SPRING 1997 VOLUME XXVI, NO. I The Flood of the Century

- Sierra winter storms are likely • to be remembered more by the -~ bridges and houses they carry ~~ away than by their beauty or the thousands of blessings they bring to the fields and gardens of Nature. - from his first book, The Mountains of .(1894)

While January's flood brought record-setting water levels to Yosemite, flooding in and along the Merced River Canyon is as old as the river itself. The tendency -®Inside of the Merced River to Flood Facts ...... 2 flood was almost imme­ diately recognized when Season's Preview ...... 3 James Lamon, the first non-Indian to live Planning Your Visit ... 4 & 5 permanently in Yosemite Yosemite's Future ...... 6 Valley, was driven from his home in 1862 by the Shuttle Bus Map ...... Back Panel rising river. But while floods can wreak havoc with human structures, they are extremely beneficial from an ecological standpoint, serving as a sort of natural house-cleaning which scours and alters stream and river channels, redistributes rock, soil, silt, roar wbile the rising Merced River transforms and sand, while enriching wildlife meadows into lakes during January's flood. NPS photo habitat. .Continued on page 1 YOSEMITE FLOOD'97

SPRING 1997 VOLUME XXVI, NO.l The Flood of the Centu

river, and the shoulders of many park roads are eroded. These changes are part of the natural cycle of events that created Strange to say, the greatest and continue to shape areas within Yosemite. floods occur in winter, What you won't see is the major when one would suppose "damage" experienced by the park's infrastructure. Many of the human-made all the wild waters systems required to support visitors would be muffled and sustained crippling blows. Electrical supply systems shut down. Water-soaked chained in frost and snow. hillsides slid onto roads and power poles But at rare intervals, were toppled. Sewer lines broke, causing contamination of the water supply. warm rains and warm winds Campgrounds, buildings, and roads close invade the mountains to the river's edge were flooded. Some sections of roads were completely washed and push back the snow line away; in other cases, the surge of flood from 2,000 feet to 8,000, water undermined the roadbed, leaving asphalt hanging in mid-air. Sandbars and or even higher, debris covered roads and paths through­ and then come out the Valley .. the big floods.

In the Flood of 1997, the river reached a depth of over 13 feet at the gaging THE WORK BEGINS -John Muir, station and swelled to over 23 feet by the time it reached Pohono Bridge at the Valley's far Much of the park was closed to the western end. NPS Photo public in January and February as a result The Mouniains of this storm. The NPS is working with of California Continued ~m front cover the assistance of many other federal, WHAT HAPPENED? Cascades-normally a relatively narrow state, and local agencies to assess damages Two and a half days of warm and heavy · stream of water-expand to 350 feet across. to park roads, trails, buildings, grounds, rain brought great change to Yosemite Yosemite Falls was a raging gush, causing and park utility National Park during the first few days of the meandering to flow systems. Emergency 1997. In the early morning hours of New over roadways and bridges. repairs, salvage Year's Day, rain was falling at elevations PeaKing in Yosemite Valley at about operations and as high as 9,500 feet. In the high country, 11:00 p.m. on the night of)anuary 2nd, long-term planning rivulets in the snowpack indicate a snow the massive volume of water flowed for park restoration line that eventually climbed to 12,000 down-stream, causing streams and rivers are underway. This feet. The deluge of this storm, along with to overflow their banks and carve new represents the a record-setting snowfall in December hannels. Initially, 900 visitors and 1,200 beginning of a that was melted by this rain, created a park employees were isolated in Yosemite recovery effort that high volume of water rarely seen in the Valley when all three highways into will leave Yosemite rivers and waterfalls of Yosemite. the Valley were closed. After the water better than before­ Witnesses saw Royal Arches ubsided, downed trees were removed and better for park initial repairs were resources and made to Highway better for visitors. 41 sufficient to allow the evacua­ THE FLOOD'S tion of visitors and ECOLOGICAL many employees ROLE from Yosemite The Flood of '97 Valley. reflects the Merced River's dominant EVIDENCE OF role in forming the THE AFTERMATH character and Despite the ecology of severity of this Yosemite Valley. natural event, Consequently, A 300-foot section of 14-inch sewer line located beneath Highway 140 visitors to Yosemite accurate surveys was destroyed, severing the Yosemite Valley sewer system from the ni.ay be surprised at and document­ El Portal waste water treatment plant. The sewer line must be how little of the ation of this event reconstructed. NPS photo flood's evidence are underway. remains. What you Aerial photographs, hydrological may see is that assessments and floodplain data are being riverbanks look collected. This information will aid park freshly_scoured managers in their understanding of the YOSEMITE and widened, dynamics of flooding, the beneficial role debris along high­ floods play in the ecosystem, and the GUIDE water lines dangles effects of human intervention on the in the trees and channeling of the Merced River in Published by the Yosemite Association, shrubs next to the the Valley. in cooperation with the and the Yosemite Concession Services Corporation.

