Yosemite National Park staff continues to search today for Esmin Garmendia-Barrios. Garmendia is described as 22 years old, a native Honduran, who is 5’8" tall. Mr. Garmendia speaks Spanish and broken English. He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a blue t-shirt, and black shoes.

Continued:Approximately 100 searchers from Yosemite National Park and Mono, Tuolumne, Marin, Santa Clara, and Sierra Madre Counties, including dog teams and aerial spotters, are participating in the search.

Anyone in the area ONLY of Sentinel Dome, Washburn Point, or Glacier Point after 2pm on 6/8/08 or on the Illilouette, Panorama, or Pohono Trails is asked to please call Yosemite National Park at 209/372-0311 whether they saw Mr. Garmendia or not. Any information, even from those who did not see him, will help park staff focus the search area. Media calls should be directed to Public Information Officer Adrienne Freeman at 209/372-0480.

The National Park Service is currently conducting a prescribed fire in the Foresta area in Yosemite National Park. The proposed total burn area is about 75 acres.
Foresta Area Prescribed Update #1 - June 9, 2008

Granite Frontiers
The Yosemite Climbing Association is hosting its second exhibit in the valley museum. Over the last six months we have been working very hard in conjunction with Park Service to put together this show, which focuses on the last 140 years of Yosemite's climbing history. Through much support from The Yosemite Fund and Royal Robbins, Inc. we have been able to achieve success in putting this project together.It's been a long road with many bumps and detours but we've come out with much to show for it and we hope you can all share this with us. So, please come ready to learn learn a little history and share in the celebration!The exhibit is open 10-Noon and 1-4 from June 7th - October 27th in the Yosemite Valley Museum Gallery

Tuesday 6-10-08

Fire Update: Yosemite fire staff burned approximately 36 acres adjacent to Foresta between June 5 and June 8, 2008. Changing weather conditions and heavy fuels close to the community limited progress over the weekend. However, fire managers hope to continue the burn this week, conditions permitting. Smoke was also observed near the Alder Creek Trail from the Wawona NW Prescribed Burn. This prescribed burn was completed in April, but some logs continue to smolder in the interior of the burn. Fire staff are continuing to monitor the area Friday.

The Yosemite Scholarship Commission is pleased to announce the recipients of three scholarships sponsored by the Yosemite Employees Association (YEA), the Yosemite Rotary Club, the Yosemite Lions Club and the Yosemite Winter Club for the academic year 2008-2009.

Haley Ballerini will receive a $2,000 scholarship. She will be attending Brown University. She is the daughter of Lynda Ballerini of El Portal and Ken Yager of El Portal.

 Rebecca Castro will receive a $2,000 scholarship. She will be attending Stanford University. She is the daughter of Butchand Colleen Castro of Groveland.

Micole McCarthy will receive a $1,000 community college scholarship. She will be attending South Puget Sound College. She is the daughter of Darlece Cleveland and Steve Shewchuck of El Portal.

Congratulations from the Yosemite, El Portal and Mariposa communities.

Foresta Area Prescribed Fire Notification - June 5, 2008 - Ignition should occur today.
The National Park Service plans to conduct a prescribed fire in the Foresta area in Yosemite National Park from June 4, 2008 through June 6, 2008, weather and air quality conditions permitting.
Foresta Area Prescribed Fire Notification - June 4, 2008

Yosemite's Division of Planning is pleased to announce the summer public events listed below highlighting the Tuolumne River and Tuolumne planning process.
TUOLUMNE RIVER PLAN NEWS
 

The Yosemite Scholarship Commission is pleased to announce the recipients of three scholarships sponsored by the Yosemite Employees Association (YEA), the Yosemite Rotary Club, the Yosemite Lions Club and the Yosemite Winter Club for the academic year 2008-2009.

Haley Ballerini will receive a $2,000 scholarship. She will be attending Brown University. She is the daughter of Lynda Ballerini of El Portal and Ken Yager of El Portal.

Rebecca Castro will receive a $2,000 scholarship. She will be attending Stanford University. She is the daughter of Butchand Colleen Castro of Groveland.

Micole McCarthy will receive a $1,000 community college scholarship. She will be attending South Puget Sound College. She is the daughter of Darlece Cleveland and Steve Shewchuck of El Portal.

Congratulations from the Yosemite, El Portal and Mariposa communities.

