Posted by Mat Malone on February 11, 2009 at 9:18 PM
I was considering making a run up to Yosemite this weekend. Probably Sunday through Monday. With all of the snow and relatively cold temperatures there should be a decent amount of white stuff on the valley floor. However it seems that it'll be pretty solid cloud cover through most of the weekend. I'm not going specifically for Horsetail Falls (i.e. pointless if it's overcast), but I'd prefer to at least have SOME direct light.
Anyone with more experience dealing with Yosemite winter weather than me want to share their opinion? Will this weekend be worth the drive up?
Thanks for any input!
Posted by Lon Overacker on February 12, 2009 at 12:18 AM
Hey Mat,
If I could go... I would. The only bad thing would be if it's raining. But from what I can tell from the forecasts, this is a COLD front moving through. From the National weather service:
"ANOTHER STORM IS EXPECTED TO MOVE INTO CENTRAL CALIFORNIA BY FRIDAY
MORNING. THIS SYSTEM IS EXPECTED TO BE STRONGER AND COLDER THAN
TODAY/S STORM. SNOW LEVELS WILL DROP TO 2500 FEET AND ADDITIONAL
ACCUMULATIONS OF 12 TO 18 INCHES OF NEW SNOW CAN BE EXPECTED ABOVE
4000 FEET FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING."
So, if you go, be prepared and bring your chains. Also, do you have an umbrella setup? I concocted a setup from some old studio lamp equipment and can mount an umbrella to the tripod. Makes it nice to be able to shoot when it's snowing.
As far as Horsetail falls goes, have you read Michael Frye's article? He's analyzed the timing of it all and if you're interested even in the slightest about this event, I recommend reading it.
Storms rolling through Yosemite ARE usually the best times to be there. Even if there's solid cloud cover, it will NOT stay that way very long and the best opportunities for dramatic clouds and light in the valley are during these conditions.
I'm assuming you have some good snow boots and if you have gators, bring them too.
Having said all that, I disavow any knowledge of this said post and will quickly deny any responsibility of your misfortunes should the weather suck.
I'll be heading up the 20th and can't wait.
Lon
Posted by Mat Malone on February 12, 2009 at 1:56 AM
Thanks for the info Lon. I haven't been up there during any real weather so it's new to me. The umbrella setup sounds like a great idea but it'll take me a while to plan and fab. Plastic bags for the win!!
Posted by Richard Wong on February 12, 2009 at 3:33 AM
I was thinking of going up there before I checked the weather report. I've been there during a snow storm it can get pretty slippery in the valley especially in the parking areas. I've also driven some really dicey conditions coming down from the 120 but made it safely. Thankfully neither time required chains because it is such a hassle. Photographically yes it is a great time to go.
Posted by Rodney Ninow on February 13, 2009 at 12:32 PM
Anytime you can go to Yosemite is worth it IMO. I have been there in all kinds of weather, and save for perhaps driving rain, you can get great shots in all of it. In my experience, you really have to be there the morning after the snow has fallen to get the best shots... before it all falls off the trees.
Discussion
5 repliesAnyone with more experience dealing with Yosemite winter weather than me want to share their opinion? Will this weekend be worth the drive up?
Thanks for any input!
If I could go... I would. The only bad thing would be if it's raining. But from what I can tell from the forecasts, this is a COLD front moving through. From the National weather service:
"ANOTHER STORM IS EXPECTED TO MOVE INTO CENTRAL CALIFORNIA BY FRIDAY
MORNING. THIS SYSTEM IS EXPECTED TO BE STRONGER AND COLDER THAN
TODAY/S STORM. SNOW LEVELS WILL DROP TO 2500 FEET AND ADDITIONAL
ACCUMULATIONS OF 12 TO 18 INCHES OF NEW SNOW CAN BE EXPECTED ABOVE
4000 FEET FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING."
So, if you go, be prepared and bring your chains. Also, do you have an umbrella setup? I concocted a setup from some old studio lamp equipment and can mount an umbrella to the tripod. Makes it nice to be able to shoot when it's snowing.
As far as Horsetail falls goes, have you read Michael Frye's article? He's analyzed the timing of it all and if you're interested even in the slightest about this event, I recommend reading it.
Storms rolling through Yosemite ARE usually the best times to be there. Even if there's solid cloud cover, it will NOT stay that way very long and the best opportunities for dramatic clouds and light in the valley are during these conditions.
I'm assuming you have some good snow boots and if you have gators, bring them too.
Having said all that, I disavow any knowledge of this said post and will quickly deny any responsibility of your misfortunes should the weather suck.
I'll be heading up the 20th and can't wait.
Lon
www.naturalimages.com
One thing about nature photography, you get what's there when you get there. Make the best of it.