Yosemite National Park partially reopened Sunday after a blizzard that brought up to 45 inches of snow in some areas and strong winds that downed trees.
The park reopened around noon, and officials urged visitors to certain campgrounds: “Be prepared for winter camping (bring a shovel!).” Weather officials say the likelihood of another shutdown next week is low.
Although officials expected 6 to 12 inches of snow could fall in Yosemite Valley, the most popular part of Yosemite National Park, the total turned out to be double that, about 25 inches, according to the National Weather Service office in Hanford. .
Typically, with some of the more common storms moving through the area, Yosemite sees between 6 inches and, on the high end, 18 inches of snow, according to Hanford office meteorologist Carlos Molina.
“This was actually more like two to almost four times what would normally occur with a more normal storm,” Molina said.
Towards the park entrance, 33 inches of snow fell, the meteorologist said. Towards the east entrance, Tuolumne Meadows received 45 inches of snow.
But the park closure, Molina said, had more to do with strong winds than heavy snowfall. Winds blew between 50 and 60 mph during the storm and visibility “was maybe 10 to 100 feet.”
“A 50 to 60 mile per hour wind was strong enough to blow down some of the dead trees that Yosemite has right now,” Molina said. “He stayed away from the public because, as the storm progressed…they didn't want anyone in the park to get hurt.”
Although weather officials expect clearer conditions on Monday, they also anticipate more precipitation on Tuesday.
An additional 3 to 6 inches of snow is expected that day.
“It will be the most typical, most normal storm that will pass through Yosemite,” Molina said. “Definitely less than what this storm produced.”
Another storm is forecast to hit California closer to Wednesday, Molina said, but that one could hit Southern California more than the northern or central parts of the state.
Clear conditions are expected for Thursday and Friday. Molina said the likelihood of the park closing again “is very low.”
The Ahwahnee posted on Facebook Sunday that the park's partial reopening included the historic hotel and “all lodging, restaurants and business establishments throughout Yosemite Valley.”
Hotel officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Yosemite visitors should enter the park via Highway 41/Wawona Road and Highway 140/El Portal Road. Officials said to expect snowy conditions.
Depending on weather conditions, Big Oak Flat Road, Badger Pass Road and ski area, and Hetch Hetchy Road will reopen at noon Monday, Yosemite National Park posted on Facebook, along with the Hodgdon Meadow Campground.
