A Look At The 2019 Yosemite Snowpack

Spring has sprung and the waterfalls within Yosemite are flowing! Of course, the free-flowing waterfalls and the amount of water in Bass Lake can only be attributed to one thing: A very deep winter snowpack.

What is “Snowpack”

Each individual snow fall creates a new layer of snow on the ground. In extremely cold temperatures where the snow does not melt, new layers of snow fall on previous layers. Over time, these mass amounts of snow become hardened and compressed. This is snowpack.

In order to accurately gauge the amount of snow, snow surveyors generally use the Mount Rose Snow Tube. The Mount Rose snow tube was developed by Dr. James Edward Church in 1909 as a way to “measure the water content of snow”. Over 100 years later, the tools and methodology are still being used by surveyors.

It is through these snowpack measurements we’re able to say the Sierra Nevada snowpack of 2019 has measured at 188% of the average. That’s right: 188%.

And to be honest, it makes perfect sense when you consider the amount of snowfall we’ve had and the beautiful waterfalls we’ve been seeing the Yosemite-Bass Lake area. In fact, it’s the melting snowpack that feeds these rushing falls we love to see.

But, just as with anything else in nature, what’s here today may not be here next week, making a trip to see Yosemite’s waterfalls a must.

Find the Best Waterfalls in Yosemite National Park

While you can see these falls on the Yosemite Conservancy’s live webcam, there is nothing like seeing them in person. The smell of nature paired with the sounds of rushing water make for an experience you cannot forget. Now, take a look at these pics and imagine standing right in front of them. Then you can begin packing for your Yosemite-Bass Lake trip.

Yosemite Falls

 

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A post shared by Tammilee Tillison (@tammileetips) on Apr 22, 2019 at 6:24am PDT

Bridalveil Fall

 

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A post shared by OFF THE GRID | Outdoor Gear (@offthegridus) on Feb 10, 2019 at 8:01pm PST

Vernal Fall

 

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A post shared by The Redwoods In Yosemite (@redwoodsinyosemite) on May 2, 2019 at 5:56pm PDT

Nevada Fall

 

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A post shared by Miranda Peralta (@mrandishi) on May 4, 2019 at 8:49am PDT

Of course, the Yosemite-Bass Lake area is a beautiful area to visit at any point. There is a beautiful mix of nature and local events to enjoy alone or with family and friends, and we look forward to seeing you!