Yosemite National Park
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Yosemite National Park Zone Forecast
Today: Sunny, windy. Highs 41 to 47 at 5000 feet…29 to 37 at 8000 feet. North winds 25 to 30 mph with gusts to around 60 mph over higher elevations. Wind chill readings around 6 below in the morning.
Tonight: Mostly clear. Lows 24 to 32 at 5000 feet…14 to 22 at 8000 feet. Over higher elevations, gusts up to 45 mph in the evening. Wind chill readings near zero.
Tomorrow: Sunny in the morning then becoming mostly cloudy. Not as cool. Highs 46 to 52 at 5000 feet…36 to 44 at 8000 feet. Over higher elevations, west winds around 25 mph in the afternoon. Gusts up to 45 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
Free COVID-19 Testing In Yosemite Valley Today
Walk-Ups Welcome
Free COVID-19 testing is available in Yosemite Valley on Wednesdays. The park’s testing provider has transitioned from Verily to OptumServe/LHI. Testing is now available for people of all ages, including children 3 and up with their parents/guardians present, as long as the children can tolerate the test.
Registering in advance is strongly advised, though walk ins may be available. It is easy to sign up online or by phone.
The testing site is located at the Yosemite Valley Emergency Services Complex (9034 Lost Arrow Rd) on Wednesdays from 9 am to 4 pm. There are 100 appointments available each testing day. Register online for your OptumServe test here: https://lhi.care/covidtesting. It will take several minutes to complete your initial registration. You can also register by calling 888-634-1123.
OptumServe testing also remains available in Mariposa from 7 am to 7 pm, Tuesdays through Saturdays. Testing is also available in Groveland and Coulterville.
It is recommended for anyone working closely with the public, anyone who has been traveling, or anyone who has been exposed to a lot of people outside of your household bubble to get tested every 14-days. (J. Richards)
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Chilnualna Falls Road Work Friday
Roads crews will be removing trees and tree stumps along Chilnualna Falls Road and Wawona District Circle from Wawona Road to Gordon Way (Entrance to RO and Water treatment plant). This requires intermittent traffic control from 0700 to 1600 on Friday, February 19, no longer than 10 minutes. (M. Treadwell)
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Wildlife Branch Recruiting
The Wildlife Branch within the Division of Resources Management and Science is recruiting candidates for a wildlife data manager and GIS coordinator. This is a temporary 1-year not to exceed 2-year GS-0401-09 biologist position to be filled under COVID-19 hiring authority. The position is a mix of full-time and part-time work, stationed in El Portal. Interested applicants are encouraged to email rob_grasso@nps.gov and request a copy of the Recruitment Bulletin with the details on how to apply to this position. Application period ends on 2/22/21. (R. Grasso)
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RECENT NEWS
Hazardous Waste Drop Off
Please ensure all divisions are communicating with the Hazardous (haz) Waste Coordinator on any haz waste accumulating in their workspace. All haz waste must be taken to the Central Accumulation Area (Haz Locker) in El Portal. Please contact Derrick A. Jones “Deke” at 347-9560 cell or derrick_a_jones@nps.gov to arrange for drop off. All waste is transported (from the CAA) offsite (via contract) the beginning of each FY QTR. Please arrange for your haz waste drop off no later than the end of each FY QTR. (D. Jones)
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Horsetail Fall Safety
Please be careful of pedestrians on the roadway. There is still at least a foot of snow in most areas on the Valley Floor. Make sure to bring warm layers, solid walking shoes/boots, and a flashlight. Thank you for helping protect the park by using restroom facilities before leaving, and packing out everything you bring in. For more information visit go.nps.gov/horsetail (L. Maulucci)
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CONSTRUCTION & TRAFFIC DELAYS
El Portal Warehouse Roof Replacement
Replacement of the roofing membrane on the El Portal Warehouse roof began on February 4 and is expected to continue through the spring, and possibly the summer. This project includes replacement of four of the large HVAC units on the roof, as well as the deteriorated joint sealant on the tilt-up concrete wall panels on the exterior walls, and demolition of an obsolete solar system. Crews will be working both on the roof and around the exterior of the building on lifts. They will try to keep all entrances open, but there may be periodic interruptions. (K. White)
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El Portal Road Traffic Control
Work on the NPS-owned 70kV transmission line will take place January 13 – March 12 along El Portal Road from the park boundary to the powerhouse. This requires intermittent traffic control 0700-1600 Monday through Friday (no holidays) no longer than 10 min. Please plan accordingly. (K. Bablitch)
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Bridalveil Fall
The Bridalveil Fall parking lot and trails are closed to visitation to allow for ongoing rehabilitation work. NPS crews are currently constructing a new accessible trail and making other trail and site repairs. Contractor work consisting of utility upgrades and parking lot and bus platform improvements will begin later this summer and will continue through May 2021. (P. Johnson)