Daily Report – Yosemite National Park
Wednesday, September 20th, 2017
Today: Mostly cloudy. Windy. Highs 63 to 72 at 5000 feet… 54 to 64 at 8000 feet. Gusts up to 40 mph in the afternoon. Over higher elevations, southwest winds 25 to 30 mph with gusts to around 55 mph in the afternoon.
Tonight: Partly cloudy in the evening. Chance of showers in the evening, then showers likely after midnight. Near the crest, chance of showers in the evening, then snow showers likely after midnight. Chance of precipitation 70 percent. Windy, colder. Snow accumulation up to 2 inches. Snow level above 8000 feet. Lows 38 to 48 at 5000 feet…29 to 39 at 8000 feet. Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts to around 65 mph over higher elevations.
Tomorrow: Mostly cloudy. A 50 percent chance of showers…a 50 percent chance of snow showers near the crest. Breezy. Snow level above 8000 feet. Highs 50 to 60 at 5000 feet…41 to 51 at 8000 feet. Southwest winds 25 to 30 mph with gusts to around 50 mph over higher elevations.
Additional Point Forecast Weather Links:
=======================================================
NEW AND HAPPENING
Yosemite National Park Offers a Unique Behind the Scenes Walk-Through of the Empire Fir- Media Advisory
Rare opportunity for news media to tour active fire and learn about how fire affects the landscape
What: You are invited to tour the Empire Fire and join Fire Management specialists with Yosemite National Park for a special behind the scenes look at the Empire Fire. This unique opportunity will provide the media a look at active fire in the park, its effects on the landscape, and the positive benefits of fire in a forest ecosystem.
Media representatives will have the opportunity to hike out to an active fire area and engage with fire management officials with Yosemite National Park on fire behavior, fire impacts, fire policy in the park, and how the landscape will be affected by the Empire Fire. The restorative benefits of fire will also be discussed.
Interested news media representatives should wear hiking boots or sturdy footwear and be prepared for a moderate hike to an active fire site. The park will provide personal protective equipment, which is necessary when entering a fire zone. Interviews with park fire officials can be conducted at the site of the Empire Fire.
When: Thursday, September 21, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Chinquapin Parking Lot, (Located at the junction of the Wawona Road (Highway 41) and Glacier Point Road.) Please meet in this parking lot and we will caravan and then hike out to the fire site.
Who: Kelly Martin, Chief of Fire and Aviation, Yosemite National Park
Kristen Shive, Fire Ecologist, Yosemite National Park
Additional Officials from Yosemite National Park
Photo Ops/Interviews:
Unique opportunity to see an active fire in Yosemite National Park
One-on-one interviews with Kelly Martin and Kristen Shive at the fire site
Close-up photos of burning and recently burned areas of the Empire Fire
______________________
Mariposa County to Offer No-Cost Flu Shots
The Mariposa County Health Department will be offering flu shots – at no cost – at the following locations. Please see Recent News section for more flu shot offerings:
September 20 (Wednesday)
– 10:00am – 11:00am – Yosemite Wellness Center
– 12:00pm – 1:00 pm – Yosemite Medical Clinic
– 3:00pm – 4:30pm – El Portal – Cedar Lodge (C. Davis)
=======================================================
RECENT NEWS
Glacier Point Road Delays
Expected one-way controlled traffic delays on Tuesday September 19th, from approximately 3pm to 8pm, between Mono Meadow Trailhead and Illilouette Ridge. Wait times should be 5-10 minutes. Delays will continue through 5pm Wednesday, September 20th. (A. Singer)
______________________
Mariposa County to Offer No-Cost Flu Shots
The Mariposa County Health Department will be offering flu shots – at no cost – at the following locations: September 19 (Tuesday), 2:00pm – 3:00pm – Mariposa Senior Center (for Seniors and Care Givers). See Recent News for other upcoming flu shots. (C. Griffin)
Yosemite National Park Hosts Naturalization Ceremony- Media Advisory September 18th, 2017
Glacier Point Provides Spectacular Backdrop for Ceremony
What:
Fifty one people will become naturalized U.S. Citizens on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at the famous Glacier Point, overlooking Half Dome and Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park. This special ceremony commemorates Constitution and Citizenship Day, a combined event that is observed annually on September 17th to commemorate the formation and signing of the Constitution of the United States. It also recognizes those who have become naturalized U.S. Citizens.
The ceremony will feature U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Western Regional Director Carolyn Muzyka, Yosemite National Park Acting Superintendent Chip Jenkins, and additional representatives from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services providing remarks and administering the Oath of Allegiance to the new citizens. The diverse group of newly naturalized citizens hails from all over the world, including Mexico, United Kingdom, and Australia.
The new citizens will be joined by their family and friends as they celebrate the end of their journey to become American citizens.
