This is what the storm damage in Yosemite looks like, and this is what it means
The storm damage that closed two key roads into Yosemite National Park is likely to keep State Route 41 closed for several more days and State Route 120 shut for an unknown period that’s likely to be much longer.
The closure of State route 41 means northbound park visitors need to make a detour once they reach Oakhurst.
That detour, by State Route 49, will take drivers north to Mariposa before they enter the park on State Route 140, also known as El Portal Road.
That detour, prompted by damage on the 41 just north of Fish Camp, is likely to last through March 10, Caltrans updates indicate. Travelers can check for updates here.
The troubled road in this picture, however, isn’t the 41. It’s State Route 120 (also known as Big Oak Flat Road) in the western part of the park, half a mile east of Big Meadow Overlook near Crane Flat. The road is now closed between Crane Flat and Yosemite Valley.
Park spokeswoman Jamie Richards said the 100-foot-long fissure in the road began as a 2-inch crack and grew to 4½ feet wide in places. Moreover, “the hillside continues to move daily.”
Work on the site has begun, Richards said, but the park service has no estimate on how long it will take.
For up-to-date status reports on park roads, travelers can check the park’s traffic line (209-372-0200, press 1 and press 1 again) or check the park website for alerts.
For now, State Route 140 is the only way into Yosemite Valley.
Below the closure on the 41, restaurants, lodgings and other businesses remain open in Fish Camp (including the 302-room Tenaya Lodge), Oakhurst and Bass Lake. In fact, Bass Lake’s waters have risen to levels not seen in years.
Meanwhile, road and bridge repairs continue in other storm-hobbled parts of the state, especially along State Route 1 near Big Sur. Here, too, drivers are advised to check with Caltrans before heading into the area.
Twitter: @latimestravel
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UPDATES:
3 p.m.: This story has been updated to include additional information from the National Park Service.
This story was originally published at 1:50 p.m.
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