Yosemite National Park Closure Due to Severe Winter Storm

Yosemite National Park has been closed following a severe winter storm that has left the area heavily blanketed in snow, caused trees to fall onto roads and buildings, and heightened avalanche risks, according to park officials.

The park announced, “Yosemite National Park will be closed until Friday due to heavy snow and fallen trees,” in a notice shared on February 19.

This closure affects the entire 750,000 acres of the park.

Park Superintendent Raymond McPadden had previously cautioned about “significant snow accumulation,” widespread road closures, “ongoing tree and branch damage,” along with “potential for avalanches,” based on a safety notice.

Yosemite Valley is already feeling the storm’s impact.

On Thursday morning, a tree fell on a dormitory that houses Yosemite Hospitality employees while they were asleep, as reported by SF Gate. Evacuations occurred for the affected building and another dormitory, but fortunately, no injuries were reported.

As a precautionary measure, Yosemite Hospitality took down soft-sided tents and cabins at the campground and Curry Village ahead of the storm. Employees who typically reside in tents were relocated to pavilions, where they stayed overnight on cots and mattresses.

A spokesperson for Yosemite Hospitality, Cristo Colom, indicated in a February 17 email that an “overnight shelter has been set up for employees who have been evacuated from their tents.”

Additionally, visitors with lodging reservations may still enter through the Highway 140 (Arch Rock) entrance. However, movement within the park is restricted to essential activities, like obtaining food and water, seeking medical help, or returning home.

Officials mentioned that the closure will remain in effect until Friday unless further extended.