Thursday 6-05-08

Invasive plants are one of the greatest threats to the integrity of National Park Service lands. Non-native plants invade an estimated 4,600 acres of federal land in the United States every day...
 Yosemite National Park Announces the Public Comment Period for the Invasive Plant Management Plan Environmental Assessment

National Parks America Tour
On Saturday, June 7th, Yosemite National Park is hosting the National Parks America Tour at Yellow Pine Campground. The event will begin at 8:00 am and end around noon. This year more than 20 National Parks across the country will be hosting the Tour. During the past ten years, over 70,000 volunteers have contributed more than 280,000 hours of community service nationwide. This will be Yosemite’s second year hosting the tour, which is designed to engage employees and citizens of all ages in volunteer “service-to-the-land” projects to help protect and preserve America’s National Parks. All park employees and family members are encouraged to participate.

Tuesday 6-03-08

Climbing Exhibit in the Yosemite Museum
June 7 - October 27, 2008
Yosemite Climbing Association

JUNE 7 The Yosemite Fund is coordinating National Trails Day (NTD) in Yosemite to celebrate the over 800 miles of trails in the park and the opportunities they afford park visitors for adventure, challenge, solitude and exercise to increase awareness of the role of trail crews, wilderness rangers and support staff who maintain the trails and protect the resource, and to celebrate the completion of the Campaign for Trails which has raised over $13.5 million dollars to support trail work in Yosemite. Park Partners will combine to host a day and a half of activities for residents and visitors to honor the park’s trails. NTD is part of a nation-wide celebration. The American Hiking Society has coordinated National Trails Day since 1993. For National Trails Day 2007, more than 1,100 hosts registered their events with American Hiking Society.  There will also be a mini-mall event on Saturday, June 7 in front of the Visitor Center with YOSAR, the YF, YMS and NPS Wilderness.


Reconstruct El Portal Road at the “narrows”

AUTHOR SIGNING. On Wednesday, June 4th, from 10:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., the Yosemite Association Valley Visitor Center Bookstore will host award winning author Mike Graf signing copies of his best selling young adult book: “HARROWING ASCENT OF HALF DOME”. This book is the third in a series featuring the Parker twins as they embark on adventures in our National Parks. Each book is filled with adventure, drama, humor and outdoor education: a kind of Hardy Boys adventures for a new generation. With language suitable for all ages, this series is particularly popular with middle school students, and families wishing to kindle a love of nature and the outdoors in today’s youth. The book sells for only $9.95 and is a perfect gift. Come meet Mike, who you may recognize as a former TV weatherman, and get your signed copy of this wonderful book. Yosemite Association members, as always, will receive a 15% discount on their purchase. Visit Mike’s website to learn more about him and his work: http://www.author-illustrsource.com/mikegraf.htm
 

Two bears were hit by vehicles this week, one died from its injuries. Please obey speed limits and be aware of wildlife on the sides of the roads when driving in Yosemite. The Pines campgrounds and concession areas, such as Housekeeping and Curry Village, had an increase in bear activity this week. A sow has been taking her cubs into developed areas and getting food out of lockers that are not properly latched. If you are planning on camping in Yosemite, make sure you know how your locker operates and latch it properly every time you open and close it.

YOSEMITE IS OUR BACKYARD - 2008 Once again, Yosemite Institute is offering an outdoor education program just for local children. The groups will be separated by age, 7-9 and 10-12 year-olds, depending on enrollment. Day hikes will begin each day at 8:45 a.m. and end at 4:00 p.m. plus, again this year, on Thursday a cookout and campfire at Crane Flat for the 7-9 year olds and an overnight at the Historic Merced Grove Ranger Cabin for the 10-12 year olds!
DATES: JUNE 9-13, 2008
COST: $150.00 To keep the cost of the program as low as we can, one volunteer parent chaperone is needed for each hiking group each day, plus one for the 10 – 12 year-olds going on the overnight to the Merced Grove Ranger Cabin. There is no cost for chaperones. Adults who chaperone all week can bring one child at no cost. Adults who can chaperone 2-3 days can bring one child at 1/2 price. FOR MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION FORMS, PICK UP AN ENROLLMENT PACKET AT YOUR LOCAL SCHOOL OFFICE, AT YOSEMITE INSTITUTE, CALL YI - 379-9511 OR EMAIL - yi@yni.org.
 

Tuesday 5-20-08

Finally, the cables on Half Dome are up for the season. The cables allow visitors an opportunity to climb to the top of Half Dome and view the park from an elevation of 8,842 feet above sea level.

Yarts Sunmmer Schedule
(.PDF File)
Highway 140 - Summer Schedule, Fares & Rider Info
And MERCED, CA: Ride YARTS and See Yosemite Differently!


