Date: May 22, 2008
Contact: Al Nash, 307-344-2015

National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior

Yellowstone National Park
P.O. Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
   
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 22,2008     08-036    
Al Nash or Stacy Vallie (307) 344-2015

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YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK NEWS RELEASE
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Yellowstone Open For Memorial Day Weekend
Though Weather Forces Some Delays
 
The long-awaited Memorial Day Weekend begins Friday, and Yellowstone maintenance crews are working hard to offset the challenging weather so that visitors can still enjoy the park.

Park officials expect all park roads to be open on Friday, with the exception of Dunraven Pass between Tower and Canyon, and the Beartooth Pass outside the park’s Northeast Entrance.  Previously cleared and ready to open, heavy snowfall over the last two days has caused extremely unsafe conditions which will delay the scheduled Friday morning openings.  The passes will be re-evaluated on a daily basis.

Visitors should be prepared for slight morning delays while plows clear any overnight snow accumulations on Craig and Sylvan passes and other high elevation roadways.  Slick sections of road are possible and caution is advised.

Updated park road information is available 24 hours a day by calling 307-344-2117. 

Due to flooding conditions, Norris and Slough Creek Campgrounds will also not open Friday.   Openings will occur as conditions allow.

Many seasonal visitor services in Yellowstone National Park are open for the Memorial Day weekend.  Details and current conditions are available online at http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/index.htm, by consulting the park newspaper handed out at entrance stations, or by asking the staff at park visitor centers and information stations. 

-www.nps.gov/yell -