Yosemite National Park closed indefinitely; parts of park buried in 15 feet of snow

Yosemite National Park has been closed indefinitely because of heavy snowfall. Some areas of the park have gotten as much as 15 feet of snow.

The park was closed on Saturday, and as of Friday no estimated date for reopening had been given.

In a posted announcement, park officials said crews "are working to restore critical services so visitors can safely return."

A major winter storm hit the park Saturday, bringing with it heavy snow that blocked roadways. Travel on all park roads was restricted to administrative traffic only.

Park officials had hoped to reopen on Thursday. But it snowed again Wednesday, prompting officials to say the park was now closed indefinitely.

Yosemite is the sixth-most visited national park. In 2022, 3.67 million people visited.

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When will Yosemite National Park reopen?

The parks service has not set a reopening date.

In a Facebook post Monday, park officials said: "The public is asked to check the park’s website and social media channels for the latest conditions."

How much snow did Yosemite get?

Since Saturday, some areas of the park have accumulated up to 15 feet of snow. On Monday the park posted that forecasts called for 55 to 84 inches of new snow accumulation in Yosemite Valley, at 4,000 feet, through Wednesday.

"We’ll do our best," the post said.

More: Graphics show snowfall totals in California: Over 50 feet with more expected this weekend

In this photo provided by the National Park Service, tents at Curry Village are covered with snow in Yosemite National Park, Calif., Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023. The park, closed since Saturday because of heavy, blinding snow, postponed its planned Thursday, March 2, 2023, reopening indefinitely. (National Park Service via AP) ORG XMIT: FX308
In this photo provided by the National Park Service, tents at Curry Village are covered with snow in Yosemite National Park, Calif., Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023. The park, closed since Saturday because of heavy, blinding snow, postponed its planned Thursday, March 2, 2023, reopening indefinitely. (National Park Service via AP) ORG XMIT: FX308

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Yosemite National Park closed due to snow. When will it open?