Yosemite_ Daily Report – Yosemite National Park Friday, July 19, 2024

Yosemite_ Daily Report – Yosemite National Park
Friday, July 19, 2024

Yosemite National Park Zone Forecast
Today: Sunny. A 20 percent chance of thunderstorms in the late morning and afternoon. Highs 67 to 81. Southeast winds up to 5 mph shifting to the southwest in the afternoon.
Tonight: Mostly clear. Lows 49 to 63. North winds up to 10 mph shifting to the east after midnight.
Tomorrow: Sunny. Highs 70 to 84. Southeast winds up to 5 mph shifting to the southwest in the afternoon.

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NEW & HAPPENING TODAY

Kudos to Valley Stables Team
Thank you Valley Stables team of Shane Fairbanks, James Reeves, Mikalah Bowman, Chris Rodriguez, and Clif Ashley for your efforts on short notice to aid with the “Horse Out” of a gentlemen needing rescue out of the Merced Lake region last week. Without your help we would have been forced to draw upon an already diminished number of rescuers for a carry out. Your patience, hard work, and expertise is truly a credit to the Service. (I. Rippetoe)
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Kudos to the DEI Council and Employee Resource Group Leads
I would like to give a warm kudos and thanks to our DEI Council and Employee Resource Group leads! Clarice Henry, Connie Lau, Mirella Gutierrez, Quentin Kendall, Tegan Plock, Mel Stellar, and Sally Martinez. They have put in so much care and effort in building community support through a full Summer Calendar of 14+ events like art programs, potlucks, game nights, Pride programming, trivia nights and more in the Valley, El Portal, AND Mariposa. If you see them around, please help to share a quick thanks for their efforts in helping Yosemite to be a welcoming and inclusive park. (J. Gonzales)

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RECENT NEWS

Fire Update – July 17, 2024
Yosemite National Park has seen multiple thunderstorms over the past week that produced twelve lightning strike fires. These fires are in high elevation wilderness ranging from 4,700 to 9,800 feet and fire managers are assessing conditions and response. The Aspen, Grove, Dog Leg, Smith, Dewey, and Harden fires have been contained. The Indian, Porcupine, Cascade, Wegner, Eagle Creek, and Dorothy fires have firefighters on scene providing updates on conditions. Some of these will be assessed by air due to inaccessibility and some will be hiked by crews.
Some areas of the park received precipitation from these storms; as conditions dry out, we may see additional fires.

Yosemite National Park is a fire-adapted ecosystem. The overall strategy for all wildland fires is to provide for the safety of employees and the public and protect and enhance natural and cultural resources.

Ackerson – Stanislaus National Forest
Location: North of Ackerson Meadow, 0.2 miles outside of the park boundary in Stanislaus NF.
Note: Yosemite Fire resources provided initial attack for mutual aid assistance to Stanislaus National Forest (STF) until STF resources arrived on scene.
Discovery Date: July 15, 2024 Cause: Lightning
Elevation: 4,700’

Aspen
Location: One mile west of Aspen Valley.
Discovery Date: July 13, 2024 Size: 0.1 acre
Containment: 100% Cause: Lightning
Elevation: 6,200’

Grove
Location: Northwest of Crane Flat near the Tuolumne Grove Road.
Discovery Date: July 13, 2024 Size: 0.1 acre
Containment: 100% Cause: Lightning
Elevation: 4,700’

Dog Leg
Location: Northeast of Crane Flat, near Unicorn Creek.
Discovery Date: July 13, 2024 Size: 0.1 acre
Containment: 100% Cause: Lightning
Elevation: 5,200’

Smith
Location: Southeast of Smith Peak, south of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir.
Discovery Date: July 13, 2024 Size: 0.1 acre
Containment: 100% Cause: Lightning
Elevation: 7,200’

Dewey
Location: Southwest of Dewey Point.
Discovery Date: July 13, 2024 Size: 0.1 acre
Containment: 100% Cause: Lightning
Elevation: 7,200’

