Yosemite National Park

Planning Update

Volume 3, Winter 1997

Geologically speaking, the floods that ushered in the new year were just one small event in a continuum of geologic processes that shape the park’s spectacular landscape. They have happened countless times in the past. They will happen again. From a human perspective they were dramatic, and devastating.

The flood of January 1-3, 1997, graphically illustrated how susceptible many of the Valley’s facilities are to flooding. The Merced River and its tributaries left in their wake heavy damage to many park campgrounds, roads, and facilities. They also left a staggeringly complex recovery effort that will cost $178 million dollars.

Statewide flooding in combination with Yosemite’s remote location create a unique set of problems in obtaining materials, contractors, and equipment. Direct routes into Yosemite Valley are still restricted due to flood damage. Many supplies and materials need to be brought in on alternate, and longer routes, adding to costs. Already, the cost of road building materials has increased by 20% since the flood. Lodging for construction workers is up to 40 miles away from Yosemite Valley.

The damage is surprisingly broad in it’s scope, affecting roads, trails, buildings, campgrounds, utility systems, natural and cultural resources, and personal property. Damage was not restricted to the Valley. Parkwide 400 individual damage sites have been identified. In the days following the flood, new snow covered the high country, preventing accurate surveys of flood damage along the Tioga Road and other high country locations. No doubt, as the snow recedes additional damage will be uncovered.

A few specific examples include:

A 7.5 mile stretch of road between El Portal and the Valley on Highway 140 sustained severe damage in 19 separate locations. In several places along this stretch, the road and underlying supporting ground are gone. At Windy Point the river undercut a 50 foot high rock slope below the road collapsing one lane. At the “Cookie”, 300 feet of roadway completely washed out.

Highway 120 between Big Oak Flat and the Yosemite Valley sustained damage in four places.

Nine road bridges in the Valley suffered damage and will need to be repaired.

33 trail bridges throughout the park have been destroyed and much of the park’s 800-mile trail system suffered erosion.

Over 350 motel and cabin units at Yosemite Lodge were flooded.

A 300 foot section of the 14 inch sewer line located beneath Highway 140 was destroyed. An additional 18,000 feet of sewer line must be camera inspected to determine the extent of damage.

Water, sewer, and power utilities throughout the valley were flooded.

Over 200 concession employee quarters were flooded, displacing 439 employees, many of whom lost all their belongings.

Tools, furniture, computers, buses, trams, and a variety of personal property and equipment was destroyed.