Yosemite: hotter, drier spring
The National Weather Service warning points to a hotter, drier spring for 2026 with 'heat domes' that could increase drought risk across the western U.S., a red flag for Yosemite hikers. (newsweek.com) Backcountry plans should factor in higher temps, lower water availability, and increased wildfire/drought risk this season. (newsweek.com)
NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center released its spring (April–June) outlook on March 20, 2026, showing above‑normal temperatures across much of the country and forecasting drought to develop or worsen across large portions of the West and the south‑central Plains. (noaa.gov) California’s Department of Water Resources says Sierra Nevada snowpack has been melting at roughly 1 percent per day over a recent 12‑day stretch, based on snow‑pillow measurements used for runoff forecasting. (water.ca.gov) Statewide snow‑water metrics reported in mid‑to‑late March 2026 put California’s snowpack in the roughly 35–39 percent of normal range compared with historical April‑1 expectations, according to regional trackers and media analyses. (calmatters.org) Yosemite National Park reported the Tuolumne River basin at about 65 percent of average and the Merced River basin at about 71 percent of average snowpack as of March 1, 2026. (nps.gov) River gauges and CNRFC observations captured the early runoff: the Merced River at Happy Isles was recorded near 1,017 cubic feet per second on March 17, 2026, and forecasts posted March 22 show elevated short‑term flows at Pohono Bridge. (cnrfc.noaa.gov) State water officials and the DWR director warned that rapid, early snowmelt can produce short‑term high flows that are difficult to capture under federal flood‑control rules and may reduce late‑summer baseflow available for users and ecosystems. (water.ca.gov) The National Interagency Fire Center’s seasonal outlook and NOAA forecasters flagged increased early‑season wildland fire potential in parts of the West this spring as fuels dry and drought areas expand. (nifc.gov) Park operations updates show Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road remained closed for the season in the March 18 Yosemite National Park bulletin, while the park continues to require wilderness permits year‑round for overnight backcountry trips. (nps.gov)