Harden
Location: Northwest of White Wolf, west of Harden Lake.
Discovery Date: July 13, 2024 Size: 0.1 acre
Containment: 100% Cause: Lightning
Elevation: 7,200’

Indian
Location: South of Tioga Road, west of Lehamite Creek.
Discovery Date: July 13, 2024 Size: 0.1 acre
Containment: 0% Cause: Lightning
Elevation: 7,400’

Porcupine
Location: North of Tioga Road, southwest of Wegner Lake.
Discovery Date: July 13, 2024 Size: 0.1 acre
Containment: 0% Cause: Lightning
Elevation: 9,800’

Cascade
Location: South of Tioga Road, west of Yosemite Creek.
Discovery Date: July 13, 2024 Size: 0.1 acre
Containment: 0% Cause: Lightning
Elevation: 7,600’

Wegner
Location: Near Mount Hoffman.
Discovery Date: July 16, 2024 Size: 0.1 acre
Containment: 0% Cause: Lightning
Elevation: 9,500’

Eagle Creek
Location: East of Lukens Lake Trail, west of Yosemite Creek.
Discovery Date: July 16, 2024 Size: 0.1 acre
Containment: 0% Cause: Lightning
Elevation: 7,900’

Dorothy
Location: Just south of Dorothy Lake.
Discovery Date: July 16, 2024 Size: 0.1 acre
Containment: 0% Cause: Lightning
Elevation: 9,600’

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House for Rent in Midpines
Contact A. Simpson, 559-538-4928, for 3/2 house to rent 2100 mth /2100 dep pet ok spa wash/dry/ac-central garage view email iluvtennis6449@aol.com or text (A. Simpson)
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Annual Yosemite Chinese History Pilgrimage
The 12th Annual Yosemite Chinese History Pilgrimage will be happening this month from July 26-28, 2024. It will be based in Lee Vining with walks and programs in Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite Valley and Wawona to honor the many contributions made by early Chinese in Yosemite. For more information, go to the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California’s event registration site at:
https://chssc.org/event/2024-yosemite-pilgrimage-registration/ (Y.Chan)
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2023 Barry Hance Award Winners
Yosemite National Park is pleased to announce that Catherine “Cat” Fong and Jeffrey Trust are the recipients of the 2023 Barry Hance Memorial Award. The Barry Hance Memorial Award is a peer-nominated award that is named in honor of Barry Hance, a long-time employee of Yosemite National Park who died in an avalanche while plowing the Tioga Road in 1995. Recipients of this prestigious award are employees who exemplify the qualities and attributes of Barry Hance. These include teamwork, a positive attitude, concern for the public and fellow employees, public service, and a deep love for Yosemite National Park.

Cat serves as the park Hydrologist and works in the Division of Resources Management and Science. She is instrumental in so many park operations, initiatives and emergency responses when water is a factor. She led the hydrology components of the Merced River Plan, was integral to the park’s response to the record snowpack of 2023 and is frequently called upon as a subject matter expert on a variety of water related issues. Cat was nominated by a plethora of her colleagues and was noted for her patient, engaged, and supportive supervisory skills. Cat was also lauded for her cool, calm, and collective responses to chaotic situations that frequently arise in Yosemite National Park. A colleague noted about Cat, “She is really a team player and leader. She is not afraid to get out in front and help where she can….Cat is a great team member and extremely valuable to the park.”

Jeffrey serves as the park’s Web and Social Media Manager within the Division of Interpretation and Education. As a long time park employee, Jeffrey is regarded at the “go-to person” to both gather park information and disseminate it to staff and the public through the park’s website and social media channels. Many coworkers noted that when information is needed, the common response is “Ask Jeffrey, he’ll know”. And, if Jeffrey doesn’t know something, he’ll find the answers in record speed. A coworker noted, ” Jeffrey’s bright mind, unflagging energy, and devotion to the park have greatly contributed to the preservation of Yosemite, and to the enjoyment of park visitors”. Jeffrey was also noted for his unwavering desire to support fellow employees, step up where needed, deep knowledge of the park, expertise with social media, and always having a positive attitude. Jeffrey was also noted for his 25+ years of work on the Yosemite Bear Council, and serving as the chairperson for 20 years. His work has been instrumental in saving the lives of countless Yosemite bears over the years.

