Three campgrounds at Yosemite National Park will close starting Monday in anticipation of more flooding from record-setting snowmelt.
Unlike last month’s flood forecast, the latest forecast calls for warm weather indefinitely, which could accelerate snowmelt and flooding. As of May 1, officials said, Yosemite still had more than double the average amount of snow on the ground for this time of year.
“The combination of extended hot weather and abundant snow means the Merced River may remain above flood stage for some time,” park officials said. Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, Bridalveil Fall and Yosemite Falls are also flowing very powerfully. Yosemite Valley, Wawona and the Mariposa Grove will still be accessible by entering via Highways 41 and 140, but park officials noted that reaching the Mariposa Grove requires a four-mile round-trip hike with 500 feet of elevation change.
Hetch Hetchy and Hodgdon Meadow are accessible via Highway 120 from the west, but Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road are still closed — and likely won’t open until July, if not later, due to heavy snow.
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