Thursday 5-08-08
Tioga Road opening operations continued Tuesday 5/06/08:
Tioga Road progress for May 6, 2008:
Ending Location: West end of Dana Meadow Avalanche Zone. Approximately 45 miles from Crane Flat Gate .
Average Snow Depth: 5 Feet
Wednesday 5-07-08
Tioga Road opening operations
continued Monday 5/05/08 Tioga Road progress for May 5, 2008: Ending Location: Just West of Mono Meadow Trail head,
approximately 43 miles from Crane Flat Gate Average Snow Depth: 3 Feet.
Tuesday 5-06-08
National Be Bear Aware and Wildlife Stewardship Month:
Red Bear Dead Bear: Did you notice the Red Bear Dead Bear signs on your way to work this morning? These signs have been placed
where bears have been killed by motor vehicles in past years. An average of 15 bears are hit by vehicles each year in the park
and several are killed on impact. While most bears are able to run off the road, it’s unknown how many die later from their
injuries. The Red Bear Dead Bear signs are a reminder for motorists to slow down, obey the posted speed limits, and to be
aware of wildlife along roadsides.
Did you know? Black bears have excellent navigation skills and have been known to return over 150 miles to their home range
after being relocated.
Saturday 5-03-08
Continued: Please check our web site for updates:
http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/
newmrp.htm
Information will be distributed once a new date for the next public
planning workshop has been determined. Thank you for your understanding. If you have any questions, please feel free to
contact Elexis Mayer, Project Manager by phone at 209-379-1377, or by email at
elexis_mayer@nps.gov, or Linda Dahl, Yosemite National Park Chief of
Planning via email at linda_dahl@nps.gov.
The aforementioned ruling can be found on the Yosemite National
Park website at:
http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt
/litigation.htm
Tioga Road Opening Status update
May 1: Ending location 34.5 miles from Crane Flat in the Ghost Forest area.
Average snow depth: 5 feet.
The avalanche team wanted all crews west of Olmsted by 1 PM.
Gates will be placed at Walker Party on Friday to allow visitor access to this point for the week end, after a hazard tree
assessment is completed.
The Hetch Hetchy Day Use hours are 7:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Wednesday's Lions Club Blood
Drive yielded 51 pints of the Gift of Life!
There were many new donors to the Central California Blood Bank, including several
spontaneous donations from Yosemite visitors. The Lions Eyemobile gave 15 free eye exams, including a screening test for
glaucoma. Thanks again, Yosemite community, for sharing with those in need. We look forward to seeing you in October for the
Fall Blood Drive in El Portal!
As a result of the April 21 fire that
destroyed the El Portal Market,
Yosemite National Park will be moving the store operation to the El Portal Motor Inn
(currently known as the Special Park Uses Office) for the duration of the concessionaire’s six year contract. The Park plans
to have the building ready to open as a store in nine months time.
Yosemite National Park Superintendent Michael Tollefson announced today that the park is starting the process to put a
temporary office structure at the site of former El Portal Market, pending the outcome of environmental compliance analysis
and after the site is cleared of any hazardous materials. The temporary office structure is necessary because a number of park
staff are being displaced by the move of the store function into the Special Park Uses Office building. The former El Portal
Market site, at the corner of 140 and El Portal Road, is a good choice for a temporary office structure because it already has
water lines, electric service, a lift station already in place, sufficient parking, is not in a residential area, and has high
visibility to the public.
Park staff who currently work in the Special Park Uses Office will be moved into various office locations throughout the park
at the end of next week. There is no date yet estimated for the completion of the temporary office building in El Portal.
Friday 5-02-08
This will be the last winter report
this spring as ski season is quickly drawing to a close. The snow is melting quickly...TUOLUMNE
MEADOWS WINTER CONDITIONS UPDATE April 30, 2008
In recognition of Bear Awareness
Month, Wildlife Management has planned several events throughout the month. Mark your calendars!
The Senate has designated May 2008 as
‘National Be Bear Aware and Wildlife Stewardship Month'
Drop in program: Come join the Habitat Protectors of Yosemite (HaPY)
program! Program runs Fridays from May2-October
31st. Work with park staff to remove invasive plants and learn basic ecological principles. All volunteers are required to
wear pants and closed-toe shoes. Long sleeves, sunscreen, water, and snacks are recommended. Meet in front of Yosemite Valley
Visitor Center at 9am. Bring a lunch and join us!
Tioga Road Update as of 4/30/08 Tioga Road opening operations continued
Tuesday 4/29/09 Tioga Road progress for April 29, 2008:
Ending Location: 32 miles from Crane Flat Gate (Pywiak Dome/Spring Hill). Average Snow Depth: 3 Feet (one small bare spot
adjacent to Tenaya Lake).
Thursday 5-01-08
A workshop for the new Merced River Plan on Saturday, May 10th. The
objectives are as follows: (1) Discuss the
implications of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling on the Revised Merced River Plan; (2) Discuss the new direction and
scope of the new Merced River planning process; and (3) Discuss the future of the public planning process; what is working and
what can be improved? If you are interested in attending this, please RSVP to Elexis Mayer by Wednesday, May 7, at the address
above or at (209) 379-1377.
Wednesday 4-30-08
Yosemite National Park Superintendent Mike Tollefson announced today that the Glacier Point Road is expected to open to
visitors Friday, May 2, 2008 at noon.
