Yosemite national park shut indefinitely after breaking 54-year daily snow record

Park crews are working to restore critical services so visitors can safely return. Photograph: Yosemite national park

Yosemite national park has closed indefinitely, according to officials, as the park grapples with extensive snowfall that broke a 54-year-old daily record.

Nearly unprecedented snowfall across the US west has buried the park in snow up to 15ft deep in some areas. Parts of the west coast have seen record-breaking snow in recent days in what officials are calling a “once in a generation” event.

The mountains of California have received so much snowfall – more than 40ft since the start of the season – that entire towns have shut down. The California governor has declared a state of emergency in 13 counties due to the unusual precipitation.

Curry Village tent cabins enshrined in snow at Yosemite national park. Photograph: Yosemite Hospitality

Yosemite has been closed for the last five days due to the extreme weather and was previously scheduled to reopen on Thursday. Officials do not yet have an estimated date of reopening.

There was “significant snowfall in all areas of the park”, the park said on Twitter. Photos show snow blanketing Half Dome, completely blocking doorways of buildings and nearly burying tents.

Yosemite has experienced significant snowfall in all areas of the park, with snow up to 15ft deep in some areas. Photograph: Yosemite Hospitality

On Tuesday, Yosemite broke daily snowfall record with 40in of snow, officials told the San Francisco Chronicle, exceeding a record set in 1969. Park crews are working to clear roads and restore “critical services” before visitors can return.

“We’re committed to opening the park as soon as we can do it in a safe manner,” Scott Gediman, a park spokesperson, told the newspaper. “While we certainly welcome the snow, it’s created a lot of challenges.”

Snow buildup outside the door of a restroom in Yosemite national park. Photograph: Yosemite national park

The Sierra Nevada has seen significant snowfall – as well as avalanches – that has made travel through the mountains almost impossible. With another storm on the way, the National Weather Service (NWS) warned of “extensive travel impacts”.

“Once again, expect the travel delays and road closures not only across the Sierra, but also into western Nevada through Sunday morning,” the NWS Reno office said.

Meanwhile, Joshua Tree national park reopened on Thursday after closing due to a winter storm the day before.

Due to inclement weather, the park is closed. Rangers are working on reopening as soon as possible! #ParkClosure pic.twitter.com/5DqywpeLdK

— Joshua Tree NPS (@JoshuaTreeNPS) March 1, 2023

Dirt roads in the park remain closed and officials advised visitors to be cautious, warning that water and ice may be present on the roads.