June 12, 2019 - The National Weather Service Hanford Office reports above normal temperatures and rapidly melting snow over the higher elevations of the Sierra will cause nightly water rises on the upper Merced River for the remainder of this week.

The forecast points on the river at Pohono Bridge and Happy Isles will crest near flood stage.

When the Merced River gets to a stage of 7 feet at Happy Isles, campgrounds at North Pines and Housekeeping Camp become flooded.

At the flood stage of 10 feet at Pohono Bridge, the western portion of North Pines campground located at the east end of Yosemite Valley between the confluence of the Merced River and Tenaya Creek begin to flood.

Although the river recedes during the daylight hours, the water will still carry strong currents and will be dangerously cold.
Source: NWS

Flood Stages and Impacts:

12.5	Northside Drive and Southside Drive, which are the main roads in Yosemite Valley, become flooded and are closed to traffic.
10	Western portion of North Pines Campground located at the east end of Yosemite Valley between the confluence of the Merced River and Tenaya Creek begins to flood. Water rises to the base of the swinging bridge downstream from Chapel Meadow.
9.5	Portion of Lower Pines Campground becomes flooded. Limited site-specific evacuations begin at Housekeeping Camp located along the south-facing bank of the Merced River. (Upstream from Sentinel Bridge and downstream from Stoneman Bridge)
9	Chapel Meadow (south side of river) and Cooks Meadow (north side of river) begins to experience overflow.
7	RIVER IS CLOSED TO RAFTERS AND FLOTATION.