Glacier Point Road to Open
in Yosemite National Park (2008)
Effective April 29, Camp 4 will be staffed daily by a ranger. As a reminder,
no day-use parking is
allowed in the Camp 4 parking lot (cars must be registered in Camp 4).
The National Park Service at Yosemite National Park is pleased to
announce the intent to develop a Comprehensive
Interpretive Plan (CIP),
Planning for the Future of
Interpretation and Education in Yosemite
Blood Drive Wednesday 4/30 in front of Valley Visitor Center. Please
share the Gift of Life at the
annual Yosemite Lions Club Blood Drive. The Bloodmobile and the Eyemobile will be in front of the Visitors
Center from 10 am to 3 pm. Donors must be in good general health, weigh a minimum of 110 lbs and be at least 17 years
old. Be sure to drink plenty of water (avoid caffeine drinks) and eat a healthy meal prior to donation. Photo
ID and Social Security Number are required at donor registration. The Eyemobile will accept your old unused eyeglasses for
donations, and offers free eye exams. Come join us!
Yosemite National Park Open House: The National Park Service welcomes
those interested to attend an
Open House in Yosemite Valley on Wednesday, March 30, 2008 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm in the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center
Auditorium.
The public is invited to the Open House to: Talk to park staff and listen to presentations given throughout the day. Review
newly released documents and reports. Submit comments on proposed projects and ongoing implementation efforts. Planning
efforts and projects that will be represented at this Open House are: Alpine Butterflies Learn about butterfly species and
surveys in Yosemite's high country, Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan, Merced Wild and Scenic
River Comprehensive Management Plan, Invasive Plant Management Plan, Environmental Education Campus, Construction and Project
Updates.
Visitors attending the Open House will have the entrance fee waived.
Tuesday 4-29-08
The 2008 summer schedules for YARTS have been published and are available online.
New Summer YARTS runs to start May
19, 2008
Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road Updates: Tioga Road Status report as
of
April 28, 2008: Tioga Road Opening operations continued on Saturday 4/26/2008.
Tioga Road Progress for April 28, 2008: Ending location 28 miles from Crane Flat Gate (Olmstead Point Parking Lot). Average
snow depth 6 feet.
Glacier Point Road update: Glacier Point road proposed opening date will
be Friday May 2nd, 2008. (
pending any weather conditions or operational issues). Lower Mariposa Grove Road proposed opening date will be Saturday April
25, 2008 ( With weight restrictions on road). No shuttles allowed on Mariposa Grove yet but it should be soon possibly in 2
weeks.
Sunday 4-27-08
This past Monday the El Portal Market was completely destroyed by fire.
Yosemite National Park Superintendent Michael
Tollefson announced today the decision to move the store operation to the El Portal Motor Inn (currently known as the Special
Park Uses Office) for the duration of the concessionaire’s six year contract. The Park plans to have the building ready to
open as a store in nine months time. No decision has been made yet regarding the option of opening up the back road (“Rail
Road) from the Park fire house to the Motor Inn and will be discussed at upcoming El Portal Town Planning Advisory Committee
meetings. Hazardous waste material evaluation of the burn site will begin on May 5 and is expected to take at least a week for
results. Clean up of the burn site will commence after the hazardous waste evaluation is completed.
Saturday 4-26-08
It has been a cool and windy week at
Tuolumne. A series of storms have passed us by to the north, bringing many prolonged episodes of high winds and cold
temperatures.
TUOLUMNE MEADOWS WINTER
CONDITIONS UPDATE April 24, 2008
Friday 4-24-08
The Vernal Fall water system and comfort station will open for the season on Friday, April 25.
There is a website setup by the Park Service on the El Portal Market:
Yosemite National Park - El Portal Market (U.S.
National Park Service)
The historic Tunnel View Overlook will receive a much-needed makeover thanks to the National Park
Service Centennial Initiative and partnership with The Yosemite Fund.
Historic Tunnel View
Overlook Rehabilitation to Begin as First Centennial Project in Yosemite National Park
Update on Tioga road Opening 4/24/08. Tioga Road opening operations
continued yesterday.
Tioga Road progress for April 23, 2008: Starting Location: 11.3 miles from Crane Flat Gate
Ending Location:15 miles from Crane Flat Gate (Mc Swain Summit)
Distance plowed today: 3.7miles
Average Snow depth: 6 ft.
Update on Glacier Point Road 4/24/08
Glacier Point Road is open to Administrative Traffic only.
The road is very icy due to current spring temperatures and is not sanded.
Wawona Road crews will be performing shoulder and road repairs as needed from Chinquapin to Glacier Point.
The gate at Chinquapin will be closed for administrative traffic only. (Contact 460 before Admin. traffic enters roadway).
Forestry crews are presently removing hazard trees on the Glacier Point road starting at Chinquapin to Glacier Point.
Thursday 4-24-08
The Yosemite Scholarship Commission would like to announce the availability of three scholarships for seniors graduating
in June 2008.
Yosemite Scholarship
Commission
The Yosemite Winter Club ski team garnered an impressive eleven,
top-ten medals for overall placement in the 2007/2008 Far West Central Series, USSA ski racing division.
