More closures could come in Yosemite National Park amid rising Merced River
Right now, at the Pohono Bridge, the water is rushing through just below 12 feet, which is minor flood stage.
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. (KFSN) -- Our recent warm weather is quickly melting the historic snowpack in the Sierra.
The Merced River levels near Yosemite National Park have risen over 12 feet.
"As of now, for this phase for the big melts, we're looking at the peak, today. And then we're expecting that I'm actually feeling it, some cooler weather as the week goes on," said Scott Gediman with Yosemite National Park.
Gediman says water is expected to recede this week.
In a video shared with Action News, a housekeeping campsite at the park was seen immersed in water.
About two hundred reservations were canceled because of the flooding at this one campsite.
Gediman hopes to open the campsite, along with North and Lower Pines sites, soon.
In some areas of the park, water is already covering roadways.
The flooding isn't discouraging people from making their way into the park.
Cristina and Chad Goodwin are from Southern California.
They make the drive up to Yosemite every year.
When comparing their photos from this visit to last year's, they noticed a big difference, which they say it's concerning.
"it is unfortunate that with this runoff, we will have some infrastructure that will be destroyed," said Chad.
Sacramento residents Jennifer Valdez and John Knight got married on Saturday at Bridal Veil Falls.
The newlyweds say the extra water making its way through the park almost washed out their wedding plans.
"The representative from the park, I talk to her, and she finally called back. I've been trying to get a hold of her for about a month. She said yeah by the way sentinel beach is flooded so you can't do it there, but the Bridal Veil is open," said John.
Despite the initial stress, the happy couple tells us it all worked out with a breathtaking view on a day they'll never forget.
A fun fact, there are cameras tied to trees throughout the park.
Cameras that are tied to trees throughout the park are continuing to monitor water levels along the river.
Park officials say the last few weeks have really helped them reconstruct their floor plan.
So, if it happens again, they'll be better prepared.
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