Yosemite Prepares For Dangerous Conditions

Yosemite, CA — Yosemite National Park is experiencing high water conditions, notably Yosemite Valley.

Park officials conducted a swift water rescue drill Thursday at Happy Isles. Participants swam the river while park rangers rescued them. Park Ranger Kari Cobb reports that a high line was even assembled across the Merced River to enable the participants to practice rescuing stranded or drowned people.

The highly technical and specialized training was facilitated in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management and the Friends of Yosemite Search and Rescue (YoSAR).

The Merced River is running fast because of heavy winter snowpack, so visitors are urged to use caution this weekend around water.