will limit smoke production. This high country wilderness area has few high values at risk.
Area and trail closures are in place follow posted closure orders and maps.
Empire
Discovered: 8/1/17 Location: N 37° 38.673′ x W 119° 37.096′ at roughly 7300 feet elevation
Size: 4,125 acres Cause: Lightning Spread Potential: Moderate
Fuels: Red fir Strategy: Monitor County: Mariposa
Due to a very dry air mass fire activity increased yesterday on the eastern flanks of the fire burning in heavy pockets of down and dead vegetation. The west and northwest flanks of the fire are contained and showed minimal activity. Fire crews are implementing a perimeter control strategy for the north, west, and southern flanks of the fire to protect Bridalveil Campground, Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area, Yosemite West subdivision, Wawona Road (Highway 41), and Glacier Point road. Strategy for the east flank of the fire is to steer fire east deeper into the wilderness where there is sparse vegetation and natural granite barriers which will slow spread and limit smoke production. This high country wilderness area is very steep and rugged and has few high values at risk.
Fire management personnel is implementing this strategy on three sides of the fire to limit further smoke production in heavy fuels.
Area and trail closures are in place including: Glacier Point road, Bridalveil Campground, and multiple trail closures.
Starr King
Discovered: 8/2/17 Location: N 37° 42.965′ x W 119° 29.588′ at approximately 7800 feet elevation
Size: 27.5 acres Cause: Lightning Spread Potential: Low/ Moderate
Fuels: Red fir/ Lodgepole Strategy: Monitor County: Mariposa
Activity has picked up and smoke will be visible from Glacier Point, Washburn Point, and Sentinel Dome.
Yosemite Creek
Discovered: 8/3/17 Location: N 37° 50.414′ x W 119° 38.088′ at approximately 7,970 feet elevation
Size: .75 acres Cause: Lightning Spread Potential: Low
Fuels: Red fir Strategy: Monitor County: Mariposa
Porcupine
Discovered: 8/2/17 Location: N 37° 49.336′ x W 119° 34.720′ at approximately 8154 feet elevation off Tioga road near Yosemite Creek Campground road, creeping and smoldering, burning in large logs which are creating smoke.
Size: 2.2 acres Cause: Lightning Spread Potential: Low
Fuels: Lodgepole/Red fir Strategy: Monitor County: Mariposa
Knob 91
Discovered: 8/4/17 Location 37° 52.185′ x W 119° 35.217′ at approximately 8980 feet elevation
Size: .39 acres Cause: Lightning Spread Potential: Low
Fuels: Timber litter Strategy: Monitor County: Mariposa
Here are the most current Central Sierra Smoke/AQ Outlooks:
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RECENT NEWS
Bridalveil Campground Closed
Bridalveil Campground is closed due to the Empire Fire. There is no known re-opening date at this time. (
E. Bissmeyer)
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Glacier Point Road Closed
Glacier Point Road is closed for visitor safety and fire operations related to the Empire Fire until further notice. (M. Roubal)
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Free Online Servicewide Supervisory Training Available September 25-29
The Virtual Conference for Supervisors (VCS) is a week-long virtual conference filled with sessions to help supervisors fulfill their important role in the NPS. Supervisors will be able to apply knowledge from their selected sessions to improve their supervisory skills.
NPS employees must register online using DOI Learn. Please register for only one session per time block. All participants must attend the opening and closing keynote sessions. Additionally, all participants must register for a Learn to Learn session (September 18-21, 2017). This is a 30 minute Adobe Connect session to ensure learners are familiar with the platform.
For more information go to https://mylearning.nps.gov/training-courses/virtual-conference-supervisors. (C. Jenkins)
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El Capitan Meadow Improvement Project
Beginning this week, trail workers and restoration workers will construct a linear pathway and split rail fence along the northern perimeter of El Capitan meadow. The project will protect meadow vegetation and provide improved visitor access at several viewing areas within the meadow. (T. Newburger)
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Wildlife Data Steward Intern Position Open On Volunteer.gov
The Terrestrial Biodiversity Program is hiring an intern to improve data stewardship in support of ongoing acoustic bat research in Yosemite.
To see the posting and apply visit https://www.volunteer.gov/results.cfm?ID=16921 *Please note, if you are an employee in the wildlife division, you are not eligible for this volunteer position.
