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Thread: Where/when to go in Yosemite in February?

  1. #11
    Drew Wiley
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    Re: Where/when to go in Yosemite in February?

    First serious precipitation of the season is on its way this week. And it's a relatively
    cold storm. Don't know how far south it will reach, but will probably affect quite a
    bit of the Sierra.

  2. #12
    Vaughn's Avatar
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    Re: Where/when to go in Yosemite in February?

    About time! I was looking down at the South Fork Eel River the day before Xmas -- saw a bald eagle sitting on a limb and very nervous salmon swimming in a pool of low clear water below it! We are about to lose the year's run

  3. #13

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    Re: Where/when to go in Yosemite in February?

    Theres supposed to be weather coming in Thursday night. Both Shaver and Bass Lakes are drained right now, We need snow pack or grocery prices will skyrocket and there will be a lot of people around here out of work & even more failing businesses. We need snow four ponys deep!
    "I would feel more optimistic about a bright future for man if he spent less time proving that he can outwit Nature and more time tasting her sweetness and respecting her seniority"---EB White

  4. #14

    Re: Where/when to go in Yosemite in February?

    Well, NPS issued a release earlier today stating Tioga Road would close tonight (Tuesday) at 7 pm in advance of the system.

    Glacier Point Road would remain open unless conditions deteriorate.

    They also didn't rule out reopening the roads if the dry conditions resume.

    Keep 'er fingers crossed.

  5. #15
    Preston Birdwell
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    Re: Where/when to go in Yosemite in February?

    Just to add to Keith's note

    From the Union Democrat, Sonora, today...

    All three major mountain passes in the Mother Lode will be closed by noon today as mountain drivers brace for the first snow storm of 2012.
    Caltrans will close the Sonora Pass on Highway 108 in Tuolumne County and Ebbetts Pass on Highway 4 in Alpine County at noon today.
    Tioga Pass, which runs through Yosemite National Park, closed at 7 p.m. Tuesday according to park officials.
    Authorities chose to close the roads as a preemptive measure to protect drivers and road crews during snowy conditions. The storm is expected to roll over the foothills starting this afternoon and continue into Sunday night, and bring snow to higher elevations.


    I hope it snows at least as much as John's 'four ponys deep'! Bring it on!

    --P
    Preston-Columbia CA

    "If you want nice fresh oats, you have to pay a fair price. If you can be satisfied with oats that have already been through the horse; that comes a little cheaper."

  6. #16
    Drew Wiley
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    Re: Where/when to go in Yosemite in February?

    Someone sent me shots of Shaver drained. Bass Lake depends on being full for the
    sake of water skiers and other tourists, but otherwise just runs one antique PG&E
    turbine down the hill. More spooky was seeing some of the reserviors further south
    dry in autumn after record snowfall and runoff. I figure it was a ploy to get everyone
    their water allotment and shut them up politically; but they're sure going to pay hell
    this coming year! Our urban water up here doesn't compete with agriculture, so the
    reserviors were filled to the top last year, with the exception of one getting a seismic
    makeover. Be interesting to see if we swing back into the ole wet season/dry season
    mode for awhile, rather than the wacky stuff of the last few years. The main Spring
    snow season is just beginning, but then again, it could largely fizzle. Sure makes it
    hard to plan summer backpacks at this stage of the game. But I'm more optimistic about that than some of my friends who already paid for season ski tickets.

  7. #17

    Re: Where/when to go in Yosemite in February?

    Sigh... Looking at the webcams today hasn't been uplifting...

    We got hammered here in Boise between 8 and 11 in the morning with six inches of white stuff yesterday before it shifted to rain. Still raining today. I was hoping it would make it down that way. Would love to push the system south a bit.

    I haven't seen this weather pattern since the mid 80s when Mono Winds were a common occurrence.

  8. #18
    Vaughn's Avatar
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    Re: Where/when to go in Yosemite in February?

    The rains are here in Humboldt County and we have two rivers getting to, or at flood stage (well, the Smith is in Del Norte County). The ground was very dry so it is not soaking up the water very fast. Looks like rain is due in Yosemite.

  9. #19
    Drew Wiley
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    Re: Where/when to go in Yosemite in February?

    My gosh, Keith, the term Mono Wind sure does conjure up childhood memories. Sadly,
    that's now the name of a casino started by a family friend and catering to tour buses
    of old folks. I grew up with the Mono or Monache. An old cross country track pal of mine has started a little school in North Fork to keep the local dialect and traditions alive.

  10. #20

    Re: Where/when to go in Yosemite in February?

    Looks like you're right Vaughn. Just checked the webcams again and the views from Sentinel and Turtleback look promising. The cloud layer is dropping, and that, at least usually means rain.

    Drew-always enjoy the historical perspectives you present... I think the winds were the most unnerving of the natural forces I experienced in my years in the park. Except maybe the flood of 1997. I thrilled at being in a place where the natural forces were unchecked for the most part anyway, but when Ma Nature really decides to show off, it gets your attention.

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