Edited by Kristina Rylands A 7.5 mile stretch of Highway 140 sustained severe damage. In several Production by Skip Gaynard Designs places, the road and underlying supporting ground layers are gone. Printed by McClatchy Printing Co. NPSphoto FLOOD FACTS

KNOWN LOCATIONS OF MAJOR FLOOD DAMAGE Areas of known flood damage are marked ~~h · • • with a dot. Hetchy I Did You The Tioga Pass Road is above 6,000 feet in elevation and currently covered with snow. Additional flood damage will likely Know... be discovered after spring snowmelt allows for a more extensive survey of the POST-FLOOD park. PRECAUTIONS

Reconstruction of roadways and structures continues throughout As shown on the map below, Yosemite. Do not drive or walk many of the park's visitor through any closed, barricaded, or facilities were inundated by roped-off areas. Motor vehicles must flood water. stay on established roads open to public travel. Obey all posted speed limit and direction of travel signs. Yosemite Valley •!• Extent of January 1997 Flood Pohono Bridge to Happy Isles Saturated soils and the high winds that accompanied the flood have D -o1.11.-y- © weakened and undermined a large 0•-o-. nwiiber of trees in developed areas. While extensive survey and hazard GlaclerPulal SOME FLOOD tree removal is currently underway, 7,2141 .• be aware that conditions under and SPECIFICS around trees are unstable. •!• • At least 1.4 miles of riverbank The banks along the Merced River and 550 acres of meadows and other creekside areas sustained (recently restored at a cost of heavy erosion and undercutting $1 million) were eroded by the due to flooding. Be careful when PRELIMINARY DAMAGE ASSESSMENT TOTALS flooding Merced River in walking along any creek or river bank. Yosemite Valley. Losses in CATEGORY RECOVERY ESTIMATE these areas also include 3.5 ~~~-Roads ...... miles of resource prote

\ SEASON'S PREVIEW

WHAT CAN You EXPECT THIS SEASON?

