** Tuesday update: Roads remained closed as of 10 a.m. Tuesday
Heavy snow, mudslides and downed trees and power lines have forced the temporary closure of all roads leading into Yosemite National Park in the western Sierra Nevada.
A park media release stated that nearly four feet of snow fell during a 24-hour period in the Yosemite Valley, Wawona and Crane Flat areas. Highways 41 (Wawona Road), 120 (Big Oak Road), and 140 (El Portal Rd.). were closed Monday morning.
Highway 14o outside of the park between El Portal and Mid Pines was closed by Caltrans because of storm-caused debris and downed power lines. Badger Pass Road and Hetch Hetchy Road also are closed.
Assessments are being made regularly and prospective visitors are urged to call (209) 372-0200 for recorded updates regarding roads within the park; and to dial (800) 427-7623 for information about roads outside the park.
A winter storm warning was still in effect Monday morning.
-- Image courtesy of Yosemite
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