Yosemite Under Winter Storm Warning With Up to 8 Feet of Snow Possible
A powerful winter storm is bearing down on Yosemite, with forecasters warning of extreme snowfall and dangerous travel conditions through the end of the week.
The National Weather Service Hanford issued an updated Winter Storm Warning late Sunday morning for Yosemite National Park. The warning is in effect until Friday at 4 p.m. and calls for 6 to 8 feet of total snow accumulation, along with wind gusts reaching 50 mph.
Snow levels will start relatively high, hovering between 8,000 and 9,000 feet through Monday, then gradually drop to 7,000–8,000 feet on Tuesday before falling to around 6,000 feet by Christmas Day. As colder air settles in, snow will impact more of the park’s roadways and infrastructure.
The NWS cautions that travel could become “very difficult to impossible,” particularly during Monday’s morning and evening commute windows. Strong winds may also lead to downed trees and power disruptions in and around the park.
Anyone who must travel is urged to be prepared for winter driving conditions and potential delays. Officials recommend carrying emergency supplies such as food, water, warm clothing, and a flashlight, and checking road conditions before departure by calling 511.
With one of the season’s most intense storms underway, visitors are encouraged to reconsider travel plans and avoid Yosemite until conditions improve later this week.