ELEVEN TOP-TEN CENTRAL SERIES FINISHES FOR
YOSEMITE SKI TEAM
Tioga Road Opening progress:
Status of Tioga Road opening ending on 4/22/08:
Tioga Road progress for April 21, 2008. Starting Location: Crane Flat Gate Ending Location:7.2 miles from Crane Flat Gate
(South Fork Bridge)
Distance plowed today:7.2 miles
Snow depth: 4-5 ft.
April 22,2008
Tioga Road opening operations continued yesterday.
Tioga Road progress for April 22, 2008
Starting Location: South Fork Bridge
Ending Location:12.4 miles from Crane Flat Gate
Distance plowed today:5.2 miles
Average Snow depth: 5 ft. 9
Friday 4-18-08
Wawona NW Prescribed Fire Update, April 17-18, 2008 Yosemite National
Park is currently conducting a
prescribed burn near Wawona. Current size as of 8am, April 17, is approximately 1100 acres with some additional ignition
planned for today. Fire managers are beginning mop-up today, and are anticipating the release of some resources tomorrow.
Smoke impacts may remain in the Wawona area for the next several days. The Wawona Road has been restored to two-way traffic.
Motorists are advised to follow all warning signs and to be aware of smoke on roadways.
Friday, April 18th, 2008—Launch of Earth Day Weekend! 7:00-8:30p Earth Day Family Night! Join Park interpreters and educators for an evening of song,
entertainment and fun —launch Earth Day weekend off right! Yosemite Lodge at the Falls Amphitheatre.
Yosemite National Park Earth Day
2008 Schedule of Events
Spring has finally arrived at Tuolumne. We had a warm and sunny week, with afternoon highs near 60 every day and overnight
lows in the teens to twenties.
TUOLUMNE MEADOWS - WINTER CONDITIONS
UPDATE April 16, 2008
President George W. Bush has proclaimed April 19-27, 2008 as National Park Week and encourages everyone to enjoy the natural
wonders and inspirational history found in parks across the country.
Yosemite National Park Celebrates National
Park Week and Earth Day with Special Programs and Activities
Tuesday 4-15-08
The Mist Trail is open for the season. The John Muir Trail, from Clark Point to the Panorama Trail,
remains closed.
The Glacier Point Road is now closed to public vehicle traffic to allow for plowing operations to begin
on Monday, April 14.
Firefighters from the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service made good progress over
the weekend on the large prescribed fire adjacent to the community of Wawona.
Wawona Prescribed Fire
Saturday 4-12-08
Campgroung Opening: Lower Pines Campground will open for the season on Friday, April 11.
Yosemite auctions surplus property:
GSAAuctions
Friday 4-11-08
Wawona School Silent Auction/Barbecue Fundraiser Care to bid on great
merchandise and services while helping to support Wawona School? Want to enjoy a delicious barbecued chicken luncheon before
or after you peruse the tables full of auction items? Please join us on Saturday, April 19, 2008 for Wawona School’s annual
Silent Auction and Barbecue Fundraiser. A variety of local and regional hotels, restaurants, shops, businesses and artisans
have donated fantastic merchandise and gift certificates. Doors open for bidding at 11:30 and close at 2:30, with special
bidding incentives provided in the last half hour. A complete lunch prepared by the Wawona Hotel, including barbecued chicken,
corn, salad, bread, and dessert, will be served at a cost of $8.00 for adults and $6.00 for children. Auction results will be
ready at 3:30, and the doors will reopen at that time for payment and pickup. For more information, please call the school at
(209) 375-6383.
"Yosemite- America’s Treasure" will debut on the Travel Channel this Sunday, April 13 at 7:00 p.m. (ET/PT).Yosemite
National Park to be Featured on New Travel Channel Show
It has been another cool, windy, and cloudy week at Tuolumne, with afternoon
highs in the forties and overnight lows in the teens and single digits.
TUOLUMNE MEADOWS WINTER CONDITIONS
UPDATE April 9, 2008
Wednesday 4-09-08
The National Park Service has awarded a concession contact for year-round operation and management of the El Portal
Market, a grocery...
El Portal Market Concessions Contract
Awarded in Yosemite National Park
The National Park Service announced plans today to conduct a prescribed fire in the Wawona area of Yosemite National
Park. This burn is scheduled to begin April 9, 2008...
Spring Prescribed Fire Program to Begin
in Yosemite National Park
Friday 4-04-08
Ski Conditions and Weather: It has been a cool and cloudy week at Tuolumne, with afternoon highs in the forties and
overnight lows in the teens most nights.
TUOLUMNE MEADOWS WINTER CONDITIONS
UPDATE April 2, 2008
Park staff have completed the April 1 snow surveys. The April 1 survey is considered the benchmark for the season...
April 1, 2008 Snow Survey Results
Yosemite: America's Treasure, a Bellevue Entertainment production about
Yosemite, will air on the Travel Channel on the following dates and times:
Sunday, 4/13, 7:00 PM EST/PT
Thursday, 4/17, 8:00 PM EST/PT
Friday, 4/18, 4:00 PM EST/PT
Thursday 4-03-08
CANCELLED: Tuolumne Public Planning Workshop on April 12
The Tuolumne Public Planning Workshop scheduled for Saturday, April 12 from 9 am to 4 pm in the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center
Auditorium has been CANCELLED while park management considers the implications of the aforementioned Merced River Plan ruling
on current planning efforts. For more information on the Tuolumne planning process, visit online at
www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/trp.htm. Also check out the project manager’s Tuolumne Planning Blog at
www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/trpblog.htm.