CAMPGROUNDS LODGING by Memorial Day. This summer, approximately 1,400 Lodging facilities not effected by the Expect traffic delays and temporary Did You campsites will be available throughout the flood will be open this season. This closures throughout the park as extensive park. Camping in Yosemite Valley will be includes The Ahwahnee, Yosemite Lodge road and bridge repairs continue available at Upper Pines, North_Pines and and Curry Village. i-~~wever, 350 Yosemite throughout the summer. Highway 140 Know.:. Sunnyside Walk-in Campgrounds. Lodge units were flooded and some of the sustained the worst flood damage, Approximately half of the campsites in Curry Village cabins will be used to house requiring major rebuilding. It is anticipated Yosemite Valley were damaged by the flood park employees left homeless due to the that this work will extend through the PA:RK R ULES and will not be available for use this flood. This reduction of available facilities summer months. Due to the winter There are several federal laws makes advanced trip planning important. snowpack, damage to the Tioga Pass road summer. Campsites lost in Lower River, and regulations spedflc to Upper River, and Lower Pines campgrounds Call 209 /252-4848 for reservations. remains unknown at this time. will be replaced and relocated out of the national parks that proteit the park area, its wildlife, floodplain in accordance with the General ROADS OTHER SERVICES Management Plan (see Park Planning article, Weather and road conditions permitting, Park facilities and services not effected by historic and prehistoric sites page 7). As a result, sensitive areas will be Highways 41 from Fresno and 120 from the flood will reopen this spring. Services and structures, and natural restored to natural habitat. Manteca, and 140 from Merced will be will resume gradually and increase to meet beauty. Protect your park by Camping outside of the Valley will be open to visitor traffic. Highways 41 and anticipated business demands. Some visitor following these rules: available in Wawona, Crane Flat, and 120 are open to private vehicles and buses, services may be curtailed due to damaged Hodgdon Meadow. Damage assessments while Highway 140 is open to_ bus traffic facilities. For further information, call Park animals are wild! Do not are incomplete at severai campgrounds only. It should reopen to private vehicles 209/372-1000. outside of Yosemite Valley. Check visitor feed or approach Yosemite's centers for opening status of Bridalveil wildlife. Enjoy animals from a Creek, White Wolf, Yosemite Creek, safe distance and allow them to Tamarack Flat, Porcupine Flat, and YOUR ENTRANCE FEES HELP YOSEMITE find their own natural sources . Campgrounds. of food. To make reservations for Wawona, Yosemite National Park has been selected Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows, ENTRANCE FEES as one of 300 public land sites to benefit Crane Flat, and Hodgdon Meadows from a three year test fee demonstration Store your food properly, keeping Campgrounds, call 800/436-PARK program authorized by Congress in 1996. THE PARK IS OPEN 24' HOURS A DAY, it away from bears and other (800/436-7275). Through increased user/entrance fees, the • YEAR-ROUND. Yosemite animals. Use food Department of the Interior hopes to raise (fees subject to change) storage lockers when available. TRAns additional funds needed to improve the ~ The full extent of damage to Yosemite's TYPE PRfCE NOTF.s visitor experience directly at the sites where •!• 800 miles of trails has been hard to they are collected. 80% of the increased determine due to the extensive snow cover. Vehicle $20 Valid for 7 days. fees collected in Yosemite will remain on Pets frighten wildlife and disturb site. Formerly, the majority of the entrance hikers. They must be leashed at It is known that some trails have been Individual $10 In a bus, on f

Using metal detectors in the park is illegal. Please report possible violations to a park ranger. With the Sierra snowpack at 200% above average water content, expect •!• Yosemite's waterfalls to be spectacular all summer long. NPS Photo All public buildings are designated as non-smoking. D p GYO

