Yosemite’s waterfalls flowing full force after recent rainstorms

If you can’t wait until spring to see Yosemite National Park’s spectacular waterfalls, go now.

Two days of rain have pumped up the park‘s landmark falls, creating conditions more typical of spring than late fall.

“To see Yosemite Falls coming to life this morning is truly exhilarating,” park Supt. Don Neubacher said in a statement released Wednesday.

Yosemite, Bridalveil and Cascade falls are all flowing “at full force,” the park says.

The National Weather Service reports that Yosemite Valley received 1.25 inches of rain in a 48-hour period as of Wednesday morning. More rain is predicted, and it is expected to taper off Friday.

Roads into Yosemite Valley from the southern entrance are clear and open: Highways 140, 120 and 41. But Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road have closed because of snow. Check road conditions at the park’s website.

Typically Yosemite’s waterfalls are best in April and May when they’re fed by seasonal snowmelt and runoff.

Meanwhile Mammoth Mountain ski resort farther south in the Sierra Nevada received 13 inches to 22 inches of snow at various places on the 11,000 foot peak as of Wednesday. Season total so far is 35 inches.