Yosemite National Park Weather Sometimes Includes Flooding Mother nature always has the final say in how the Yosemite National Park weather plays out. Every so many years, the rains come down and this valley gets flooded. The last major flood here was in 1997. Before that it was 1955. But 1997 was by far the worse flood that Yosemite had ever seen. Floods will damage the roads, meadows, trails, campgrounds, tents, cabins, permanent structures and more. Repairs can take years to recover. Floods keep the visitors away. Visitors bring money into Yosemite National Park. 1997 Flood Facts In 1997, there were days of warm heavy rains and it melted the snow pack earlier than years past. The Merced River swelled past the banks that held it in. So much water loosened the mud and rockslides happened. Roads closed. There was so much water flowing in Yosemite Valley, that the park actually closed its gates from January 1 - March 14. Safety comes first. The damage was $178 million dollars. Yosemite weather is not always predictable. The climate changes here, just like in other places. The snowline have a lot to do with flooding as well. Why? Because when snow melts, water flows! So park officials in Yosemite pay close attention to where snow is falling in and around Yosemite National Park. The snowline is where rain turns into snow. The higher the elevation, the colder it is. The average snowline in Yosemite happens at 5,700 feet. 90% of Yosemite is at an elevation of 5,700 feet or higher. Watch the video below to learn more. See Today's Weather And Monthly Temperatures Here In Yosemite
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