Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
WEATHER
Yosemite Valley
Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 76.
Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 11pm. Low around 49. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 77.
El Portal
Today: Increasing clouds, with a high near 94.
Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 11pm. Low around 55. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Wednesday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 90.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
WEATHER
Yosemite Valley
Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 76.
Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 11pm. Low around 49. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 77.
El Portal
Today: Increasing clouds, with a high near 94.
Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 11pm. Low around 55. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Wednesday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 90.
Wawona
Today: Increasing clouds, with a high near 80.
Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 11pm. Low around 47. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Wednesday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 82.
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HAPPENING TODAY
Today: Increasing clouds, with a high near 80.
Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 11pm. Low around 47. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Wednesday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 82.
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HAPPENING TODAY
Hazard Tree Removal
Tuesday, June 28th, NPS Forestry Crew will be removing hazardous trees along the bicycle path near Yosemite Creek. If necessary, pedestrian and bicycle traffic may be detoured from shuttle stop #6 through the Yosemite Creek trail system to reach Yosemite Lodge. The trees being removed are healthy ponderosa pines that have a high probability of becoming unstable due to recent changes to the creek banks. (L. Castro - 6/28)
Tuesday, June 28th, NPS Forestry Crew will be removing hazardous trees along the bicycle path near Yosemite Creek. If necessary, pedestrian and bicycle traffic may be detoured from shuttle stop #6 through the Yosemite Creek trail system to reach Yosemite Lodge. The trees being removed are healthy ponderosa pines that have a high probability of becoming unstable due to recent changes to the creek banks. (L. Castro - 6/28)
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PARK AND PARK PARTNER NEWS
Yosemite Fire Update
A new fire, the Bald, was reported on June 24, 2011, by the Yosemite Helitack, and Stanislaus National Forest’s Pilot and Smith Peak fire look-outs. It is suspected this is a lightning caused fire holdover from the June 5, 2011 thunderstorms. Fire crews will investigate the site of the origin for cause determination.
Bald Fire: (37 50.823x119 47.434, approximate el. 6,200’, Tuolumne Co.) The fire is now 210 acres in size. Fire activity increased in the afternoon on June 25, 20111, moving toward the east. The suspected cause is lightning of June 5, 2011. The fire is in wilderness, but is within a zone where fires are put out due to threats to property, structures and other infrastructures. The fire is approximately 1.5 miles northwest of the community of Aspen Valley. Yesterday (6/26), Yosemite Firefighters were joined by “Hot Shot” crews from the Sequoia and Stanislaus National Forests and Sequoia National Park. In addition, the Stanislaus National Forest Helicopter will assist with air operations with water bucket drops and equipment hauling. Many fires have occurred in this area over the years due to lightning, the largest being the 1996 Ackerson Fire, which burned over 60 thousand acres in the Park. The fire is burning in a remote area and the terrain is steep and rugged. Firefighters indicated there was a moderate rate of fire spread and spotting through the brush. Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics (MIST) are being utilized by firefighters to minimize impacts to wilderness. For example, utilizing natural fires breaks of rock areas rather than cut hand line. Additional resources have been ordered including two more 20 person Hot Shot crews. A total of 130 firefighters will be on scene for today's operational period.
The Cottonwood/Ackerson Trailheads, access to Aspen Valley, are now blocked, signed and closed to hikers and pack stock.
Cottonwood Fire: (37.9043x119.8024, 5,000’ el., Tuolumne Co.) This fire was found on June 6, 2011, after a thunderstorm of June 5. A decision was made to put the fire out on June 23, 2011. The fire is in patrol status, and will monitored on a regular basis.
Smoke from the Bald Fire is visible from the Tioga Rd., west of White Wolf, and along the Evergreen Rd., near Ackerson Meadow, and in some locations along Highway 120 into the park from Buck Meadows. It is dispersing toward the northeast from the Bald Fire. This fire is remote will pose no health or driving hazards from smoke.
PARK AND PARK PARTNER NEWS
Yosemite Fire Update
A new fire, the Bald, was reported on June 24, 2011, by the Yosemite Helitack, and Stanislaus National Forest’s Pilot and Smith Peak fire look-outs. It is suspected this is a lightning caused fire holdover from the June 5, 2011 thunderstorms. Fire crews will investigate the site of the origin for cause determination.
