Flood Warning

FLOOD STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY - HANFORD CA
918 AM PDT Wed Jun 21 2017


...The Flood Warning remains in effect for the Merced River at
Pohono Bridge...

.Above average temperatures will continue to cause increased
snow melt that will continue to produce rises on the Merced
River this week.

Forecasts are based on present and forecasted meteorological and
hydrologic conditions at time of issuance.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Unlisted forecast points are expected to remain below monitor stage.
All those affected by river conditions should remain alert for rapid
changes and for possible forecast revisions.

For more hydrologic information and stage definitions refer to the
following web site:http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/hnx/hydro.php

The next statement will be issued [Add day and time here].

&&

CAC043-221818-
/O.EXT.KHNX.FL.W.0014.000000T0000Z-170623T0800Z/
/POHC1.1.ER.170619T0722Z.170621T1245Z.170622T1400Z.NO/
918 AM PDT Wed Jun 21 2017

The Flood Warning continues for
the Merced River at Pohono Bridge.
* At 9:00 AM Wednesday the stage was 10.0 feet
* Minor Flooding is occurring Minor flooding is forecast.
* Forecast to recede to near 9.0 FT this evening then expected to
rise above flood stage of 10.0 FT after midnight tomorrow then
forecast to rise to near 10.0 FT early tomorrow then forecast to
fluctuate near 10.0 FT thru tomorrow late morning.
* Flood Stage 10.0 ft
* IMPACT...Near 10.0 feet, 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.
* IMPACT...Near 9.5 feet, Portion of Lower Pines Campground becomes
flooded. Limited site-specific evacuations begin at Housekeeping
Camp located along the south-facing bank of the Merced River.
(Upstream from Sentinel Bridge and downstream from Stoneman Bridge)
* IMPACT...Near 9.0 feet, Chapel Meadow (south side of river) and
Cooks Meadow (north side of river) begins to experience overflow.
* IMPACT...Near 6.5 feet, River is closed to rafters and flotation.

&&

LAT...LON 3776 11975 3782 11956 3769 11952 3761 11968


$$

Andersen

HYDROLOGIC OUTLOOK
CAZ089>097-230000-

HYDROLOGIC OUTLOOK
National Weather Service HANFORD CA
620 PM PDT Wed Jun 21 2017

...FAST FLOWING COLD WATER IN AREA RIVERS AND STREAMS IS
DEADLY RIGHT NOW...

With record breaking heat across the Central California
Interior...area rivers, lakes and streams are at very high
levels due to the extensive winter snow pack melting at a very
fast rate.

As we enter the summer recreation season, the National Weather
Service would like to remind people of the hidden dangers of the
cold snow melt waters feeding Central California waterways.

Area rivers, streams and reservoirs are directly fed from the
melting snowpack on the Sierra Nevada. Even though a stream or
river looks cool and inviting, the water is actually very cold
ranging from 45 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Outdoor enthusiasts are
advised to use extreme caution near rivers, streams and lakes. If
possible please avoid these areas all together.

If you are planning to travel to area rivers and streams,
remember that the fast flowing and very cold water is a deadly
combination. Although afternoon temperatures are expected to be
100 to 110, water temperatures are in the upper 40`s to lower
50`s. Up to fifteen minutes exposure to water this cold could lead
to hypothermia, and the fast flow of the river can easily carry a
rafter or swimmer quickly downstream...which can and has led to
drownings.

Hypothermia is a sudden loss of body temperature that can be
fatal. Warning signs include uncontrolled shivering, slurred
speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. Even strong swimmers
can tire quickly in the cold water. When you add a strong current
and underwater debris, such as rocks, limbs and sharp objects,
drowning becomes more likely.

River fluctuations can and will occur without notice. River
levels can change very quickly depending on upstream dam releases
and debris in the rivers and streams, creating partial blocking
of the water flow. If you are only near the edge of the river or
stream, you could slip and fall. Don`t turn your back on the
river or stream.

Central California rivers and streams are Swift! Cold! and
Dangerous! Many people have already lost their lives across the
Central California Interior due to drowning in area rivers and
streams. Please have life vests handy and keep a close eye on
children and pets near the rivers edge.

Stay tuned to our Facebook page at US National Weather Service
Hanford or on our Twitter page @NWSHanford. Use
#SwiftColdDangerous to follow on twitter feeds.

Be Safe, not a Statistic!!

$$