Yosemite National Park Closes Amidst Blizzard Conditions

With blizzard conditions slamming the Sierra Nevada this week, and a forecast for much more this week, Yosemite National Park has closed for the remainder of February.

Here is the closure announcement from park officials:

Yosemite National Park is now closed through Wednesday, March 1, due to severe winter conditions. Travel on all park roads is restricted to administrative traffic only. Administrative traffic should use the El Portal Road (the extension of HWY 140 into the park) to access the park.

The closure comes during the final weekend the Firefall is expected to be present in the park, which is typically a very crowded week in the park. Despite the park staying open while receiving receiving plenty of snow throughout the winter, this closure is likely hoping to protect visitors and workers from the incoming blizzard expected to last through Wednesday.

The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning through much of the Sierra Nevada this week, strongly discouraging any mountain travel. Snow accumulations could reach 7 feet through Wednesday and up to 30 inches at just 1,000 feet elevation.