Bald Fire: (37 50.823x119 47.434, approximate el. 6,200’, Tuolumne Co.) The fire is now 210 acres in size. Fire activity increased in the afternoon on June 25, 20111, moving toward the east. The suspected cause is lightning of June 5, 2011. The fire is in wilderness, but is within a zone where fires are put out due to threats to property, structures and other infrastructures. The fire is approximately 1.5 miles northwest of the community of Aspen Valley. Yesterday (6/26), Yosemite Firefighters were joined by “Hot Shot” crews from the Sequoia and Stanislaus National Forests and Sequoia National Park. In addition, the Stanislaus National Forest Helicopter will assist with air operations with water bucket drops and equipment hauling. Many fires have occurred in this area over the years due to lightning, the largest being the 1996 Ackerson Fire, which burned over 60 thousand acres in the Park. The fire is burning in a remote area and the terrain is steep and rugged. Firefighters indicated there was a moderate rate of fire spread and spotting through the brush. Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics (MIST) are being utilized by firefighters to minimize impacts to wilderness. For example, utilizing natural fires breaks of rock areas rather than cut hand line. Additional resources have been ordered including two more 20 person Hot Shot crews. A total of 130 firefighters will be on scene for today's operational period.
The Cottonwood/Ackerson Trailheads, access to Aspen Valley, are now blocked, signed and closed to hikers and pack stock.
Cottonwood Fire: (37.9043x119.8024, 5,000’ el., Tuolumne Co.) This fire was found on June 6, 2011, after a thunderstorm of June 5. A decision was made to put the fire out on June 23, 2011. The fire is in patrol status, and will monitored on a regular basis.
Smoke from the Bald Fire is visible from the Tioga Rd., west of White Wolf, and along the Evergreen Rd., near Ackerson Meadow, and in some locations along Highway 120 into the park from Buck Meadows. It is dispersing toward the northeast from the Bald Fire. This fire is remote will pose no health or driving hazards from smoke.
For additional Information: If you would like to be included on the fire interest email list, please contact Gary Wuchner at the following numbers or email address. Yosemite Fire Information and Education Office: Gary_Wuchner@nps.gov - (209) 375-9574 or 372-0480. Yosemite Fire Management Website: http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/current_fire.htm (G. Wuchner - 6/27)
EMPLOYEE NEWS
New Acting Administrative Officer
Dale St. Vincent has been selected as the acting Administrative Officer until the AO position is permanently filled. Dale steps into the acting AO position from Supply and Property Management, where he is the branch chief. The ELT welcomes Dale aboard! (K. Kosick - 6/27)
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Stanford University - Yosemite Fellowship Launched
The Superintendent's Office is pleased to report on a new collaboration with Stanford Law School to develop a summer internship program. The Stanford-Yosemite Fellowship in Environmental and Public Lands Law and Policy provides a unique opportunity for law students to gain insight into the implementation of environmental law in a the national parks context. This summer, we are fortunate to have two Fellows, Daniel Cassman and Adrian LeCesne, as well as Stanford Law Professor Michele Dauber, who is assisting with launching and managing the program. They will work in the Superintendent's Office on researching questions related to the Merced River Plan, Wilderness Management, and other land use and regulation matters. Please welcome them. (D. Neubacher - 6/27)
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CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
Valley Loop Trail Resurfacing
The Valley Loop Trail will be closed during work hours (8:00am-5:00pm) Mon thru Friday, from Church Bowl to Lower Yosemite Falls loop. Detour signs are in place. This is due to trail resurfacing project. Expected time frame is four weeks starting June 13. (R. Kish - 6/16)
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ACTING DESIGNATIONS
Julie Kovacs will be acting Operations Branch Chief from 6/23-6/30, Eric Gabriel from 7/1 - 7/5.
Jonathan Bayless will be acting chief, I&E June 24 through July 4. He can be reached at (209) 372-0282.
Kimball Koch will be Acting Branch Chief for the Design Branch of Project Management on June 28. Kimball can be reached at 379-1364 or you may leave a message with Sarah Henderson at 379-1202.
Mike Yochim will be the Acting Division Chief for the Division of Planning 6/30, 7/1, and 7/5. You may phone Mike at his El Portal office at 379-1441. If unavailable you may leave a message with Doyle Harrison at 379-1110.
Elexis Mayer will be Acting Division Chief for Project Management today, June 28, 2011, until noon. Elexis can be reached at 379-1377, or you may leave a message with Sarah Henderson at 379-1202.
Dale St. Vincent has been selected as the acting Administrative Officer until the AO position is permanently filled.
Jim Roche will be acting branch chief of Physical Sciences and Landscape Ecology through September 30th.
Jay Shields will be Acting Mather District Ranger until further notice.