As the weather continues to get warmer and the snow continues to melt, more bears will be becoming active and in search of food.
Bear Facts Yosemite Valley, March 23 -
29, 2008
Wednesday 4-02-08
The Hetch Hetchy Road will be open 7 am to 8 pm starting April 1st.
Tuesday 4-01-08
The Bike Stand at Yosemite Lodge opened for the season on March 28. Hours of operation are from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Bikes will be rented out until 2:45 p.m. and
will need to be returned by 3:45 p.m.
Become a Trained Weather Spotter!
Upcoming classes:
April 2, 2008: 6:30 PM: Merced:
Castle Fire Station #89
3405 Hardstand Ave.
Buhach Entrance
Atwater, CA
(Old Castle AFB)
Contact: Dan Westbrook
+
April 3, 2008: 10:00 AM: Mariposa:
Yosemite National Park El Portal - Maintenance and Administration Complex: Contact:
Henk Parson
209-379-1140
+
April 3, 2008: 2:30 PM: Mariposa:Yosemite National Park Yosemite Valley - Visitors Center:
Contact:Henk Parson
209-379-1140
Saturday 3-29-08
Ruling on the 2005 Merced River Comprehensive Management Plan: .PDF File
FRIENDS OF YOSEMITE V KEMPTHORNE
It has been a warm and sunny week at Tuolumne, with afternoon highs in the fifties and overnight lows in the teens the
past few days. The snow has firmed up...
TUOLUMNE MEADOWS WINTER
CONDITIONS UPDATE March 27, 2008
Friday 3-28-08
Google Maps adds street view for 13 cities + Yosemite
National Park | Googling Google | ZDNet.com
Wednesday 3-26-08
Campground opening: The back loops of Upper Pines, and North Pines Campgrounds have opened for the season. Both are on the
reservation system.
Tuesday 3-25-08
Beginning March 24, Yosemite Association (YA) is pleased to announce the start of the 25thseason of free art courses at
the Yosemite Art and Education Center. Visitors to Yosemite National Park may sign up (space permitting) for these daily
classes taught by distinguished volunteer art instructors.
YOSEMITE ART AND EDUCATION CENTER New
Season Begins March 24, 2008
Saturday 3-22-08
The next Open House will be on FRIDAY March 28 instead of a Wednesday. Friday, March 28, 2008 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm in the
Yosemite Valley Visitor Center Auditorium. Planning efforts and projects that will be represented at this Open House are:
• New Zealand Mud Snails
• Find out how to avoid bringing this invasive species into the park.
• Greening the operations of the park
• Find out about the sustainable practices the park uses in its daily operations
• Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan
• Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan
• Invasive Plant Management Plan
• Environmental Education Campus
• Construction and Project Updates
Friday 3-21-08
Please join the National Park Service on Saturday, May 10, 2008, from 9:30 a.m to 3:30 p.m. in the Yosemite Valley Visitor
Center Auditorium for the next Public Planning Workshop for the new Merced River Plan.
Merced River Plan - Public Planning
Workshop Saturday, May 10, 2008
Winter made a brief appearance in Tuolumne over the weekend, dropping 3 inches of new
snow and bringing cold winds out of the north
TUOLUMNE MEADOWS WINTER
CONDITIONS UPDATE March 19, 2008
Wednesday 3-19-08
Good-bye Luncheon for Cyndi
Gonzales - Come join us on March 19, 2008 at noon for a potluck on the top deck outside the Parkwide Custodial Office in
El Portal in saying good-bye to Cyndi Gonzales. Cyndi is leaving us for Monterey and we want all to have the chance to wish
her well. Hot Dogs and Hamburgers will be provided. Please bring a side dish that goes with Hamburgers and Hot Dogs.
Good Luck in Monterey Cyndi !
Friday 3-14-08
GSA Auction -
The General Services Administration will be conducting an internet auction of Yosemite personal property consisting of pickup
trucks, the Mariposa Grove tram, a horse trailer, chain saws and a fork lift.
GSA Auction
It has been a warm and sunny week here at Tuolumne, with daytime highs in the mid-fifties followed by overnight lows in the single digits and teens. The snow has firmed up, providing great touring
conditions. TUOLUMNE MEADOWS WINTER
CONDITIONS UPDATE March 12, 2008
Tuesday 3-11-08
The Tuolumne public planning workshop originally scheduled for March 8 has been RESCHEDULED for Saturday, April 12.
It will take place from 9am to 4pm in the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center auditorium.
The purpose of this workshop is to share with members of the public the preferred alternative for the Tuolumne River Plan and
to begin considering concepts
for the Tuolumne Meadows Plan. Prior to the workshop, the latest Tuolumne River Plan alternatives--including the new
preferred alternative--and related workshop materials will be posted on the park's website,
www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/trp.htm. If you plan
to attend, please RSVP to project manager Kristina Rylands at (209) 379-1175 or email
kristina_rylands@nps.gov
Sunday 3-09-08
An update on the
2008 User Capacity Symposium that was held in the Park a few weeks ago,
Yosemite National Park - 2008 User Capacity
Symposium (U.S. National Park Service
Badger Pass will close for the 2008 season on
March 30th
Come join us at historic Badger Pass, California's oldest ski area! Mother nature has created perfect
riding conditions on the slopes. The weather is sunny and we have plenty of snow. Food service opens at 8:00 a.m. and
the Alpine and Nordic Rental shops open at 8:30 a.m. Come join the family fun at Badger Pass. You won't be
disappointed!
