March 10, 2023 - Yosemite National Park officials report Yosemite National Park will remain closed through Thursday, March 16—possibly longer.

A partial reopening on March 17 is a best-case scenario. Another storm system is forecast, with additional storms forecast next week, all of which could result in further impacts to the park.

Conditions will be evaluated on a daily basis and the park will provide an update late next week.

As park crews continue snow removal operations and flood preparation, employee safety remains the top priority.

We have received significant snowfall over the last several weeks.

National Park Service and partner crews are working hard to reopen as soon as it is safe.

-Plowing roads to two full lanes wide.

-Plowing parking lots and pullouts. Many parking lots are still under up to six feet of snow.

-Evaluating snow loading on trees near roads and facilities (which could cause trees to fall in popular areas).

-Locating and digging out hundreds of fire hydrants and propane tanks.

-Damage assessments on park buildings (mostly damage to chimneys and roof vents from snow sliding off roofs).

-Removing snow from rooftops to prevent structure collapse and danger to bystanders from snow sliding off roofs.

-Various other facilities and vehicles need to be dug out, repaired, and/or resupplied.

-Contingency planning for flood impacts.


Photo credit: NPS
Source: NPS