Re: Hydrologic outlook

Flooding projected for the weekend; park closure possible

Yosemite National Park is making preparations for visitor and employee safety in response to weather reports predicting significant precipitation, and possible flooding, over the next several days and through the weekend. The predictions for significant rainfall in Yosemite Valley, well above flood stage on the Merced River, could prompt the park to be closed in the next few days. People planning trips to the park, beginning tomorrow, Thursday January 5, 2017, should make alternate plans if the park does close.

The park experienced a significant flood event in January 1997, which caused extensive damage to park roads, campgrounds, lodging, and utilities. The park was closed until March 1997 due to extensive damage to the park’s infrastructure. During the closure, there was no running water and electricity was intermittent. Since the 1997 flood, the park has made significant improvements to park roads and facilities.

Yosemite National Park officials continue to monitor the weather forecast and will make decisions in the next day or two based on the forecast, and the ability of the park to safely accommodate visitors and employees.

For updated 24-hour road and weather conditions for Yosemite National Park, please call 209-372-0200 and press 1. Updated information is also available on the park’s website at http://www.nps.gov/yose

Caz089>094-096-097-051215-

Hydrologic outlook
National weather service hanford ca
407 pm pst wed jan 4 2017

...Substantial rainfall and a threat of flooding expected through
Monday...

Two pacific storms with abundant tropical moisture will impact
The central california interior with periods of moderate to heavy
Rain. The first system will continue to affect the area through
Thursday. A brief dry period is expected on friday before a wetter
Second storm moves in on saturday. The combined rainfall from
These two storm systems could bring flooding in areas of poor
Drainage in the san joaquin valley and flash flooding in the sierra
Nevada and foothills.

The tropical nature of the next weather system will provide high
Snow levels...Or above 8000 feet...Resulting in additional runoff
From snow melt. Rain totals expected with the more significant
Weekend weather system will range from 0.5 to 2.5 inches in the
San joaquin valley...In the sierra foothills 2 to 7 inches...And
In the sierra nevada 5 to 15 inches.

Due to the amount of rainfall expected...The forecast for the
Merced river at pohono bridge shows a significant river level rise
On sunday...River is expected to rise above flood stage sunday
Morning...And to a significantly high level sunday afternoon. This
Will likely cause flooding around yosemite park and locations
Downstream. Other smaller creeks and streams could see rapid rises
And flooding. In the san joaquin valley...Urbanized street
Flooding will be possible...Including in areas affected by poor
Drainage due to leaves and other debris.

Property owners should take steps to clear leaf debris from their
Property before the storm arrives. Stay tuned to our website
Weather.Gov/hanford and you can follow us on facebook at us
National weather service hanford california or on twitter at
Nwshanford or your local media station for the latest on this
Approaching storm...Including river and stream predictions and any
Possible watches and warnings for your community.

Impacts...Street and highway flooding and flooding in urban areas
And other poor drainage locations that are normally flood prone.

Stay tuned to noaa weather radio or your favorite media source
For updates on this wet and stormy weather pattern. Updates to
The nws forecast will be posted on our website at http://weather.gov/hanford


$$

This is shaping up to look just like Jan 1997. A lot of early snow followed by a very warm, very wet storm:

Merced River at Pohono Bridge

The latest I've heard is that they are scaling back the prediction. They, I assume the NPS and some weatherperson, are predicting 15 feet. That's still a significant amount of water and will cause some flooding.