The weather forecast issued by the National Weather Service is predicting significant rainfall and high snow levels impacting Yosemite National Park from Saturday, January 7 through Monday, January 9, 2017. Predictions suggest that the level of the Merced River at Pohono Bridge will far exceed flood stage, which will in turn create hazardous conditions throughout Yosemite Valley. In order to maintain the safety of park visitors and residents while allowing management operations to continue unimpeded, the
Superintendent of Yosemite National Park is designating Yosemite Valley as closed. The area will be closed until further notice is given.
Starting Saturday January 7, 2017 at 5 pm Yosemite Valley is closed to all individuals not actively engnged in approved concession or NPS management operations. This closure shall include:
- Wawona Road North of Chinquapin to its intersection with Southside Drive
- Big Oak Flat Road South of Foresta Junction to its intersection with El Portal Road
- The entire El Portal Road (Park Line to Pohono Bridge)
- All roadways on the floor of Yosemite Valley All areas normally considered to be Yosemite Valley proper including, but not limited to, Half Dome Village, the Majestic Yosemite Hotel, Yosemite Valley Lodge, Housekeeping Camp, Yellow Pine, all Yosemite Valley Campgrounds, and all NPS and Concessioner housing areas.
This closure applies to all individuals who have not been identified as essential by park management, the Flood Incident Commander, the responsible management official of NPS Concessioners who have operations based in Yosemite Valley or other park partners with physical infrastructure in Yosemite Valley. The presence of individuals who have not been identified as essential per the above definition is prohibited.
The closure area will be monitored to ensure compliance. Your cooperation in complying with this temporary restriction is greatly appreciated. Please see
attached map for more information. This designation will remain in place until rescinded.