Spring Fest 2008 is March 30th.
There will be fun activities and events for the entire
family. Don't miss the Dual Slalom, Kid's Slalom, Kid's Obstacle Race, BIG AIR COMPETITION, Ski Dummy Race, and the
always entertaining Fancy Costume Competition!
Saturday 3-08-08
Hetch Hetchy Update - Work has been completed at the Hetch Hetchy Pedestrian Tunnel and it in now open! Safe access to the
trail from O'Shaughnessy Dam to Wapama and Tueealala Falls has been restored, but please maintain caution for the next few
days while the work crews finish removing any remaining equipment.
Friday 3-07-08
After nearly two decades of leading The Yosemite Fund from its infancy to becoming a major contributor to the well being
of Yosemite National Park, Bob Hansen will leave the organization at the end of 2008.
Yosemite Fund President to Depart at
End of 2008
It has been a warm and sunny week here at Tuolumne, with daytime highs in the 50’s
followed by overnight lows in the single digits. The snow has firmed up...
TUOLUMNE MEADOWS WINTER CONDITIONS
UPDATE March 5, 2008
Thursday 3-06-08
Reminder: Friday:
Merced River Plan PUBLIC PLANNING WORKSHOP Friday, March 7, 2008
Location will be in the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center Auditorium from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. For more
information please
visit our web site: www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/newmrp.htm or contact the project manager, Elexis Mayer, by
phone at
209/379-1377, or email elexis_mayer@nps.gov.
Tuesday 3-04-08
Important!
Tuolumne Planning Workshop to be Rescheduled
The Tuolumne public planning workshop originally scheduled for March 8 has been postponed and will be rescheduled for a
date in April (yet to be determined). The purpose of the next session is to share with members of the public the preferred
alternative for the Tuolumne River Plan and to begin discussing alternative concepts for the Tuolumne Meadows Plan. Prior to
the April workshop, the latest Tuolumne River Plan alternatives--including the new preferred alternative--and related workshop
materials will be posted on the park's website at
www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/trp.htm. For additional information or to receive future notices regarding this workshop,
please contact project manager Kristina Rylands at
209/379-1175 or
by email.
March 1 Snow Survey Results
The March 1 snow survey results have just come in! The Merced drainage is at 119 percent of average for March 1; the Tuolumne
drainage is at 121 percent of average for March 1.
Thursday 2-28-08
Mapping Into New Worlds: David Rumsey Historical Map Collection Establishes Unique, Experiential Map Exhibit in Second Life
After two weeks of spring-like weather, winter made an appearance this past week at
Tuolumne as we received over four and a half feet of new snow from a series of storms that lasted most of the week TUOLUMNE MEADOWS WINTER CONDITIONS UPDATE February 27, 2008
No less an authority than Henry David Thoreau compared the sensation of tramping through snow to walking in
a cloudy sky upside down.
FresnoBee.com: Outdoors: Schooled in
nature
Yosemite National Park could welcome more Central Valley schoolchildren if it's selected for an ambitious new park
funding program.
FresnoBee.com: Local: Yosemite seeks funds for
student park trips
El Portal Market to close at 1pm on February 29, 2008 - Hugh and Steve
will be closing the El Portal Market's doors for good under their mercantiling leadership on February 29, 2008 at 1 pm in the
afternoon! Be sure to stop by before then as the entire inventory (excluding dairy, produce, and bread) is reduced for sale at
25% off!!!
Wednesday 2-27-08
Yosemite Renaissance, which is now in its twenty-third year, opens at the Yosemite
Museum Gallery on Saturday, March 1 and remains there through May 4, 2008
YOSEMITE RENAISSANCE XXIII ART EXHIBIT
Begins March 1, 2008
Friday 2-22-08
Ski Conditions and Weather: It was another warm and sunny week in Tuolumne, with afternoon highs in the fifties most
days, and overnight lows in the mid-teens. We received 4 inches of snow last night, our first snow in over two weeks.
TUOLUMNE MEADOWS WINTER CONDITIONS UPDATE -
February 20, 2008
Thursday 2-21-08
Merced River Plan PUBLIC PLANNING WORKSHOP
POSTPONED
until Friday, March 7, 2008 Due to the stormy weather forecast and concerns raised by many
over the possible bad driving conditions, we are postponing the Saturday, February 23, 2008, Public Planning Workshop for the
Merced River Plan until Friday, March 7, 2008. Location will be in the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center Auditorium from 9:30 am
to 3:30 pm. For more information please visit our web site:
www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/newmrp.htm or contact the
project manager, Elexis Mayer, by phone at 209/379-1377, or email elexis_mayer@nps.gov.
The public is invited to theYosemite Open House to:
Talk to park staff and listen to presentations given throughout the day.
Review newly released documents and reports.
Submit comments on proposed projects and ongoing implementation efforts.
Planning efforts and projects that will be represented at this Open House are:
Rockfall: Explore how this dynamic geologic process shapes Yosemite's landscape and Greening the operations of the park. Find out about the sustainable practices the park uses in its
daily operations and much more!