This special event will be held at 11:00 am at the Glacier Point Amphitheatre. Please plan to arrive early. The drive from the park’s South Entrance to Glacier Point is approximately 1 hour.
When: Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Glacier Point Amphitheatre, Yosemite National Park. Parking is available on site – Please arrive early.
Who: Carolyn Muzyka, Western Regional Director, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Chip Jenkins, Acting Superintendent, Yosemite National Park. Additional Officials from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services,Newly naturalized U.S. citizens and their families
Photo Ops/Interviews:
Naturalization ceremony with citizens taking Oath of Allegiance
One-on-one interviews with newly naturalized U.S. citizens and officials from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and National Park Service
Yosemite’s Mounted Patrol conducting the flag ceremony
Spectacular views of Yosemite National Park from Glacier Point.
______________________
Lush Meadows Rental
2,400 sq ft, 4 bd, 3 bath, 3 car garage on 3 acres in Lush Meadows. Newer home comes furnished with Cal- King master suite set, jetted roman tub, walk in shower, walk in closets, office with desk and work space, kitchen appliances, washer and dryer, great room entertainment center and more. Central HVAC, automated lawn sprinklers, fountain, onsite storage shed, back patio with great view of mountain. Non-smoking, $2,200/month. Call 559-760-0820 or email basslakemgr@sti.net for more info and appointment to view. (K. Savage). ______________________
The Glacier Point Road is now open. Firefighters are still doing some backfiring operations near the Ostrander trail and monitoring the fire activity near Mono Meadow Trailhead through today.
Starting Wednesday next week, the road will be open with traffic control as firefighters continue backfiring operations along the roadway, pending weather conditions.
______________________
Power Outage This Week
PG&E is scheduling a power outage beginning Monday September 18 through Friday, September 22nd. (Possibly adding dates 9/17 and 9/23)
Arch Rock and El Portal will not be affected by this outage.
Glacier Point, Wawona Tunnel and Yosemite Valley will be provided with electrical generation during this time, but expect to have some delays, power bumps and/or minimal outages.
Big Oak Flat Tunnels will not have back up generation during this outage.
NPS High Voltage is working directly with PG&E to minimize impacts to Yosemite. (K. Bablitch)
___________________
Fire Update September 16th, 2017
There are multiple fires burning in Yosemite National Park’s wilderness. Weather has moderated with lower temperatures and higher relative humidities.
Empire
Discovered: 8/1/17
Location: 1 mile east of Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area and 3/4 mile south of Glacier Point Road
Size: 6,256 acres Cause: Lightning Containment: 55% Fuels: Red fir
Fire activity was minimal yesterday due to increased relative humidity and precipitation from the last couple days. Conditions were favorable for fire crews to continue burn operations along Glacier Point road. Glacier Point Road will open Saturday Sept. 16 at 0800. Smoky conditions may exist along portions and delays may exist.
South Fork
Discovered: 8/13/17
Location: .75 miles east of the community of Wawona
Size: 6,840 acres Cause: Lightning Containment: 47% Fuels: Mixed conifer and red fir
Fire remains quiet near the community of Wawona on the west and south flank of the fire. Sections of the north flank and the entire east flank are continuing to burn in the wildernessLe Conte
Discovered: 9/12/17
Location: North Side of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
Size: 1/2 acre Cause: Lightning Spread Potential: Low Fuels: Sparse ground fuels
Strategy: Monitor
Showing no smoke.
Porcupine Campground
Discovered: 9/12/17
Location: Right on Porcupine creek
Size: 1/10 acre Cause: Lightning Spread Potential: Low Fuels: Ground fuels
Strategy: Monitor
Single green tree burning at the base with 10×10 ground fire with continuous wet fuels.Morrison
Discovered: 9/12/17
Location: N 37° 52.707′ x W 119° 36.854′ elevation of 8,535 ‘
Size: 1/10 acre Cause: Lightning Spread Potential: Low Fuels: Ground fuels
Strategy: Monitor
Lightning struck green tree with fire in the top and 10×10 ground fire at the base.
Wolf
Discovered: 9/12/17
Location: N 37° 52.597′ x W 119° 36.552′ elevation of 8,469 ‘
Size: 1/10 acre Cause: Lightning Spread Potential: Low Fuels: Ground fuels
Strategy: Monitor
Green tree that was blown apart by lightning strike and burning at the base.Hidden
Discovered: 9/12/17
Location: N 37° 48.318′ x W 119° 29.607′ elevation of 8,564 ‘
Size: 1/10 acre Cause: Lightning Spread Potential: Low Fuels: Ground fuels
Strategy: Monitor
On the southwest ridge 100 yards from Hidden Lake burning in duff and down logs. Fire activity was creeping and smoldering at the top of the slope. Fire crews will continue to check on it.