AREAS TO VISIT IN YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

TOURS Who TRANSPORTATION For a relaxing and informative alternative, Stanisleue National Yosemite Valley and park-wide sightseeing Forest To AND FROM YOSEMITE 0 YOSEMITE VALLEY tours are available. Check park visitor To Call... FREsNO- Yosemite Valley is world famous for its Crane Flat is a pleasant forest and meadow centers or call 209/372-1000 for further How will VIA The Yosemite Connection I Gray Line impressive waterfalls, cliffs, and unusual rock area located 16 miles from Yosemite Valley on information. INFORMATION 209/384-1315 or in CA 800/369-PARK formations. It is generally open year-round Highway 120. To see giant sequoias, park at and may be reached via Highway 41 from the Tuolumne Grove parking area located on the flood Service between Fresno Air Terminal and RECREATION • Recorded General Park Fresno, Highway 140 from Merced, Highway Highway 120 (fioga Road), and walk one mile Yosemite Valley begin April 1, with stops in BICYCLING Several miles of paved 120 from Manteca, and in late spring down to the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Information including: Coarsegold, Oakhurst, Fish camp, and Yosemite Valley bikeways wind through the eastern end through late fall via Highway 120 from Lee Sequoias. In winter, snowshoes or crOSS­ Road & Weather Conditions effect your Wawona. Wheelchair-lift equipped with Vining (the Tioga Road). Many activities and country skis may be needed. Be aware that of Yosemite Valley. California Law Ranger-led Activities advance notice. Schedules available at services are available In Yosemite Valley. there may be flood damage on the Tuolumne mandates bicyclists under 18 years of age Trip Planning Information Detailed information on Yosemite Valley is visit? Yosemite Lodge Tour Desk, Yosemite Valley Grove Road. · wear a helmet. For your safety and to Park Permits, etc. Visitor Center, or by calling VIA. Other bus available at the Yosemite Valley Visitor protect Yosemite National Park, please Center in Yosemite Village. Flood damage to 209/372-0200 trips are available from Fresno to Yosemite Yosemite follow these rules: Bikes are allowed only Valley roads, trails, and facilities may effect 900/454-YOSE (live operator, by advance reservations year-round. your visit. National on paved bikeways and park roads (unless the road is closed to bicycle use). All bikes daily 8:00 a.m - 4:30 p.m.) The infonnafion on MERCED- Park are prohibited from pedestrian and hiking VIA The Yosemite Connection I Gray Line @ TIOGA ROAD TfY 209/372--4726 these pages is based trails. Bicyclists must obey all posted traffic 209/384-1315 or in CA 80granite domes between Crane Flat (6,200 ft. http://www.nps.gov/yose/ change throughout elevation) and Tuolumne Meadows and Tioga available at Yosemite Lodge Tour Desk, winter and is subject to closures for extended HORSEBACK RIDING Weather and trail Pass (9,900 ft. elevation). Many!cenic and Yosemite Association the coming months. Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, or by calling periods. Activities include hiking, ranger-led conditions permitting, two-hour and half­ recreational opportunities offered in these http://yosemite.org walks, and for a fee, tram tolll} of the Grove are day rides will depart from Tuolumne Check park visitor VIA. Tickets may be purchased from drivers. areas. Due to winter snow cover, damage (weather permitting) late spring through fall. Meadows. Trail damage and a shortage of Yosemite Fund Departures are from Yosemite Lodge. Trail brochures, printed in English, French, assessment along this road is difficult. Check centers and bulletin employee housing will prevent commercial http://www.connect.net/yosemite/ WITHIN YOSEMITE Japanese, and Spanish a~ available at the visitor centers and park bulletin boards for boards, or call horseback rides from being offered in Free shuttle bus service is provided through­ Grove trailhead. To reduce traffic congestion updated information on available services and and avoid parking delays, visit the Grove Yosemite Valley and Wawona this summer. 209/372-0200, out the eastern portion of Yosemite Valley activities. From late fall through late spring, RESERVATIONS before 10:00 a.m. or after 3:00 p.m. and ride this area is only accessible by cross-country skis Call 209/372-8348 for information. year-round. In summer, free shuttle buses 209/37_2-19<>01 or the free shuttle bus (spring through fall) from or showshoes. run from Wawona to the Mariposa Grove HIKING & BACKPACKING Yosemite offers • Lodging Reservations 900/454-YOSE, for Wawona to the Grove. and from Tioga Pass to Lake. The Pioneer Yosemite History Center in over 800 miles of hiking trails park-wide. 209/252-4848 updated information Hikers' buses run daily to Point late Wawona is a collection of historic buildings While some trails have suffered extensive TfY 209/255-8345 spring through autumn and to Tuolumne associated with people and events that flood damage, others will be open this on park accessibility, shaped the national park idea in Yosemite. • Campground Reservations Meadows late June through Labor Day. summer. For updated trail infqrmation, Interpretive signs and a brochure provide a @ llETCH llETCHY visit the Wilderness Center in Yosemite (U.S. and Canada) road conditions, Call 209/372-1240 for hikers' bus fee, self-guiding tour of the Center year-round. Reservoir, a source of 800/436-7275 and availability of sch edule, and reservations, or stop by lriyo Valley or call 209/372-0200 (press 5, then National drinking water for the city of San Francisco, 4). Wilderness permits are required for any hotel tour desk. l'orest • Campground Reservations visitor serviGes. is also home to spectacular scenery and tbe overnight backcountry users. For (International callers only) starting point for many less-used back- . wilderness permit information and 619/452-8787 country trails. Towering cliffs and high Glader Point, an, overlook with a reservations, call 209/372-0740. LODGING waterfalls are easily seen from the walkway commanding view of Yosemite Valley, Remember to know your limits, on top of O'Shaughnessy . Hetch , and the High Sierra, is located be prepared for changing weather Reservations for all overnight lodging in 30 miles (1 hour) from Yosemite Valley. tor Ranger Station Hetchy Reservoir is located 40 miles from AVERAGE P RECIPITATION A visit to Yosemite in the near future conditions, and carry plenty of Yosemite may be made by calling 209/252- The view from provides an II Food Service & Lodging Yosemite Valley via Highway 120 and AND T EMPERATURES drinking water and a flashlight. may be different than expected. 