Yosemite Valley to close Friday as melting snow causes flood risk
Most of Yosemite Valley will close to the public this Friday, through at least Wednesday of next week, because of the potential for flooding along the Merced River. The extraordinary snowpack in California’s Sierra Nevada this year is beginning to melt with the warm weather this week, swelling rivers with runoff and creating the likelihood of high water in mountain creeks and rivers, including those in Yosemite. The shutdown at the park will affect campgrounds, hotels, shops and visitor centers in the valley, the most popular part of Yosemite. Park officials warn that the closure will likely mean other parts of Yosemite see much heavier traffic. Officials say visitors should prepare for limited parking throughout the park.
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