![]() Snow bridges are melting & failing and should not be relied on.Īs the snowpack melts, suncups are starting to form, making snow travel more challenging, tiring and slower. The best option maybe to stop and turn around. Seasonal creeks and streams that are not shown on maps can be at significant flow as well. The heavy snowpack is producing high runoff which is feeding into creeks and streams. South facing and open areas are more likely to be snow free, while north facing and forested areas are more likely to hold snow.Ĭreeks and streams are at extremely high flow throughout the park. Tenaya Lake (elevation 8,150 ft) was still completely frozen over and the Sunrise Lakes Trailhead bathroom had snow over the door frame! Elevations below 7,000 ft are largely snow free, with only patches in the most protected locations, and those areas between 7,000 and 8,000 ft have varying snow coverage depending on aspect and vegetation. From the recent snow survey's, there is still over 4 feet of snow at 7,000 ft and over 8 feet of snow at 8,000 ft. There is still significant snow at elevations 7,000 ft and above, becoming mostly 100% snow coverage at 8,000 ft and above. This ranger with 20 years of experience in Yosemite has never seen this much snow at this time of year. The figures are absolutely astounding for that time of year. Both drainages were still above the April 1 average, with 122% and 118% respective averages. As an indication of how much snow still remains, the park recently conducted a rare June 1 snow survey with results showing a snowpack of 382% of June average for the Tuolumne drainage and 369% for the Merced drainage. As we approach the astronomical start of summer, snow remains in many locations. The spring has overall been cool, with only periodic warm weather, inhibiting the snowmelt. The winter of 2022-2023 is the largest recorded winter snow pack for Yosemite, with over 240% of average snowpack for the benchmark April 1 survey.
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