Yosemite in Winter
Jan 25th, 2015, 04:23 PM
#1
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Yosemite in Winter
Thinking of going in February with a photography group. Have seen breathe taking pics of icons with snow covering.
My biggest concern is the weather.
Any experienced comments?
My biggest concern is the weather.
Any experienced comments?
Jan 25th, 2015, 04:33 PM
#2
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We have a drought going on. This year, last year, & year before. In April '11, there was heavy snow and we needed chains.
http://www.sfgate.com/outdoors/artic...ow-6038014.php
Stu Dudley
http://www.sfgate.com/outdoors/artic...ow-6038014.php
Stu Dudley
Jan 25th, 2015, 09:16 PM
#3
What is your concern re the weather?
Not being able to get into the park? Or just if the weather might be bad when you are there?
There is no bad time/weather in Yosemite (except when the Merced river floods - which is not very likely).
If it does snow, just use hwy 140 in via Merced and El Portal - it is the lowest altitude route in to Yosemite Valley.
Not being able to get into the park? Or just if the weather might be bad when you are there?
There is no bad time/weather in Yosemite (except when the Merced river floods - which is not very likely).
If it does snow, just use hwy 140 in via Merced and El Portal - it is the lowest altitude route in to Yosemite Valley.
Jan 26th, 2015, 05:18 AM
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> Is it typically cold and wet?
Yosemite is part of the "Sierra Nevada."
Which in English means "High Mountains."
So it WILL be cold in February.
But will it be wet?
It might. Or it might not.
You could have a week of crystal clear skies.
Or you you could have two feet of snow fall during white-out conditions.
In the Sierras, weather can deteriorate VERY far, VERY quickly, and almost without warning. All you can do is watch the Weather Channel and hope.
Because of the ongoing drought, it is LESS likely that you'll get snow weather, but it is not a given that you won't.
Yosemite is part of the "Sierra Nevada."
Which in English means "High Mountains."
So it WILL be cold in February.
But will it be wet?
It might. Or it might not.
You could have a week of crystal clear skies.
Or you you could have two feet of snow fall during white-out conditions.
In the Sierras, weather can deteriorate VERY far, VERY quickly, and almost without warning. All you can do is watch the Weather Channel and hope.
Because of the ongoing drought, it is LESS likely that you'll get snow weather, but it is not a given that you won't.
Jan 26th, 2015, 06:49 AM
#7
It is seldom 'wet' if you mean rainy. IF there is precipitation (and we sure hope there is because we need it) it will be in the form of snow. But that just makes the Valley even more beautiful.
And it can be pretty cold - especially at night.
Yosemite is glorious in winter.
And it can be pretty cold - especially at night.
Yosemite is glorious in winter.
Jan 26th, 2015, 08:48 AM
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The Valley floor might get some snow, but at 4000 ft. elevation it will generally not be a substantial amount. There is a shuttle that goes to the skiing area which has more snow. Snowshoes can be rented to walk around the area.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca...57624516613985 and subsequent pictures.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca...57624516613985 and subsequent pictures.
Jan 26th, 2015, 12:52 PM
#11
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As you can see by the webcams there isn't much snow at all in Yosemite! 
http://www.nps.gov/yose/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm While Yosemite is always beautiful, if you want snow, I don't know if this would be a good year unless we get some good snow storms!
In the winter you are suppose to carry chains when entering Yosemite. http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/chains.htm
Utahtea
http://www.nps.gov/yose/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm While Yosemite is always beautiful, if you want snow, I don't know if this would be a good year unless we get some good snow storms!In the winter you are suppose to carry chains when entering Yosemite. http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/chains.htm
Utahtea