Yosemite National Park Superintendent Cicely Muldoon presented Cat and Jeffrey their Barry Hance awards at an all-employee ceremony on July 9, 2024. (S. Gediman)
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Yosemite Raptors
As of July 15th, all peregrine falcon climbing closures have been lifted. There is one golden eagle closure at Elephant Rock that will be extended until July 31st. This year, park biologists confirmed and monitored 15 active peregrine nests and one golden eagle nest. Highlights from this field season include:
The Arch Rock falcons switched to another new nest outside of the popular climbing area. This totals 6 recorded alternate nests in their territory (for comparison, the much larger El Capitan territory also has 6 alternate nests).
The Yosemite Point falcons switched to a new nest near Yosemite Falls, resulting in a new climbing closure. This totals 5 recorded alternate nests in their territory.
The Camp 4 falcons returned to their historic nest on Lower Brother; this nest was first used in 2009 and hasn’t been used since.
The Glacier Point falcons returned to their historic nest that was first used in 1994 and last used in 2009.
The Rostrum nestlings were observed sliding into a small crack system below their ledge scrape for shade.
The golden eagles have returned to their historic Elephant Rock nest that was first used in 1978, and last used in 2014. They had 1 eaglet that has since successfully fledged. This fledgling is still using the immediate area as it is learning to fly and hunt.
It’s truly a testament to everyone involved as to how far we’ve come in restoring this species. Thank you to the Yosemite Conservancy, Yosemite Climbing Rangers, Fire and Aviation, Law Enforcement and Protection, Volunteers, and the Yosemite community for your enthusiasm and work in helping to protect the park’s peregrine falcons. Happy Climbing/Slacklining!

See a falcon? Eagle? Hawk? Email us observations: yose_peregrines@nps.gov
Watch this epic video on the history of peregrines in Yosemite: Yosemite Peregrines: A Story of Hope – YouTube
(A. Walker)
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Traffic Closure
On Monday, July 22, and Tuesday, July 23, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the exit to Village Drive on the North Side Drive traffic circle will be closed (The exit that services the Ahwahnee and village store). Traffic will be detoured through the day-use parking lot and back onto Village Drive by the garage. Detours will only occur for approximately 15 minutes at a time. Oversized vehicles like buses and delivery trucks will be directed to use the admin road northwest of the day-use parking area.

Additionally, traffic will be diverted on Thursday, August 1, and Friday, August 2. This will be for the backfilling portion of the project, so the diversion will be limited to just a few minutes to deposit material at the work site. (C. Layman)