Yosemite National Park invites the
public to Open House on February 27, 2008
Saturday 2-16-08
The Yosemite Winter Club today awarded Yosemite National Park Superintendent Mike Tollefson its annual Nic Fiore award YOSEMITE PARK SUPERINTENDENT MIKE TOLLEFSON AWARDED YOSEMITE WINTER CLUB’S NIC FIORE AWARD
Friday 2-15-08
It has been warm and sunny all week in Tuolumne, with afternoon highs in the fifties most days, and overnight lows in the
mid-teens.
TUOLUMNE
MEADOWS WINTER CONDITIONS UPDATE February 13, 2008
Thursday 2-14-08
Permitted/Prohibited Activities for Employees Who May Participate in Partisan Political Activity.
Agencies/Employees Who Are Prohibited From Engaging in Partisan Political Activity.
Permitted/Prohibited Activities for Employees Who May Not Participate in Partisan Political. Activity
Hatch Act Regulations.
Much More! Political Activity (Hatch Act)
Wednesday 2-13-08
Yosemite Employees with computers at work, if your computer runs slower the coming Monday after Internet Explorer 7 is installed, it is not your
fault, it is a resource hog as it uses more of your computer memory! Good Luck! Maybe it is time to go with the
Firefox web browser | Faster, more secure, & customizable
Tuesday 2-12-08
On the whole, 2007 was a relatively quiet year in terms of rockfall in Yosemite. Although the total number of
documented rockfalls in 2007 was about the same as in 2006...
Yosemite Rockfalls - 2007 Year In Review
Saturday 2-9-08
The sun has finally reappeared here at the meadows after nearly 2 weeks of constant stormy weather. We experienced white-out
blizzard conditions most days...
TUOLUMNE MEADOWS WINTER CONDITIONS
UPDATE February 6, 2008
February 1 snow survey results - A series of storms at the end of the month made travel difficult, and many snow courses were
not surveyed until well into February. Results show the Tuolumne drainage at 133% of average and the Merced drainage at 125%
of average. A true February 1 average would be a little lower, however, as about half the courses were measured after the big
storm of February 3. Many of the storms this year have been cold, and this is reflected in the data-most of the lower
elevation courses in the Tuolumne drainage are already well above 100% of their April 1 average. The snowiest course this
month was Wilma Lake, with 9 1/2 feet of snow and 36" of water.
Source: NPS
Yosemite Forum, Tuesday February 12, 12-1 p.m. in the Valley Auditorium. Please join us for this
month's presentation by Steve Lawson, "Social Science Research to Support User Capacity Management in Yosemite Valley."
Steve is a visiting scientist from the College of Natural Resources at Virginia Tech on a temporary duty with the Resources
Management and Science Division. He has been involved in research in Yosemite for close to 10 years, including conducting a
study in Yosemite Valley this summer. He will discuss contemporary approaches to user capacity management and planning in
national parks and related protected natural areas, and present results of research conducted during summer 2007 to study user
capacity issues in Yosemite Valley. Source: NPS
Tuesday 2-05-08
Merced River Plan:
The Draft ORV Report will be available online beginning Tuesday, February 5, 2008 and a Workshop devoted to the new Merced
River Plan on Saturday, February 23, 2008
Yosemite National Park - Merced Wild and Scenic
River Documents.
Friday 2-1-08
Ski Conditions and Weather: It has been a very snowy week here in the Sierras, with new snow almost every single day.
TUOLUMNE MEADOWS WINTER CONDITIONS UPDATE
January 30, 2008
Wednesday 1-30-08
The public is invited to join Malidoma to learn about the ancient wisdom and practices of the Dagara Tribe from West Central Africa, and to hear the
music of a Master Drummer.
Yosemite National Park Welcomes
Malidoma Patrice Some, PhD. for Black History Month Celebration
On February 9, 2008 from 9:30am to 2:30pm in the Valley Visitor Center Auditorium the National Park Service in Yosemite will host the next in its ongoing
series of public planning workshops.
Yosemite National Park
Managers Invite Public to Tuolumne Planning Workshop in Yosemite Valley
Support Yosemite National Park by helping to reduce 25 million lbs. of CO2 nationally.
Do Your Part For
Climate Friendly parks
Open House in Yosemite Valley on January 30, 2008 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm in the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center
Auditorium
Yosemite National Park Invites
Public to Open House - January 2008
Friday 1-25-08
It has been a mostly dry and sunny week here at the meadows. We received a little bit of snow, but our base has actually dropped
due to all the sunny days.TUOLUMNE
MEADOWS WINTER CONDITIONS UPDATE January 23, 2008
Thursday 1-24-08
The National Park Service invites the public to a User Capacity Symposium in Yosemite National Park to be held at Yosemite Lodge in Yosemite Valley from
February 6-8, 2007.
Yosemite National Park Invites Public to
User Capacity Symposium
Friday 1-18-08
Yosemite National Park has launched a multi-year oral history project to capture the stories...
Yosemite National Park Announces
Launch of Oral History Project
Ski Conditions and Weather: It has been a mostly dry and warm week here at the meadows. We received a little bit of snow
last Wednesday...
Tuolumne Meadows Winter Conditions
Update: January 16, 2007
Yosemite National Park Current Auctions: GSA Auctions
Thursday 1-17-08
Not to be missed if you are in Yosemite!
