Looks like the repairs to Conness Creek Bridge are going to take longer than originally anticipated. Maybe it received additional damage this past winter? I just received the below email regarding our trip to Glen Aulin HSC. We are scheduled to arrive at the camp on August 9th.
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We look forward to your upcoming stay at Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp in Yosemite National Park.
We are contacting you to inform you that the Conness Creek Bridge, which hikers use to access Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp, received significant damage from winter floods. Though the National Park Service is working to repair the bridge, it is unlikely to be completed prior to your trip. There is an alternate way to access Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp via crossing the creek. Click
here to view a map that indicates a general area that visitors and NPS administrative staff have used safely, but be advised that you should choose a crossing you deem safe within your own abilities and capacity for risk.
Visitors should expect to wade Conness Creek, which is flowing moderately and up to 2' deep. All Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp guests must review safety information provided.
Safety recommendations for creek crossings:
•Never underestimate the danger associated with stream crossings
•Bring a spare pair of sandals or sneakers to change into. Crossing barefoot decreases traction and exposes your feet to submerged hazards such as boulders, logs, and lost fishing tackle.
•Bring a hiking pole or use a sturdy stick to provide three points of contact with the river bottom and increase your balance.
•Check with a ranger for current river conditions along your route prior to entering the wilderness.
•Creek crossing are often easiest to cross in the cool, early mornings when the volume of water is lower making them shallower with a slower current. Current can rise significantly within a few hours on warm sunny days or after heavy rains, making a slow stream an impassable torrent.
•Select a route through the widest channels or where there are many channels instead of just one. As water disperses it flows slower and becomes shallower.
•Spend time walking up and downstream in order to find a crossing site suitable for the entire group.
•Be aware of hazards downstream. Never attempt to cross above rapids or falls.
•Release the waist and sternum belts of your pack. Should you fall, you must be able to remove the pack.
•Finally, always include an option for a retreat back to shore should the crossing become too difficult. Never over-commit yourself to one route.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Thank you,
Yosemite Hospitality
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So, unless we get cold feet about going in to Glen Aulin, looks like we'll have cold feet going in to Glen Aulin!