Yosemite's 'firefall' unlikely appear due to drought

The phenomenon that is the 'firefall' effect at Yosemite's Horsetail Fall may not happen this year because of a lack of precipitation.

Sightseers and photographers arrived at Yosemite Monday hoping to catch a glimpse of the park's famous firefall only to realize the phenomenon may not happen this year. Park officials remain optimistic but a lack of precipitation could cause the natural occurrence to skip 2018.

Horsetail Fall, on the east side of El Capitan, glowing a fiery orange at sunset, this effect happens during the second half of February when skies are clear and there's enough snow for the waterfall to flow.

The firefall at Horsetail Fall attracts more than a thousand extra visitors per day and park officials say this year they're ready for the influx of vehicles.

For the first time, parking permits are being issued for along the viewing area to cut down on traffic and congestion.

REALATED: Yosemite to require reservations for Horsetail 'firefall' parking

Even if the firefall fails to produce, many of the parks popular waterfalls continue to flow this season.