The Yosemite Climbing Association (YCA) and Yosemite National Park are pleased to announce the opening of the photography
exhibit "Yosemite in the Sixties: Climbing Life through the Lens of Glen Denny."
Photography Exhibit Opening in Yosemite National
Park if you just cannot see these photos in person here is a another way to see them!
Patagonia's Yosemite
Tuesday 1-15-08
To further the understanding of, and explore approaches to addressing,
user capacity in National Parks...
Yosemite National Park - 2008 User Capacity Symposium
Saturday 1-12-08
Due to a minor collapse in the pedestrian tunnel at Hetch Hetchy, the trail to Wapama
and Tueealala Falls is inaccessible at this time. NPS and City of San Francisco staff will be evaluating the situation on
Monday.
Friday 1-11-08
Yosemite visitation numbers that have just been released show park visitation last year at: 3,577,199. That is the highest
number since 1999!
Fresno Falcons to Appear at Historic Curry Village Ice Rink in Yosemite
Valley!
Join Fresno's professional hockey team and team mascot Freddie Falcon as they make
their first appearance in Yosemite National Park, skating at historic 1920's skating rink.
Monday, January 14, 2008 Hockey demonstrations at 5:15 and 6:15pm.
Fresno Falcons hockey demonstration and meet and greet with professional hockey players. Free souvenirs and
photographs with players for participants, drawing for free game tickets.
Like most of the rest of the west coast,
Tuolumne saw huge amounts of precipitation this past week with nearly 6 feet of new snow.
Tuolumne Meadows Winter
Conditions Update
Continuing rockfall activity at Middle Brother: Due to continuing rockfalls from Middle Brother, Northside Drive between Camp 4 and El Capitan
crossover in Yosemite Valley remains closed. Please be aware that this closure includes both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
The area was closed following a rockfall on December 18, 2007 that sent one large boulder and several smaller rock fragments
onto the road. Since that time, there have been at least four additional rockfalls from Middle Brother, with the most recent
event occurring at 10:16 am on January 8. This most recent rockfall sent additional rock debris onto the road. The rockfalls
are originating from an area that was last active in March 2000. Winter storm activity has complicated hazard assessment, but
the park is closely monitoring rockfall activity.
Tuesday 1-08-08
Badger Pass Ski Area:
The downhill ski area is 100% open with lifts operating from 9 am to 4 pm daily. The
slopes have excellent coverage on groomed runs. There might even be a few pockets of fresh - untracked powder.Badger
Pass Winter Conditions Update: January 6, 2007
On Christmas Day, just before closing time, a seven-year-old boy who was downhill skiing
in the Eagle Bowl at Badger Pass Ski Area collided...Yosemite
News
Friday 1-04-08
The purpose of the Vogelsang Backcountry Utility Improvement
project is to address public health and safety issues and utility deficiencies at the Vogelsang High Sierra Camp
Yosemite National Park Announces Opening of
Public Scoping for Vogelsang Backcountry Utilities Improvement Project
The skiing has been very good up here the past week. The warm temperatures of the past
few days have helped the snowpack to settle and consolidate,
TUOLUMNE MEADOWS WINTER CONDITIONS
UPDATE
Wednesday 1-03-08
Reconstruct El Portal Road at the "Narrows" (a 1/4 mile section of road upstream of the Big Oak Flat Road (with
connections to Highway 120)/El Portal Road intersection) Please note the following update on the contractor's construction
schedule for the El Portal Road reconstruction at the "narrows":
The contractor is mobilizing drilling equipment over the holiday. Work will resume on January 2, 2008 - This project has the
following traffic impacts: Weekdays: Mon – Fri 6:00 am through 10:00 pm - One lane controlled traffic with up to 30 minute
delays Mon - Thurs 10:00 pm through 6:00 am -One lane controlled traffic with up to 30 minute delays*
*When the traffic lights are in use there will be a 7 minute+- wait time.
Weekends: Friday 4:30 pm through Monday 6:00 am - One lane controlled traffic with up to 30 minute delays* *When the traffic
lights are in use there will be a 7 minute+- wait time.
Call 372-0200.1.1.2 for last minute updates on the status of the closure/opening of this road.
Friday 12-28-07
It was a white Christmas here at the meadows, with 9 more inches of new snow in the past
week.
TUOLUMNE MEADOWS WINTER CONDITIONS
UPDATE
Thursday 12-27-07
See Warren Miller's Cold Fusion at
Yosemite Lodge
Join the Yosemite Winter Club for this fun, action-packed ski film.
World class skiers and snowboarders embark on exciting adventures to such extraordinary locations as Kenya and Verbier, in
search of the bluest skies and deepest powder. Cold Fusion features a thundering soundtrack with artists such as Dave Matthews
and Foo Fighters; and includes the always entertaining and humorous narration of Warren Miller. Friday, December 28, Yosemite
Lodge Cliff Room, 8:30pm
Friday 12 21-07
Continued:
Winter is off to a good start here at the meadows, with 20 inches of new
snow this week
TUOLUMNE MEADOWS WINTER CONDITIONS
UPDATE
Northside Drive will remain closed until further notice due to the 12/18
rockfall. This closure may be in effect through the Christmas holiday due to the predicted winter storm.The rockfall,
located west of Camp 4, was first heard at around 1600 but anecdotal reports indicate that there was continued activity into
the night. The area is currently being monitored by park staff. Southside Drive
will continue to be accessible for inbound and outbound traffic. Please call 209/372-0200 for updated road conditions.