4848 or by writing to Central Reservations, opportunity to see Yosemite Valley from its A Campground Evergreen and Hetch Hetchy Roads. This Trails are not regularly maintained IN YOSEMITE VALLEY Yosemite Concession Services, 5410 East rim. From Yosemite Valley, take Highway 41 Sierra • Peaks and Landmarks area sustained damage from the Ackerson Despite having endured its greatest for fourteen miles to the Chinquapin National fire (summer 1996) as well as the, spring 1996 or patrolled. (4 ,000 FT.)* Home, Fresno, CA 93727. Lodging in Forest j\ Gas Station junction, then tum left onto the Glacier and winter 1997 floods, and is currently deluge of floodwater since 1955, parts Yosemite Valley includes Curry Village, ROCK CLIMBING Cl.AssES The Point Road. The road ends at Glacier Point. ® Parking closed. MONllf PRECIPITATION MAXIMUM MIN1MUM Yosemite Lodge, and The Ahwahnee. (inches) (Fj (Fj of the park have reopened for However, in winter, the road is plowed as far Sierra Yosemite Mountaineering School (The facilities at are as the Badger Pass Ski area; Glacier Point can N~tronal and Guide Service offers beginn er recreation. Continued repair work will Forest January 6.2 49 26 expected to open by April 18.) Lodging be reached via skis or snowshoes only. The through advanced classes in February 6.1 55 28 result in subsequent reopening of outside Yosemite Valley includes the Glacier Point Road is generally open from Yosemite Valley spring and fall, late spring through late fall. March 5.2 59 31 addllional areas of the park and in summer the and in Tuolumne Meadows each April 3.0 65 35 Tuolumne Meadows Lodge. Rates range summer. Call 209/372-8435 for throughout the coming m onths. May 1.3 73 42 from $42.50 per night for a basic tent cabin information. June 0.7 82 48 Yosemite Valley sustained the most with nearby bathroom, to $227.00 per night Highway41 July 0.4 90 54 for a room at The Ahwahnee (rates are subject to VISITOR CENTERS VISITOR ACTIVITIES flood damage and will require a INFORMATION Southern Yosemite Visitor Center August 0.3 90 53 change). Fewer lodging units will be available in September 0.9 87 47 longer time to restore a full FOR LODGING P.O. Box 1404 Yosc!mite this summer due to the flood. Initial The four visitor centers in Yosemite National Park PROGRAMS AND EXHIBITS October 2.1 74 39 49074 Civic Circle complement of visitor activities and assessments indicate damage to over 350 lodging AND ACTIVITIES are excellent resources for park information, Some visitor services may be curtailed due to November 5.45 58 31 Oakhurst, CA 93644 units parkwide. Reservations are highly wilderness permits, and park-related publications damaged buildings, fadlities, roads, and trails. December 5.6 48 26 services. As a result, you can expect OUTSIDE THE PARK 209/683-4636 recommended and may be made up to one year and handouts. Hours of operation vary and are However, naturalist-guided walks and programs as construction activity in Yosemite for Annual 37.2 Highway 132/49 listed on park bulletin boards. well as self-guided walks are available. Live cultural and one day tn advan ce. ~ •for temperatures in the high country subtract 10-20 degrees. Coulterville Visitor Center several years. We ask" for your YATI (Yosemite Area Traveller information) VISITOR CENTER LocAnoNS history demonstrations of basket-weaving, P.O. Box 333 understanding and support during !. 770 M Street Yosemite Valley Visitor Center beadwork, or traditional games are offered at the Merced, CA 95340 5007 Main Street ·1ndian Cultural Exhibit in Yosemite Valley. A this recovery effort. Sarina Lambert, a park Coulterville, CA 95311 (Shuttle bus stops #6 & 9) 209/723-3153 variety of other exhibits are on display in the ranger in Yosemite 209/878-3074 SPRING ROAD CONDITIONS Valle y, may be avail­ http://www.yosemite.com · Big Oak Flat Information Station Valley Visitor Center, Yosemite Museum Gallery, able to interpret park Highway 140/49; Fish Camp/Wawona (Highway 120) and The Ansel Adams Gallery. Check park visitor When planning a trip to Yosemite, it is Day weekend, conditions permitting. The information for deaf and West Highway 120 Mariposa Town Center centers and bulletin boards for additional wise to keep in mind the changing road to the Mariposa Grove is open year­ hard-of-hearing visitors Wawona Information Station P.O. Box 425 seasons, for the timing of your visit will in the Yosemite Valley Tuolumne County Visitor Center (Highway 41) information. round but is subject to closures of Visitor Center. Sarina P.O. Box 4020 5158Hwy 140 determine the amount of clothing you extended periods during and after can be reached by 55 West Stockton Street Mariposa, CA 95338 Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center bring, the availability of different snowstorms. calling 209/372-4726 Sonora, CA 95370 209/966-2456 or 800/208-2434 (Highway 120 East - open summers only) RANGER PROGRAMS campsites, the need for tire chains for Do I N EED TIRE CHAINs? (TIY), 209/372-0599 your vehicle, and the availability of high It is recommended that you carry tire 800/446-1333 East Highway 120 Yosemite National Park (Tn'), or 209/372-0467 country scenery. It is a gocxl idea to call chains in your vehicle between · Lee Vining Chamber of Commerce (voice only). nae TIY number for lodging Look for this logo on flyers In visitor centers, lodgings, Road and Weather Information (209/372- · November and April, as a sudden storm and Visitor Center reservatiom h 209/~. Chinese Camp Visitor Center and. campgrounds for additional program lnfonnation. 0200) before you leave home, but the could make them mandatory at any time. Hwy 120 and Main Street P.O. Box 130 following are some general guidelines: For visitors driving rented cars, chains Chinese camp, CA 95309 Hwy 395 and 3rd Street R OADS should be rented in advance; several of 800/446-1333 Lee Vining, CA 93541 The Tioga Road (Highway 120) and the the towns on the highways leading to 619/647-6629 or 619/647-6595 Glacier Point Road beyond Badger P

