If you’re headed up to the park right now to view the roaring waterfalls there’s a couple of things you should be aware of.
1) Long Lines. With Highway 140 closed the traffic that normally uses the Arch Rock Entrance is being rerouted to 120 and 41 causing longer than usual lines at the park entrances. Recent television and newspaper articles have also made more people want to head up to the park causing an increase in visitors.
The lines for entrance to the park were as long as a mile at times with a wait of up to 40 minutes during the peak hours.
How you can help:
Have your money ready ahead of time.
Save general questions for the information centers located within the park.
Be courteous while you wait. If you’re on a motorcycle wait in line patiently. Passing other vehicles on the left or right can put yourself and other motorists at risk.
2) The Merced River did reach flood stage at Pohono Bridge last night. I haven’t heard how things have been impacted yet except to say that some campsites and picnic areas were slated to be closed if the water got too high. I’ll try to post more as I find out more. If you’ve got pictures, send them my way please.
If temperatures stay high you can expect the river to stay high for several days as the snowpack melts at an increased rate.
How you can help:
If you’re camping be prepared to move if asked.
If you’re at one of the hotels be prepared to evacuate if needed.
If you encounter a flooded area NEVER go in the water. Only a few inches of swift water may sweep you off your feet and frigid water can spell hypothermia and death in just a few minutes.
Try to avoid fording streams and cross only at bridges if possible.
Technorati Tags: Sierra Nevada, travel, vacation, wilderness, yosemite