If interested, please apply at the link above, and send a resume and statement of interest (300 words or fewer) to Breezy Jackson (breezy_jackson@nps.gov) by September 1st, 2017. (J. Oleksiak)
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2017-2018 Mentor Program Orientation September 6
Do you have a skill you’d like to develop with the help of a mentor? The Yosemite Mentoring Program provides this opportunity through a structured and facilitated mentoring relationship. This program is entering its fifth year of helping people to build their skills and make meaningful connections. Applications are now being accepted from potential mentees until September 22nd.
Mentees will attend monthly professional development sessions from October 2017 through summer 2018. The first few sessions will provide guidance on how to select a mentor and on establishing goals to accomplish during the program.
To learn more, come to the following information session:
Wednesday, September 6th, 10:00-11:00am, El Portal Large Breakroom
Forms and program information, including the schedule of monthly sessions, are available on the Yosemite Mentor Program Sharepoint site at http://sharepoint.yose.nps.gov/Supt/mentor/SitePages/Home.aspx. (J. Gallegos)
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Stagecoach Rides Have Resumed Operation
The interpretive Horse-Drawn Wagon Stage Rides in the Pioneer Yosemite History Center resumed operation Friday, August 25, 2017. (D. Shenk)
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Room(s) for Rent
1-2 rooms for rent in a beautiful, large 4+ bed/2.5 bath home, nestled in the hills off the 140, on the border of Mariposa and Midpines. Home is on 5 quiet acres, surrounded by great views which you can see from both bedroom windows. $550/month per room, plus a portion of utilities. Discount for both rooms. Email synchronicity.support@gmail.com if you’re interested. (K. Indigo)
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Seeking Housemate in Midpines
Spacious 2000 sq. ft. Midpines home has 1 bedroom available. Large open living room, dining room, & kitchen. Two refrigerators, dishwasher, oven, microwave, dining room table set & a few pieces of furniture provided. Electric HVAC, plus wood burning stove & swamp cooler. Shared separate laundry room with washer and dryer. Huge deck on 2 sides of the house with views of distant hills. Sits on 7+ acres of beautiful rolling hills and trees just off Colorado Road and East Whitlock, 15 min. from Mariposa. $400/month plus electric & WiFi. No smokers. Credit check. Email hodges.marcia@gmail.com or call 510-207-5951. (M. Hodges)
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CONSTRUCTION & TRAFFIC DELAYS
Yosemite Valley Road/Construction Update
The “Narrows” will be open and drive-able all Labor Day weekend, but night work will continue at the Narrows before and after Labor Day through September. The schedule will be the same. Work will take place Sunday through Thursday nights from 8pm to 8am with the following delays:
8pm to 10pm – delays limited to 5 minutes
10pm to 6am – delays limited to 30 minutes
6am to 8am – delays limited to 5 minutes
Contractors will pave the pedestrian pathway between the Yosemite Village Parking Area and Yosemite Village right after Labor Day. This is the path that begins south of the Yosemite Village Market between the Art Center and Concessioner General Offices. Contractors will direct pedestrians around the work site. (L. Acree)
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Wawona Road Delays–Update 8-21-17
Around Bridalveil & Wawona Tunnel: Crews will continue working between Southside Drive & the Rostrum: Crews will be paving between Wawona Tunnel and the Rostrum Tuesday, August 22nd, 7AM to 5PM and between Southside Drive and the Wawona Tunnel Wednesday, August 23rd, 7AM to 5PM with single lane traffic control and up to 15 minute delays.
Between Mosquito Creek and the Grape Vine: Crews will be working nights, August 20th thru 25th repairing the fill slope failure approximately 2-miles north of the Wawona Campground with single lane traffic control and up to 15-minute delays between 8PM and 11PM and up to 30-minute delays between 11PM to 6AM.
Around South Entrance: August 21st thru August 26th there will be 30-minute delays with single lane traffic control 6AM to 8PM as paving operations begin, so there will be extensive truck traffic around South Entrance as crews begin paving the parking lots. The following weeks of August 28th and September 5th the 30-minute delays will continue as crews continue paving operations and preparation for paving on Wawona Road and Mariposa Grove Road.
Big Oak Flat Road Delays: Crews will be working nights, August 20th thru the 23rd repairing the cut slope and repairing the ditch approximately 2-miles north of the Foresta Road intersection with single lane traffic control and up to 15-minute delays between 8PM and 11PM and up to 30-minute delays between 11PM and 6AM.
El Portal Road Delays: Crews will be working nights, August 23rd thru the 25th to begin repairing the El Portal Road, the adjacent cut slope and ditch which is located approximately 0.5 miles east of the western Park boundary. The delays are anticipated to be 15-minutes between 8PM and 11PM and up to 30-minute delays between 11PM to 6AM. (M. Pieper)