The Chowchilla Mountain Road within the park is closed for the winter, to
all visitor and employee motor vehicles. The gates at the park boundary and at the Wawona Golf Course are now locked. Any
questions, please call either the Wawona Ranger Office or the Wawona Roads Office.
Thursday 12-20-07
Northside Drive will remain closed today due to a rockfall that occurred late
Tuesday afternoon. The rockfall, which originated above Camp 4, is currently being assessed for potential continued
activity.Southside Drive will remain open for inbound and outbound traffic until the rockfall area can be fully assessed.
Please call 372-0200 for updated road and weather conditions.
Wednesday 12-19-07
Updated today: Reconstruct El Portal Road at the "Narrows" (a 1/4 mile
section of road upstream of the Big Oak Flat Road (with connections to Highway 120)/El Portal Road intersection) Please note
the following update on the contractor's construction schedule for the El Portal Road reconstruction at the "narrows": Road
work is scheduled through Saturday 12/22 from approximately 6:30 am until 6:00 pm which will cause up to 30 minute delays.
No road work is scheduled for nighttime or from Sunday through Christmas Day . During this non-work time
traffic lights, which have a 7 minute wait time, will control one way traffic.
Work will resume on Wednesday 12/26 and continue through Saturday 12/29, however it will NOT impede traffic.
One way traffic will be controlled with traffic lights.
For up to the minute information on the status of the El Portal Road call 372-0200...1...1...2.
Saturday 12-15-07
The Yosemite Association Winter Catalog is out!
http://www.yosemite.org/seminars/
Friday 12-14-07
Ski Conditions and Weather: Winter has finally arrived at Tuolumne Meadows!
TUOLUMNE MEADOWS WINTER CONDITIONS UPDATE
Badger Pass Still Closed!
Stay Tuned to the Sierra Sun Times Badger Pass Web Page for more info!
Badger Pass Ski Report: Daily Updated Ski Reports Brought
To You By The Sierra Sun Times
Thursday 12-13-07
Winter trail closures are now in effect
on the Mist Trail and the John Muir Trail. The Four Mile Trail remains open and will be evaluated
after receiving more snow and ice.
Saturday 12-08-07
An Extra Day Off - Federal employees are getting an early holiday present
from President Bush this year--an extra day off before Christmas.
President Bush today ordered executive branch departments and agencies to close on Dec. 24. Getting the day
off, a Monday, before the official Christmas holiday will give most employees a long weekend break.
Friday 12-07-07
Christmas Trees!
Yosemite Lions Club will be selling live, mini decorated Christmas trees in front of the
Village Store on Friday Dec 7, from 11 am to 5 pm, or until sold out. Come early and beat the crowds!
Thursday 12-06-07
Updated:
Reconstruct El Portal Road at the "Narrows" (a 1/4 mile section of road upstream of the Big
Oak Flat Road (with connections to Highway 120)/El Portal Road (with connection to Highway140 intersection)) Please note the
following update on the contractor's construction schedule for the El Portal Road reconstruction at the "narrows":
- Beginning Monday, November 28 the contractor will be working during daytime hours (6:00 am - 6:00 pm) causing up to 30
minute delays.
Switch over to the sewer bypass will occur on Wednesday night December 5, 2007. Motorists can expect ½ hour max delays.
Beginning Thursday night December 6, 2007 - "K" rails/jersey barriers will be put in place and traffic
signal use will begin during non-working hours. 1-lane, alternating traffic - signal lights set for 6-minute wait times.
Full night closure with one pass at 11 pm begins Sunday night 12/9/07.
- Beginning Sunday, December 9, 2007 this project will have the following traffic impacts:
Weekdays: - Su - Thurs - 10:00 pm through 6:00 am - Full night closure with one opening at 11:00 pm for exiting shift workers.
(*Access to the Valley is available via Highway 41/Wawona Road) - Mon - Fri - 6:00 am through 10:00 pm - One lane
controlled traffic with 30 minute delays
Weekends: – Friday 4:30 pm through Sunday 10:00 pm - One lane controlled traffic with 30 minute delays* *When the traffic
lights are in use there will be a 5 minute wait time.
El Portal Market Town Photo - The end of an era... All former and
present customers and community members are invited to the El Portal Market Town Photo. It will take place Saturday, November
17th, at 11am in front of the store. . Hope to see you this Saturday.
Crane Flat Station is back Open: Fuel services are
available 24-hours per day by using a credit card a the pump. The store and facilities are scheduled to re-open Saturday
November 10, 2007.
MRP Hearing Date: The Merced River Plan hearing before the 9th
Circuit Court of Appeals has been RESCHEDULED for Wednesday, November 28 at 10:00am at the courthouse in Pasadena, CA. For
further information regarding this litigation, visit the park's website at
http://www.nps.gov/archive/yose/planning/litigation/
Nov. 5 -
Nov. 9: The work shift will be from 7am-4:30pm. Alternating traffic with flaggers (expect delays of 30 minutes). No night
time closures. The date for the beginning of night time closures is yet to be determined - notice will be sent out as soon as
it is confirmed. Nov. 10 - Nov. 11: No traffic impact.