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ONGOING PROJECTS

PG&E Contractor Work in El Portal and Wawona
Between the days of July 1 and August 2, PG&E contractors from Arborworks will be conducting vegetation removal and maintenance work in the Wawona and El Portal residential areas. For maps of the locations, please contact Alan Kunz (alan_kunz@nps.gov) or Natasha Lekach (natasha_lekach@nps.gov). Some traffic control may be necessary. (N. Lekach)
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Valley Mall Tree Removal
Valley Forestry will be working in the Valley Mall area removing trees for a construction project starting the week of 7/8 and lasting through the end of the month. There will be temporary closures of certain walking paths during the operation. Forestry staff will be on site to direct pedestrians around the work zone. (B. See)
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Road Work Along the Tioga Road
Road crews will be working on the Tioga pass road from Lembert dome parking area to the Tioga pass gate clearing drainages and roadside brushing, please drive slow in the work zone and watch out for road workers and equipment in the area, expect up to 15-minute traffic delays Monday – Thursday. (B.Brantley)
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Mist Trail Repair July 1st – October 31st 2024
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 M-TH between 7:00am and 3:30pm from 7/1/24 – 10/31/24 (subject to change).
The trail will remain open Fridays, weekends and holidays. 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 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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Shuttle Bus Stop Construction in Yosemite Valley
High temperatures and supplier delays are hindering the NPS contractor’s schedule for patching asphalt on the Happy Isles Loop. Construction remains incomplete at bus stops 15 (Upper Pines) and 18 (Lower Pines). Road construction is now anticipated to be completed before Friday, July 26. Until then, shuttle service will terminate at Curry Village registration. Work on pedestrian pathways and wooden shelters will continue until August 31. Thanks to all for your ongoing patience and understanding. (J. Donovan)
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Historic Preservation Crew – Post Office
The Yosemite Historic Preservation Crew will be performing stabilization work on the Yosemite Valley Post Office beginning May 6. The project will repair damaged and broken windows, repair cracks in the masonry, and perform preservation carpentry on log elements. There will be no impact on Post Office operations. Please direct all questions to Kevin Brothers (kevin_brothers@nps.gov). (K. Brothers)
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Expect delays: North Side Drive between El Capitan Woodlot to Pohono Bridge
Hazardous fuel reduction is taking place on Northside Drive from El Capitan Woodlot to Pohono Bridge. This work is being conducted in preparation of prescribed fire and provide a safer place for fire fighters to work if a wildfire burns up the Merced River Canyon. The 2018 Ferguson Fire reached Cascades Falls and crossed both Wawona and Glacier Point Roads in a single run. Roads are our primary location to stop wildfires and implement prescribed fire. Personnel will be removing small trees and dead and down material. Wood will be transported to Ackerson Meadow where it will be mixed with fill as part of a massive gully restoration project will the aim of restoring one of the largest mid-elevation meadows in the Sierra Nevada. Mixing the wood with the soil sequesters the carbon and increases the water holding capacity of the soil creating a wetter, more productive meadow.

Please watch for workers and drive slowly through the work zone. Traffic holds are 15 minutes while workers remove woody material. Delays may be expected Mon-Fri, 06:00-16:00 through June 20th. Thank you for your support and understanding. (G. Dickman)
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Caltrans Announces Improvement Project on State Route 140: Cathey’s Valley to Mariposa
On Monday, April 29, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will begin a maintenance project to improve State Route 140 (SR-140) between Cathey’s Valley and the town of Mariposa. Work will include pavement preservation with hot-mix asphalt, and removal and installation of guardrails, culverts, dikes, shoulder backing, signage, and corner curb ramps at seven intersections. Crews will work night shifts for approximately 170 working days, Sunday through Thursday, with alternating lane closures on eastbound and westbound SR-140. Project completion is expected in December 2024. The contractor’s work schedule is subject to change due to traffic incidents, weather, availability of equipment and materials, and construction-related issues. Please drive carefully and watch for laborers and equipment in roadways. (J. Donovan)
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Wawona Hotel Roof Replacement Project
The Wawona re-roofing project is underway and the Contractor, Southwest Property Management, continues to work at the hotel phasing demolition and reroofing in sections progressively. Without unforeseen discoveries, the completion should occur in the fall of this year. Contact Steve Dunakoskie, YOSE SPPM Project Manager, for more information. (S. Dunakoskie)
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Dispatch Expansion Project
The Dispatch Expansion project is converting most of the El Portal Warehouse lobby into additional office space for the Emergency Communications (Dispatch) Center. The lobby stairs are no longer walled off, but the stairwell and adjacent entrance will periodically need to be temporarily closed as work dictates. When the stairs and entryway are blocked off, Warehouse occupants and visitors will need to use alternate means of ingress/egress. 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. Contact Alyssa Sharp, YOSE Project Manager, for more information. (M. Vantzelfden)

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