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\ YOSEMITE'S·FUTURE

A MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT WHAT THE FLOOD MEANS TO PARK PLANNING

"The key to rebuilding intelligently is • Yosemite Valley Housing Plan - learning from the mistakes of the past," Similar to the Valley Implementation Dear Friends of Yosemite, -course of action. states Yosemite Superintendent, B.J . Plan, this plan involves moving some By now you know that Yosemite We will need the Griffin. The Flood of 1997 provided employee housing out of Yosemite has experienced significant assistance and validation for the extensive planning Valley. damage from flooding. In the days participation of efforts that have been ongoing since B. ]. Griffin • Yosemite Lodge Development following the storm, it became many before Superintendent 1980. Park officials knew where problems evideht that Yosemite's "natural" the process is existed, and the flood underscored the Concept Plan - A plan for the redesign environment remained little complete. In tum, I encourage fact that facilities need to be moved out of and restoration of the Yosemite Lodge changed. However, the "human" -you to share your hopes, ideas, the floodplain. area. environment-buildings, roads, and comments with us by writing In 1980, the National Park Service to me, Superintendent, Yosemite The urgency of flood recovery does not campgrounds, power, and sewer (NPS), with extensive public involvement, mean that the General Management Plan systems-sustained major damage. National Park, P.O. Box 577, produced a long-range plan to guide the Yosemite, CA 95389 ATTN: and subsequent planning will be fully The challenges .that lie ahead of us future of the park-Yosemite's General implemented without public review. ii1 the recovery and reopening Yosemite Recovery Process. - Management Plan (GMP). The primary . Documents will also be available On the contrary, the NPS sees this as phases are extensive and far­ goals of the GMP are: to reclaim priceless an opportunity to take actions called for reaching. on the Internet via the NPS beauty, reduce cars and congestion, and Planning Home Page in the GMP. After considering public In the months to come, we will allow natural processes to prevail. These input and guidance, park officials intend (http:/fwww.nps.gov.planning/). be producing newsletters, holding goals remain valid today. The National to move forward with those elements of public briefings, and releasing Park Service has no intention of deviating the plans that intersect with recovery documents for public review B. J. Griffin, from existing plans as it deals with Park Superintendent ;lfffOrtS. which will be used to refine recovery efforts. Instead, NPS recognizes it In many ways, the Flood of 1997 has alternatives and select a final has an important opportunity to act on presented park managers with incredible and fonow through with the GMP. opportunities to rebuild Yosemite in a Fortunately, a great deal of time has way that enhances the "Yosemite already been spent over the last thre experience" for the millions of annual years working through alternative visitors. The vision of park managers is solutions. Park officials are now hard at to have a Yosemite Valley with more work incorporationg new information extensive meadows and fewer roads from the flood into the planning process. and buildings. This will provide a visitor • Valley Implementation Plan - A plan experience dominated by the wonder of designed to implement portions of the the Valley rather than the frustration of General Management Plan that effect dealing with traffic and parking. More Yosemite Valley. Tbe plan presents opportunities to hike, bike and enjoy alternatives for moving facilities out of enterpretive activities is the goal. This the floodplains, river corridors, and vision for the park will be realized meadows in Yosemite Valley. In many through implementation of the park's cases, facilities may be relocated out GMP and VIP, thus shrinking the of the Valley completely. "human footprint" in-Yosemite Valley. ·

