Posted by Lon Overacker on March 21, 2011 at 1:31 PM
I imagine there are many of you that monitor the Yosemite web cams, especially during winter storms like we're having now. It is spring isn't it?
Check out the Sentinel Dome cam. I've never seen so much snow from this view. The snow has completely obscured the view it's piled so high. And it appears that these recent storms have knocked out the other two web cams.
Wonderin' what the valley looks like at this moment and wishing I was there!
I am wishing I was there too. Conditions must be epic.
Posted by Lon Overacker on March 21, 2011 at 3:49 PM
Kartik,
I'm afraid those "lush" conditions will be more like FLOOD STAGE, closed campgrounds and roads.
Yikes. Two years ago we got moved out (ok, mildly evacuated) from the lower campground. I can see the Merced getting very full again this year.
03/22--Update on Yosemite Conditions, from Sonora local news...
Sonora, CA -- All roads leading into Yosemite National Park remain closed this morning due to downed trees and power lines.
Yosemite Valley received well over three feet of snow over the weekend, and power remains out all throughout the park. Hundreds of visitors were evacuated from the park yesterday. The roads closed into Yosemite include Highway 120, Highway 140 and Highway 41. Park officials report that it is currently unknown when the park will reopen.
The Associated Press reports that the park will be without electricity for three to six days. A rock slide broke an integral transmission pole that serves Yosemite and El Portal. PG&E must fly in a replacement pole by helicopter since snow is blocking vehicle access to the location.
If the roads are open, I will try to get to Yosemite for a couple days this coming week. Missed any snow at all on my last attempt 2 months ago - now I have another chance. Roads may be closed again after the next storm that is coming in Monday, though..
Sandy, I just took a look at the NWS Spot Forecast for Yosemite Valley for tomorrow night (3/27) thru Friday...
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. Southwest wind between 11 and 14 mph becoming light. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 46. North northwest wind between 5 and 9 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 30. Calm wind becoming northeast between 7 and 10 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 54.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 34.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 60.
Wednesday Night: Clear, with a low around 35.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 64.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 38.
In my view, the best way to catch Yosemite in all it's winter glory is to be there while it's happening. Or, be able to react at a moments notice. It is tricky in the valley, as the temps usually are just on the edge of being too warm. This results in a rapid melt off of the snow hanging on the tree limbs. So if you are not there, it can be gone in a couple of hours, once the snow stops. On the other hand, a nice clear blue sky, with some puffy white clouds is a wonderful accent to the granite walls and rock formations with snow still stuck to them. It's beautiful either way. Hope you get over there with some nice conditions.
All roads into Yosemite National Park are open, pending weather and safety along the roadways. This includes park entrances via Highways 120, 140, and 41. All park services are fully operating at this time except for the Yosemite Valley campgrounds, which will open back up to the public on Monday, March 28th.
Chis - I know! I used to be able to "react at a moment's notice" and take off..
no longer, though. With an ill mother who is my responsibility, my time is no longer my own. If she is ok, I can take off for a few days..if not, no way. So far, not looking so good for the next few days - then I suppose the warm weather will have melted things.
Sandy
Discussion
15 repliesCheck out the Sentinel Dome cam. I've never seen so much snow from this view. The snow has completely obscured the view it's piled so high. And it appears that these recent storms have knocked out the other two web cams.
Wonderin' what the valley looks like at this moment and wishing I was there!
Lon
I'm afraid those "lush" conditions will be more like FLOOD STAGE, closed campgrounds and roads.
Yikes. Two years ago we got moved out (ok, mildly evacuated) from the lower campground. I can see the Merced getting very full again this year.
Lon
If we get a really warm storm with rain on the snowpack, it will be a very bad deal in Yosemite and elsewhere.
Fun in the California sun!
--P
Sonora, CA -- All roads leading into Yosemite National Park remain closed this morning due to downed trees and power lines.
Yosemite Valley received well over three feet of snow over the weekend, and power remains out all throughout the park. Hundreds of visitors were evacuated from the park yesterday. The roads closed into Yosemite include Highway 120, Highway 140 and Highway 41. Park officials report that it is currently unknown when the park will reopen.
The Associated Press reports that the park will be without electricity for three to six days. A rock slide broke an integral transmission pole that serves Yosemite and El Portal. PG&E must fly in a replacement pole by helicopter since snow is blocking vehicle access to the location.
--P
I think it will be a late spring, indeed, Michael!
I'll bet that Yosemite Valley is experiencing the near silence that existed before humans came along to disrupt it. That would be magical!
New snow accumulations in the valley are expected to be about 3 feet between now and Friday morning. The park is still closed at this hour.
--P
Sandy
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. Southwest wind between 11 and 14 mph becoming light. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 46. North northwest wind between 5 and 9 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 30. Calm wind becoming northeast between 7 and 10 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 54.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 34.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 60.
Wednesday Night: Clear, with a low around 35.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 64.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 38.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 63.
I hope you have a chance to get over that way!
--P
Chris
All roads into Yosemite National Park are open, pending weather and safety along the roadways. This includes park entrances via Highways 120, 140, and 41. All park services are fully operating at this time except for the Yosemite Valley campgrounds, which will open back up to the public on Monday, March 28th.
--P
no longer, though. With an ill mother who is my responsibility, my time is no longer my own. If she is ok, I can take off for a few days..if not, no way. So far, not looking so good for the next few days - then I suppose the warm weather will have melted things.
Sandy