Heavy Snowpack Creating Spectacular Waterfalls in Yosemite Valley

Yosemite National Park News Release

May 2, 2006
For Immediate Release

Heavy Snowpack Creating Spectacular Waterfalls in Yosemite Valley

With the snow levels at about 185% of normal in the Central Sierra Nevada, Yosemite Valley is seeing one of the most spectacular waterfall seasons in recent years. Yosemite Falls is booming high above Yosemite Valley and Bridalveil Fall is flowing at levels many Yosemite visitors have never seen.

"The recent warm weather and runoff is creating a spectacular display of Yosemite's waterfalls. The meadows are turning green and this is a great time to visit the park," stated Park Superintendent Mike Tollefson.

The loop trail at Lower Yosemite Falls affords park visitors the chance to see and experience the waterfall at full force. Visitors should be aware that they will get wet. However, it is truly invigorating and an opportunity to feel the tallest waterfall in North America. Tenaya Creek, in eastern Yosemite Valley, is also flowing rapidly yet the reflections of Mt. Watkins and Half Dome in Mirror Lake are truly inspiring and well worth the one mile walk from the shuttle bus stop.

All other visitor activities in Yosemite Valley such as bike rentals and Valley Floor Tours are open for the season. The restaurants and retail shops in the Valley are open as well. The Yosemite Visitor Center is open daily and there is a full range of interpretive programs available daily for park visitors.

Highway 140 into the park remains closed between the town of Mariposa and the park entrance. Caltrans continues to assess the road and will clear the road and open it as soon as it is safe. However, visitors can still enter the park via the south on Hwy. 41 and the west on Hwy. 120. All facilities in Yosemite Valley remain open.

-NPS-