Flooding Closes Yosemite Valley to Traffic

Associated Press
San Francisco Chronicle - May 16, 2005

Warm weather and an unusually large, melting snowpack caused heavy flooding of the Yosemite Valley floor Monday, cutting off access into the park, officials said.

Sentinel Meadow is seen with part of Upper Yosemite Fall visible in the clouds on Monday, May 16, 2005. High water is causing flooding in some Yosemite Valley areas, including campgrounds, parking areas, some lodging facilities, and picnic areas. Yosemite National Park Media Relations Office photo

Traffic was closed until further notice, and visitors were being advised to check weather and road conditions before traveling to the park.

Some campgrounds, parking areas, and lodging facilities were affected by the water.

But rangers said they expected the flood to recede soon.

"We'd be really surprised if it lasts more than 24 hours, but no one can ever predict Mother Nature," said Adrienne Freeman, a ranger with the park.

Lower Yosemite Fall is seen on Monday, May 16, 2005. Larger than usual snowpack, warm weekend weather, and rain have all contributed to higher than usual water levels and resulting flooding. Safety concerns, including road flooding and possible infrastructure damage, have prompted Yosemite National Park officials to close Yosemite Valley temporarily to traffic. Yosemite National Park Media Relations Office photo

All campgrounds in the East Valley were also closed Monday.

Other parts of the park remained open, including the Wawona area and areas accessible through Highway 120 West including Big Oak Flat and the Merced and Tuolomne Groves of Giant Sequoias.

Highway 120 East and Glacier Point road were also closed because of snow, as they usually are until Memorial Day.