Tioga Road to Open in Yosemite National Park Visitors urged to take safety precautions for upcoming Memorial Day Weekend Yosemite National Park Superintendent Mike Tollefson announced today that the Tioga Road will open for the season on Wednesday, May 21 at 8:00 a.m. for all vehicle traffic. The Tioga Road, bounded on both sides by State Highway 120, is the popular east-west crossing of the Sierra Nevada. There will be no commercial services available along the road. Additionally, the Tuolumne Meadows Campground, other campgrounds along the corridor, and the Visitor Center will not be open. However, there will be restrooms available on the road. All visitor services, including the campgrounds, store, gas station, etc. will open over the next several weeks.

 Visitors who are planning to visit Yosemite National Park over the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend are urged to take extra safety precautions, especially along the Merced River. With the current warm weather and accelerated snowmelt, the river is running fast and cold. People should take extreme caution along the river and watch children at all times. The park is expecting a very busy weekend. People should plan on arriving in the park as early in the day as possible. People visiting Yosemite Valley are urged to take the free Yosemite Shuttle Bus to explore the sites and hike on the trails. If people can not arrive early, they should wait until late afternoon to enter the park as park entrances can become congested, especially mid-day.

There are a limited number of first-come, first-served campsites available in the park. However, those are expected to fill up as the weekend approaches. There are many opportunities for hiking and overnight accommodations in the gateway communities surrounding Yosemite National Park.

Finally, the cables on Half Dome are up for the season. The cables allow visitors an opportunity to climb to the top of Half Dome and view the park from an elevation of 8,842 feet above sea level.

Yarts Sunmmer Schedule
(.PDF File)
Highway 140 - Summer Schedule, Fares & Rider Info
And MERCED, CA: Ride YARTS and See Yosemite Differently!

Tioga Road Update: The road remains opened from Crane Flat to Yosemite Creek for public access. Bicycle use is now permitted all of the way from Crane Flat to Tioga Pass. Drivers should expect bicyclists throughout the corridor. Use Caution. All traffic on the Tioga Road needs to use extreme caution as a variety of maintenance functions are continuing in the corridor including hazard tree work and ongoing road work.

Friday 5-16-08

Nine Yosemite rangers received Valor Awards from Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne at the 65th Annual Honor Awards Convocation in Washington DC on May 13, 2008.
 Yosemite National Park Rangers Honored With Valor Awards from the Department of the Interior

Thursday 5-15-08

DNC plans to start offering the half day stables ride from Yosemite Valley to Clark's Point on Thursday, May 15 and will open the Wawona Stables operation for the season on Friday, May 16.

National Be Bear Aware and Wildlife Stewardship Month:
Did you know?
Black bears have what is called embryonic delay or delayed implantation. Mating occurs in the summer, but actual implantation of the embryo in the uterus does not occur until the female has acquired enough body fat in fall to ensure she can survive hibernation and suckle cubs.

Friday 5-09-08

Royal Fire - 1/2 acre fire at cliff above Royal Arches, rocks and trees - human caused: Grey smoke visible from Valley detected 5/7/08 approximately 3:00pm Helo 551 reconned and will insert firefighters this morning.

Tioga Road opening operations continued Wednesday, 5/07/08 Tioga Road progress for May7, 2008: Ending Location: Tioga Pass Entrance Station. Approximately 46 miles from Crane Flat Gate. Average Snow Depth: 6 Feet 8 '- 9' in the parking lot at the pass. Snow removal operations continue including widening, utility roads and spur roads. Four avalanche zones remain.

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

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.

The Glacier Point Road is open to the public. The Glacier Point Gift Shop opened on Friday, May 2. The trailhead parking areas have been cleared but all trails along the Glacier Point Road still have a lot of snow on them. As a reminder, the speed limit on the Glacier Point Road is 35 mph. Bears and other wildlife are becoming more active. Please drive carefully

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.

The new Merced River Plan public planning workshop scheduled for Saturday, May 10, 2008, from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm in Yosemite Valley, has been POSTPONED. Park management continues to consult with the National Park Service Pacific West Regional Director, Interior Department attorneys, and the Department of Justice on the implications of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling on the 2005 Revised Merced River Plan. In order to honor the time, energy, and costs borne by participants, park management wants to have clear direction on the scope, process, and substance of the next version of the plan before convening another workshop. The park is working hard to stay on schedule and will have more information to the public soon.Please check our web site for updates: http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/
newmrp.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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

Badger Pass scheduled to Open December 14, 2007 (Snow and weather conditions permitting)  :)
Read the: Badger Pass Ski Report  Located In Yosemite National Park, Daily Updated Ski Reports Brought To You By The Sierra Sun Times

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.