Illilouette Creek
Discovered: 9/12/17
Location: N 37° 40.391′ x W 119° 32.505′ elevation of 7,570′
Size: 1/10 acre Cause: Lightning Spread Potential: Low Fuels: Ground fuels
Strategy: Monitor
On north aspect of the ridge in a lightning struck snag with some ground fuel on fire. Empire fire operations will monitor this fire. Starr King
Discovered: 8/2/17
Location: N 37° 42.965′ x W 119° 29.588′ at approximately 7800 feet elevation
Size: 60 acres Cause: Lightning Spread Potential: Low/ Moderate
Fuels: Red fir/ Lodgepole Strategy: Monitor
Minimal smoke can be seen, with some pockets of light smoke interior of the perimeter.
Indian Rock
Discovered: 9/15/17
Location: Fire is ½ mile south of Porcupine Flat Campground Road.
Size: 5’x10’ Cause: Lightning Spread Potential: Low
Fuels: Brush and down timberYosemite Creek
Discovered: 8/3/17
Location: N 37° 50.414′ x W 119° 38.088′ at approximately 7,970 feet elevation
Size: 3.4 acres Cause: Lightning Spread Potential: Low
Fuels: Red fir Strategy: Monitor
Fire is creeping and smoldering and will continue to be checked by fire crews.Porcupine
Discovered: 8/2/17
Location: N 37° 49.336′ x W 119° 34.720′ at approximately 8154 feet elevation off Tioga road.
Size: 4.8 acres Cause: Lightning Spread Potential: Low
Fuels: Lodgepole/Red fir Strategy: Monitor
Fires edge is 30 feet from the Tioga road and is creeping and smoldering and to be checked by fire crews.
No new maps today
______________________
Mariposa County to Offer No-Cost Flu Shots
The Mariposa County Health Department will be offering flu shots – at no cost – at the following locations:
September 19 (Tuesday)
– 2:00pm – 3:00pm – Mariposa Senior Center (for Seniors and Care Givers)
September 20 (Wednesday)
– 10:00am – 11:00am – Yosemite Wellness Center
– 12:00pm – 1:00 pm – Yosemite Medical Clinic
– 3:00pm – 4:30pm – El Portal – Cedar Lodge
September 21 (Thursday)
– 10:00am – 11:30am – Greeley Hill Community Center
– 1:00pm – 2:30pm – Coulterville Schoolhouse
September 26 (Tuesday)
– 10:00am – 11:30am – Wawona Library
– 1:00pm – 2:30pm – Fish Camp Fire Station
September 27 (Wednesday)
– 3:00pm – 6:00pm – Mariposa Fairgrounds
September 28 (Thursday)
– 9:00am – 10:30am – Mariposa Human Services Building
– 11:30am – 1:00pm – Mariposa Heritage House (C.Griffin)
=======================================================
CONSTRUCTION & TRAFFIC DELAYS
Big Oak Flat Construction
Road crews will be working from the long tunnel on BOF /HWY 120 working West starting Wednesday September 20th, expect short delays and please drive slow in the work zone, watching for workers, equipment and debris on the road.
______________________
Tenaya Road Closure September 13-23
Tenaya road will be closed between the Valley Fort and the Courthouse from 9/13/17 through 9/23/17. This is for generator staging for the upcoming valley power outage in Yosemite Valley. Courthouse access will not be affected. (J. Brown)
______________________
Yosemite Valley Parking and Road Construction Update
A new phase of parking and road construction in Yosemite Valley will be starting on Monday, September 18th. The biggest project will be reconstruction of the Camp 4 parking area. The parking area will close on Monday, September 18th and campers will park across the street at the Yosemite Falls parking area. Northside Drive between the Yosemite Falls crossing and Camp 4 will narrow to one westbound lane. Eastbound traffic will travel through Yosemite Lodge. The contractors hope to complete this work by Thanksgiving if the weather is good. If not, the parking area and roads will be open for the holidays.
In addition, new construction will begin on Tuesday, September 19th at the four-way intersection at Half Dome Village near Stoneman Bridge. Flaggers will route traffic headed to Half Dome Village in a one-way clockwise loop going eastbound on the Happy Isle Loop Rd then coming back northbound on Curry Village Dr. This work should take about two weeks.
Work on Northside Drive east of Pohono Bridge is almost complete. Contractors will work on utility vaults in Northside Drive for one week starting Monday, September 18th. This work will take place during the day with one lane open. There will be maximum 30-minute delays.
Lastly, night work will continue at “the Narrows” through September (same schedule as earlier in the month) and work on the pedestrian pathway from the Yosemite Village parking area to Yosemite Village will continue through Monday, September 18th. Thank you for your patience. (L. Acree)