Yosemite Rock Slide News
One of the exciting things about living near a National Park like Yosemite is that you get to see the power of nature first hand.
The big news right now in Yosemite is the major rock slide along the Merced River that has closed Highway 140 to Yosemite. Caltrans is advising that they will not be able to cut through the slide and are looking at putting two bridges over the Merced River to bypass the slide. It could be several months before access can be restored.
The Mariposa County Sherif has a posted many pictures of the rock slide, and the Forest Service has set up an information page that is being updated regularly.
Yosemite remains open and is currently accessible via Highway 41 through Oakhurst, and via Highway 120 from the east and west. It’s still a great time to visit. In fact, visitation usually goes down when one of the roads is closed because the media reports often give the false impression that the park is closed. It’s not! Come and visit!
The rock slide is affecting many people who work in Yosemite, where housing is very limited. Many park employees live in nearby Mariposa and Midpines, and commute to work on Highway 140. Until 140 is fixed, they have to enter via Highway 41, which adds significantly to their commute. It’s also had a significant negative impact on the economy of Mariposa, as visitors are bypassing Mariposa to enter via other entrances.
The Fresno Bee has published several articles that give a further perspective of the challenges the rock slide has created for the gateway communities.
While a huge problem for us locals, the rock slide reminds us that we are not in control, and the natural forces that are a part of Yosemite's beauty and wildness do not follow our desires.