The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for the Merced River at Pohono Bridge, affecting the Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park.
The Flood Warning will remain in effect until further notice.
The warm temperatures are melting the high mountain snowpack and increasing the river flows. Minor flooding is occurring.
Flood stage is 10.0 feet. At 9 PM last night (Thursday), the stage was 10.35 feet. The river crested earlier this morning at around 11.1 feet. This crest compares to a previous crest of 10.7 feet on 06/05/1995. The river is expected to continue rising to a crest of 11.1 feet late tonight.
At 10.0 feet, the western portion of North Pines Campground, located at the east end of Yosemite Valley between the confluence of the Merced River and Tenaya Creek, begins to flood. Water rises to the base of the swinging bridge downstream from Chapel Meadow.
Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding. The next statement will be issued this morning by 9:45 AM.
Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding. Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks. The next statement will be issued Friday morning at 930 AM PDT.
This post was last modified on 05/15/2023 5:48 am
Written by Mark Truppner.
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