Natural History Wanderings

Updated 3/24/11

Yosemite is opening today (3/24/11) on a very limited basis but visitors are discouraged from entering the park due to road conditions and limited services.  The park website reports:

“Visitors are discouraged from entering Yosemite due to heavy snow, rockfall, tree failures, and power outages resulting in limited services. However, conditions permitting, we plan to allow entrance to Yosemite via Highways 140 and 120 from the west and 41 from the south for day use only beginning Thursday (3/24) at 7 am. We will have more information on Thursday.

Carry tire chains in your car and be prepared to use them (even if you have four-wheel drive): chains may become mandatory at any time.”

Michael Frye has posted more details about the Yosemite closure as well as sharing how the storm has effected the park and neighboring communities at Yosemite Closed by Storm.

Yosemite Nature Notes had an article today reporting that all roads to Yosemite are closed, that Yosemite West has been closed due to a lack of water, and that there are numerous blockages on the road between Yosemite Valley and Mariposa.  He reports it is possible the park may make a decision to close.  Read the full article at Yosemite Closure.