Tree crews remove a fallen oak from NPS employee housing/NPS

An early-week snowstorm not only blocked access to Yosemite National Park for a while, but the heavy snow did substantial damage to buildings in the park's iconic valley, toppling trees that damaged facilities and were blamed for starting a fire in employee housing.

Trees downed by the snow damaged or destroyed 100 or more guest cabins and concessionaire housing units in the Yosemite Valley, park officials announced Friday evening. The series of snowstorms, which brought 18-24 inches of snow to the valley Monday through Wednesday and several feet to the park's high country, caused several trees to topple, led to power outages, closed roads temporarily, damaged park campgrounds, and forced the temporary closure of the park’s ski area.

A fire started in concessions employee housing when tree limbs fell on employee tent cabins, according to the park's Facebook page. Park officials could not be immediately reached Friday to determine whether the fire was caused by downed power lines, or if a woodstove was knocked over. 

A park release did say that no injuries occurred during the storm, and park personnel worked long hours to clear roads, ensure employee and visitor safety, and keep utility and other systems operating during the significant winter storms.

Firefighters battling fire in concessionaire housing in Yosemite/NPS

Approximately 50 guest cabins at Half Dome Village and 50-70 concessioner housing units were damaged or destroyed. About 150 concession employees were impacted, and arrangements were being made to provide them temporary housing. All visitor services at Half Dome Village are closed while damage assessments continue and repairs begin. Upper Pines Campground was closed, too, as trees fell on restrooms in the campground and it is not safe for visitors. It is expected to reopen in the next several days. Yosemite Ski and Snowboard area was closed as well.

The National Park Service and the park concessioner were currently working together on damage assessments, alternative housing for employees, and repairing damage to park facilities. There is no financial estimate of damage or expected times that facilities will reopen.

Temporary road closures and delays may be possible over the next several days along Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120 West), Wawona Road (Highway 41), and El Portal Road (Highway 140) inside Yosemite National Park. An incoming winter storm system could impact roadways inside the park due to heavy precipitation and snow at higher elevations, a park release added.

Yosemite National Park is open. Visitors planning trips to the park over the next several days are advised to plan for winter driving conditions. Tire chains may be required at any time depending on road conditions. All motorists driving in the park during the winter season are strongly encouraged to have tire chains in their vehicle. Temporary road closures may go into effect at any time due to road and weather conditions.

A tent cabin is crushed by a fallen tree (Half Dome Village is currently closed)/NPS