Wintry mix spreads across Minnesota

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Yosemite National Park will be closed from Friday to at least May 3 after melting snow is expected to cause flooding in the area, 

The National Weather Service predicts temperatures will increase by 5 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit this weekend, prompting melting snow to raise the water levels in the Merced River. 

This past winter, the Sierra Nevada region – which includes Yosemite Valley, Lake Tahoe and Mount Whitney – experienced snow levels 

The closure will begin Friday at 10 p.m. More flooding is possible throughout May and June, the park said. 

Visitors who booked reservations for lodging and campgrounds during a cancellation will receive a refund, and wilderness permits can be rescheduled, the park said.  

During the closure, Wawona, Crane Flat area and Hetch Hetchy will be open. Mariposa Grove will be open, but only via hike. Western Yosemite Valley will be open, but no services will be available, and parking will be limited and visitors cannot park offroad, the park said. 

"In Yosemite Valley, the closure will be at El Capitan crossover (the road that crosses the Merced River just east of El Capitan)" the park said. 


No visitors will be allowed east of that road.


Environmental News

Lifestyle

Outdoors

Ayana Archie

Author

The Sierra Nevada region where the park is located experienced snowfall at over 300% than usual this past winter. Flooding may happen into May and June, the park said. 

Yosemite National Park will be closed for days due to flooding from melting snow

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