Brenna Lissoway (379-1283) will be the Acting Park Archivist while Paul Rogers is on a detail as the Acting Regional Archivist (PWR). If you have need to access the Archives, or have archive related questions, you can call 379-1282 or 379-1104.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Yosemite Child Care Center Barbecue
Yosemite National Park Child Care Center would like to invite you to our next fundraising barbecue on Wednesday, June 29th. Join us in front of the Indian Museum on Wednesday, June 29th from 11:30-1:30 to enjoy a Hamburger, Veggieburger, or (new and improved) Hot dog lunch. Meals include chips, salad, and lemonade. The price is just $8 for adults, $4 for children. Baked goods and sodas will also be available for an additional charge. All proceeds benefit the children of the Yosemite National Park Child Care Center. (6/28)
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Fireworks Safety
The YNP Fire Marshal would like to remind everyone to be careful with fireworks this 4th of July. Fireworks stands will be open soon in local cities. State law and county ordinances prohibits the use, possession and discharge of fireworks in Eastern Madera County, Mariposa County and unincorporated areas of Merced County. Safe and Sane fireworks are the only fireworks that are allowed to be sold in California. All “Safe and Sane” fireworks have the State Fire Marshal seal stamped on them, if you are using fireworks in the cities listed. All fireworks shall be State Fire Marshal approved. Any fireworks that explode, move about the ground or shoot into the sky are dangerous and illegal in California. Parents may be held liable for any fire damage or injury caused by their children using illegal fireworks. Anyone caught with illegal fireworks or any fireworks in prohibited areas will be cited and the fireworks will be confiscated. Possession of dangerous, illegal fireworks is a misdemeanor in California and may be punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment in a county jail for one (1) year. Anyone who causes a fire through the misuse of fireworks is liable and will be billed for the cost of controlling the fire. If you are found in possession of sufficient dangerous, illegal fireworks, you may be guilty of a felony and punished by imprisonment in a state prison or county jail for up to 1 year and/or up to a $5,000.00 fine. YNP Fire Marshal wishes everyone a safe and happy 4th of July and reminds everyone to obey the following fireworks safety tips:
1. Always read and follow the directions on the fireworks.
2. Have an adult present to supervise children.
3. Light fireworks away from buildings, vehicles, grass and other flammable materials.
4. Do not allow young children to play with fireworks. They are not toys.
5. Have a garden hose available with a pistol grip nozzle near the discharge area in case of fire or accident.
6. Have a bucket of water near the discharge area to immerse discharged fireworks.
7. Immerse all discharged fireworks in a bucket of water for 24 hours prior to disposal.
8. When lighting fireworks, it is safer to use a punk rather than a match or cigarette lighter.
9. Never attempt to re-ignite faulty fireworks.
10. Never throw fireworks at another person.
11. Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
12. Never alter or misuse fireworks. (J. Alviso - 6/28)
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DNC Employee Recreation presents: Elephant Revival
Wednesday 29th, 9pm-Midnight, East Auditorium, Yosemite Valley. The cost is $5 cash and refreshments will also be available. Please remember to bring a valid ID. ER is an "neo-acoustic transcendental folk quintet from Nederland Colorado" on their way to the High Sierra Music Festival. This is a once in a life time opportunity for an intimate performance from an incredible band. Tell your friends, hippies, and co-workers not to miss this one! Check out www.elephantrevival.com to listen for free and get more details about the band. Hope to see you all there!! (E. Brosk - 6/28)
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Both Worlds - Experimental Animation with Stefan Gruber
6th Street Cinema, Tuesday, July 5th, 7:30-9pm, $5. Join Stefan Gruber, an award winning animator from Seattle, for a screening of some of his most recent animations in BOTH WORLDS. BOTH WORLDS is a live performance art/ animation ensemble. Every show is fully participatory with audience presence greatly effecting the outcome. Audiences are treated to cartoons with a live musical score by local troubadour Ben Goger, and live voices by Stefan and audience participants. The experience features a fully colored, hand animated, luscious cartoon world where hollow glass men learn to meditate and are filled to their brims with lightning, a mute liberator is granted three wishes in an Eden like garden, and cartoon deities sit upon mountaintops ready to trade gardening tips about their mountainside utopias. Each performance is accompanied by two improvised animated portraits drawn of audience members. In the closing section, a menu is given out of Gruber's early works, and audience members call out their choices. BOTH WORLDS lasts roughly 50 minutes with half an hour for Q&A and encore requests. For a sneak preview, go to stefangruber.com. (D. Schaible - 6/28)
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Sal's This Week
It's another Sal's week brought to you by Yosemite Employee Association. Volunteer Board members staff the bar, along with other YEA volunteers, serving a variety of beers and wines. The profits from these sales go right back to our community, so when you bring your own you take away from your own (community). Join us this Thursday and dance to music brought to you by DJ Little Black Boots. If you have seasonal employees in your division or area please let them know to join old and new friends. Remember to drink responsibly and avoid a stay at the "John Muir Hotel." Designated drivers drink for free (sodas!). (M. Dale - 6/28)
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For Rent
Available July 1, 2011: 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home in a nice area on Triangle road, very convenient for park workers. Newer carpet, paint, and drapes. $850/month plus a deposit. Contact Pamela. (209) 742-6130, starpine742@yahoo.com (S. Bevington - 6/27)
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