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[Yosemite]

Water availability atop yosemite falls late october

Hiking, backpacking, running, biking, climbing, rafting, and other human-powered activities in Yosemite National Park

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Water availability atop yosemite falls late october

Postby grant » Tue Sep 29, 2015 10:48 am

I am planning a backpacking trip to camp atop yosemite falls and climb lost arrow spire the last week of October - we are staying two nights. I've read that the falls will be a trickle in some places, which leads me to believe I would have water to filter at the top where we'll be camping, but others say it will be completely dry. Anyone care to provide some feedback on what to expect? Obviously we'll make sure of that conditions before heading up without any water but just trying to figure out what to expect... I'd really hate to have to lug all of our water all the way up on top of our already heavy gear load. Also any tips on good spots to camp would be appreciated!

Thanks!
Grant
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Re: Water availability atop yosemite falls late october

Postby Phil » Tue Sep 29, 2015 5:12 pm

In my original reply I completely missed your trip date, so here's the new version.

By that time there should be some rain or snow, at least enough that you're not likely to have to worry about finding water. If not, there appears to be some moisture on the Upper Falls face, and definitely on the face of Middle Falls from what I see on the webcam. And even if there's still no weather, I've never seen Yosemite Creek go dry, and you'll be able to find enough to pump for hydration and cooking, even if you have to head upstream a little.

Here's the link to the streaming feed of the falls in real-time that you can check out whenever it's relevant: http://www.yosemiteconservancy.org/webc ... mite-falls

You can also call the Valley Wilderness Center to make sure: 209-372-0745

Also keep in mind that you're not legally supposed to camp within a 1/4 mile of the top of the falls.They'll cite you if they catch you...but...

If it's still dry, be aware that the channel right above the Upper Falls is incredibly slick rock, so use your best judgment and be careful. If the creek charges up with water for any reason, the channel is narrow and the flow rips through there fast. Don't go anywhere near it because it's a great place to become a statistic.

Have fun!
Last edited by Phil on Tue Sep 29, 2015 7:29 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Water availability atop yosemite falls late october

Postby grant » Tue Sep 29, 2015 7:26 pm

Thanks for the info - regarding the 1/4 mile rule, the ranger mentioned it just being 100 ft from any water source so hopefully we'll be fine. It looks like there is a rather large pool that someone dove in to within the last few days after some additional research. I don't imagine that will evaporate within a months time so that has certainly made me optimistic.
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Re: Water availability atop yosemite falls late october

Postby Phil » Tue Sep 29, 2015 7:58 pm

Yeah, be sure to reread my post. I spaced the end of October and basically wrote it for current conditions. Oh well, it's fixed, sorry.

The camping 100' away from water is a typical rule for everywhere in general. Camping at the top of Yosemite Falls is a different matter. I'm still not going to tell you to get water that close to the top of the falls though. However, what I will tell you is that if a person were to get to the top of the Falls Trail, turn to the right and follow the trail up to the top of the rocks where the creek and bridge come into view, then wander harmlessly back up the valley to the left just a little, they might just happen to notice a few flat areas, but they also wouldn't want to leave their gear there while they were climbing. What you do with this is completely up to you.

This is the link to the trailhead map that shows at what point it's legal to camp throughout the park. It's a pretty small scale, but you can zoom in and get a better look. What you're looking for is to be beyond the arrow points to be technically within regulations. Not doing that and getting caught will likely get you cited and escorted out. They also have the option of confiscating your gear, so choose where you camp wisely with that in mind. You'll be looking at the Yosemite Valley/Big Oak Flat box in the middle of the map, specifically, Trailhead #6 shown in blue. Just thought you might want to check this out so that you're properly informed: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/u ... lheads.pdf
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Re: Water availability atop yosemite falls late october

Postby linda0012 » