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?

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

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.

Yosemite in winter is magical.

Is it typically cold and wet? Does a drought mean no snow?

> 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.

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.

"Sierra Nevada" translates to "Snowy Range" per Wikipedia.

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.

I stand corrected.

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

There ain't no shuttle to the ski area (right now I mean) since Badger Pass closed last week for lack of snow. If we get any storms it will reopen.

Michael,
Your opening photo of Yosemite is beautiful.
Thanks everyone for weather comments. Looks like the photo excursion in Yosemite is off. So back to the drawing board.
Thanks