Yosemite National Park has been compelled to close its gates following a severe winter storm that left the renowned site blanketed in deep snow, with fallen trees obstructing roads and structures, and an increased avalanche risk looming, according to park officials.
The park announced on its website on February 19, “Yosemite National Park is closed through Friday due to heavy snowfall and falling trees.”
This closure encompasses the entirety of the park’s 750,000 acres.
Superintendent Raymond McPadden had earlier cautioned about “high snow loading,” extensive road blockages, “ongoing tree and limb failures,” and “potential avalanche conditions,” as stated in a safety notice shared with SFGate.
The storm’s impact was already evident within Yosemite Valley.
In an incident reported by SFGate, a tree fell onto a dormitory housing employees of Yosemite Hospitality while they were asleep on Thursday morning. The dormitory, along with another nearby, was subsequently evacuated to Curry Village, but fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Ahead of the storm, Yosemite Hospitality cleared out campgrounds and Curry Village’s soft-sided canvas tent cabins, according to SFGate. Employees who normally live in the tents were moved into the pavilion, where they were spending the night on cots and mattresses.
“An overnight shelter for employees displaced out of tents” was set up, Yosemite Hospitality spokesperson Christ Collom said in a Feb. 17 email reviewed by SFGate.
Visitors with lodging reserved are still allowesd to enter through the Highway 140 (Arch Rock) entrance, but travel inside the park is restricted to essential needs or emergencies — including getting food or water, seeking medical care or returning home.
Officials said the shutdown will remain in place through Friday unless extended.