The vision of park managers is to have a Yosemite Valley with more extensive meadows and fewer roads and buildings. NPS Photo

HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF Campgrounds will be reconstructed out of the floodplain according to GMP recommendations. Where campsites are removed, the area will be restored to Flooding in Yosemite Valley is a common occurrence. Some of the most natural conditions. Where campgrounds remain, missing trash cans, tables, severe flooding of this century occurred in 1937, 1950, and 1955. As the Merced grates, and bear-proof storage lockers will be replaced. NPS photo River seasonally overflows its banks, roads, campgrounds, and other visitor facilities located next to the river are effected. Damage photographs from previous floods document similar flood zones and closely resemble photos taken this past January. By moving facilities and structures out of the Merced River's floodplain, park managers will reduce the likelihood of comparable damage in the future.

In 1950, flood waters along Yosemite Creek left cabins of Yosemite Lodge askew. The scene is repeated in 1997 as facilities at Housekeeping Camp NPS Photo are destroyed. NPS Photo ------...~ ~YOSEMITE ASSOCIATION THE YOSEMITE FUND

jOIN THE YOSEMITE ASSOCIATION MAKING TRAILS FOR FLOOD RELIEF

The Yosemite Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the support of Yosemite boasts 800 miles of trails, but the disastrous January floods took out over Yosemite National Pqrk through a program of visitor services, publications, and 20 footbridges, leaving this network in a sadly fragmented state. The flooding also membership activities. For nearly 70 years, the Association has provided important caused numerous trail washouts and greatly increased erosion problems throughout financial support to the National Park Service and has made possible the funding of the park. Since 1985, The Yosemite Fund has been providing funds for trail repair many projects and purchases otherwise not affordable through normal government and other special projects in Yosemite. In the aftermath of the worst flood damage appropriations. on record, the Fund has set up a special appeal to help the park recover, with trail repair being just one part of this emergency flood relief effort. PLEAsEjoIN Us! Using donations from individuals, corporations and foundations, the Fund has Sign up for a membership today and receive the dramatic Flood of 1997 video enabled many trail repair projects that would not otherwise have been possible due described on page 2 as an additional free gift. to lack of federal funds. The Fund has also stretched As a member of the Yosemite Association, you will: donor dollars by co-sponsoring trail repair crews • enjoy a 15% discount on all books, maps, and publications from the California Conservation Corps (CCC), a state-run program to give young Californians the • qualify for a 10% discount on most field seminars opportunity to gain job skills and an outdoor • receive the quarterly journal, Yosemite education. Revenue from the Yosemite license plate program, as well as gifts from people who Joye • have a chance to attend special members' events and volunteer programs in the Yosemite, are helping to keep park trails in good repair-and ultimately to safeguard park all the park's natural treasures, now and for generations to enjoy. • have access to a members only information line This year, Fund-sponsored trail repair projects will go forward on the and • know that your membership supports significant educational, research, and trails through Red Peak Pass, Isberg Pass and Kerrick Canyon. Many flood-damage environmental projects in Yosemite National Park projects will soon be added to the list. . You, too, can become a Friend of Yosemite and help the Fund's Emergenc;y Flood Membership is a critical element in the success of the Association. Individuals and . Relief Effort. Please send your donation today. Donors of $25 or more are listed at the families throughout the country have long supported the Yosemite Association Honor Wall in Yosemite valley and receive the Fund's publication Approach, showing through both their membership dues and personal commitment. exactly how gifts are used to provide for Yosemite's future. ,..------.------.,.--, ,..------, Name ------~

