RIVER STATUS
The Merced River peaked at 12.68 feet overnight and was at 11.8 feet at 9 am. The South Fork Merced River peaked just under 10 feet. The latest river forecast is calling for river stage to get below 10 feet (flood stage) around 1 pm, however, this forecast doesn’t account for the effects of the El Capitan Moraine, which slows outflow from Yosemite Valley.

RESIDENTS OF YOSEMITE VALLEY, PLEASE DELAY YOUR RETURN FOR THE VALLEY
We are planning an update around noon today and are still hopeful that you can return today via the Wawona and Big Oak Flat Roads. We understand you’re frustrated and apologize for the change in plans. Call the employee hotline at 209-379-1186 for updates.

IMPACTS
El Portal Road (Hwy 140) will be closed today (possibly longer) due to a significant rockfall near Dog Rock. Caltrans reports no issues along Highway 140 (outside the park). YARTS is operating on a limited schedule, but is not providing service to Yosemite Valley today. Check their Facebook page for updates: https://www.facebook.com/rideyarts/posts/1024317877711928.

Big Oak Flat Road has had some rockfall, which should be cleaned up soon. Chains may be required later today (and the rest of the week), based on the weather forecast.

Wawona Road (Hwy 41) has no significant issues. Chains may be required later today (and the rest of the week), based on the weather forecast.

The sewer system is near capacity right now due to floodwater infiltration. This should resolve as flood waters recede. We are waiting for this to occur before allowing additional people into Yosemite Valley, since more people in the Valley will cause the sewer system to exceed its capacity. The only lift station out of service is at Housekeeping Camp. The only issue with this is that this lift station supplies backup power to other lift stations on the south side of the river. As of now, commercial power is still on in Yosemite Valley.

What is a lift station?

A lift station is a sewage pump that raises the sewage to a higher level, so as to maintain an adequate downhill gradient for flow. If all power, including backup power, to a lift station is lost, the sewage line will back up in a big way. Housekeeping Camp is at the river, so it wouldn't be surprising for it to have a lift station to connect its sewage to the main pipe up by the road.

YOSEMITE VALLEY STATUS

• Open to residents and employees, but we recommend not coming to Yosemite Valley if you don’t need to.
• Open to visitors with limited services (Valley Visitor Center, Village Store, Yosemite Valley Lodge Food Court, Valley campgrounds). Concession operations should begin operating normally on Wednesday.
• Yosemite Valley received a little snow overnight.

ROAD STATUS (CALL 209/372-0200, THEN 1, 1, TO CHECK ON STATUS)

• El Portal Road: Road crews are currently clearing debris from the road and clearing culverts. If all goes well, we plan to open late this morning. However, heavy rain is forecast beginning later this afternoon, so be prepared for the possibility that it may close again.
• Big Oak Flat Road has a rockfall near the tunnels. Expect brief delays and one-way traffic control. The rock will be cleared on Tuesday. Watch for rocks and debris elsewhere on the road. Tire chains are required.
• Wawona Road is in good shape, but watch for rocks and debris on the road. Tire chains are required.
• Hetch Hetchy Road is closed because the roadway is experiencing flooding with debris.
• Call 209/372-0200 (then 1, 1) to check on road status. Watch for crews at work on all roads.
• Visit YARTS’ website and Facebook page for updates about YARTS service: https://www.facebook.com/rideyarts. Their current plan is to operate runs 1 and 2 normally to Yosemite View Lodge, then wait there until El Portal Road opens. Run 8 (outbound from Yosemite Valley) is scheduled to leave Yosemite Valley Lodge at 10:30 am, but may be delayed depending on the status of El Portal Road. All other runs should operate normally, conditions permitting.

OTHER UPDATES

• The Village Store and Yosemite Valley Lodge Food Court will be open today from 10 am to 8 pm.
• The post office, medical clinic, and wellness center are open during normal business hours. We expect the post office to receive mail on Tuesday.
• The Yosemite Valley School and YNP Child Care Center in Yosemite Valley are open.
• The Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area and Badger Pass Road will not be open on today. Aramark will attempt to make assessments on Tuesday.
• Administrative leave for NPS employees:
• Evacuated Yosemite Valley residents: The superintendent has granted a full day of administrative leave for yesterday (Monday).
• Yosemite Valley employees who were not evacuated: The superintendent encourages supervisors to liberally and reasonably grant administrative leave for employees who were unable to work Monday.

RIVER STATUS

• The Merced River peaked at 12.68 feet overnight and was at 7 feet at 8 am. Rivers and creeks are running high and fast. Use extreme caution around any flowing water. Despite more rain in the forecast, we don’t expect additional flooding because the snow level is much lower, so rain will fall on only a small area of the park.