Yosemite National Park: Merced River hits flood stage; roads so far OK

Warmer temperatures at Yosemite National Park that have begun to melt the area’s huge snow pack caused the Merced River to hit flood stage in Yosemite Valley early Wednesday, according to data from the National Weather Service. But the minor flooding, which could affect some walkways, isn’t expected to affect roads in the valley.

The weather service had issued a flood warning Tuesday for the river at Pohono Bridge, a spot in the valley where visitors typically stop to snap pictures. As of 7 a.m. Wednesday, the river had risen to 10 feet, which indicates waters have reached flood stage. Park spokeswoman Kari Cobb said in an e-mail that the river is expected to crest at 11 feet late Wednesday or early Thursday.

At 10 feet, meadows, boardwalks and sidewalks in the park could become flooded, but the park isn’t expecting any roads or other visitor services to be damaged, Cobb said. The river typically would have to rise to 12.5 feet before valley roads would be closed to traffic, the weather service reports.

Twenty campsites at Lower and North Pines campgrounds have been left empty due to possible flooding and won’t be available to visitors until the flood danger has passed. Yosemite experienced devastating floods in 1997 when the river reached 23.4 feet and caused $178 million in damage.

For updates, check the “Current Conditions” page of the Yosemite website.