City------City------

State _____ Zip ______~ YOSEMITE State _____ Zip ______·a.iii ASS 0 CI AT I 0 N THE YOSEMITE FUND 1'1widingfor y....,.;,,~ Future P.O. Box 230 • Charge to my Visa/Mast~rcard Charge to my Visa/Mastercard P.O. Box 637 El Portal, CA 95318 YOSEMfl'E NATIONAL PARK, 209/379-2646 CA 95389 http://yosemite.org 415/434-1782 Expiration date------Expiration date------~- http://www.connect.net/yosemite/ L------~------~

FACILITIES & SERVICES

Park facilities and services not effected by the flood will reopen this spring. Services will resume gradually and increase to meet anticipated business demands. Check visitor centers and bulletin boards for specific information or call 209/372-1000.

Visit the Ansel Adams Gallery located in Yosemite Village. Bus tours and sight-seeing trams depart.daily, conditions permitting.

EMERGENCY 9 I I MEDICAL LOST AND FOUND

FmE - PouCE - MEDICAL EMERGENCY: YOSEMITE MEDICAL CLINIC NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Emergency care 24 hours daily LosT AND FoUND OmCE DIAL 911, 24 HO~ A DAY Drop-in and Urgent Care: Daily 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m . Call 209/379-1001 Monday- Friday 8:00 a.m. to Noon, (FROM HOTEL ROOM 9-911) Scheduled appointments: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m . 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. or write to 5:00 p .m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. to Noon. 209/372-4637 NPS Warehouse, 5083 Foresta Rd., B-759, El Portal, CA 95318 DENTAL SERVICES Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Adjacent to Medical Clinic. 209/372-4200 ""O 0 -< z c: I 0 $:ll I Vl 0 Vi I (I) 5· -::r I t:d --(I) 0 Shuttle Bus /Trail to 8...... 0 :::3 ...... (I) ~ e. :::3 "O Ci) Shuttle Bus Stop EB r=.· $:ll 1 Fil , · .!l> (Jo ""O (I) .... Bicycle Path I -() '-I $:ll .... -- ~ - .... - ,. '-I :;.;"' 5· 8 Hiking Trails "·· > .... -(I) \0 en '· (Jo (I) :::3 Road designated for bicycles w and shuttle bus 00 <...... A Campground ("') - , \0 - , Hatt (I) , Dome , , 112mie , , , , , , ,I ,, Mirror / lake I Meadow_{ , \ I 1 Bicycles / / " proh1b1ted ' ,-) " beyond)( / 1 " thlS I I I point ... ' , , / :

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Sentinel Dome•,-,

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I. I /'--, ____ , Trail to ''.... Vernal ------~~';,,1,, '' / ~~tbridge , , ---- Falls 1 -- ,' ~-- .... ___ .,...... ' --- TENTATIVE STOPS 6 Visitor Center 12 Housekeeping Camp/ YOSEMITE ALLEY Leconte Memorial v IG!'al 7 Yosemite Falls SHUITLE 1 Day Use Parking/Curry Village Bus 14 Day Use Parking/Curry Village INFORMATION 2 Upper and Lower River 8 Yosemite Lodge/Sunnyside 15 Upper Pines Campgound Campgrounds (destroyed Walk-in Campground Shuttle buses are free and by flood) 9 Visitor Center 16 Happy Isles operate daily. 3 Yosemite Village/Visitor Center 10 Yosemite Village 17 Mirror Lake/Meadow Bus times and stops may vary 4 The Ahwahnee 18 Stables (closed) in the coming months. 11 Sentinel Bridge/Parking for 5 Yosemite Village Yosemite Chapel 19 Lower Pines Campground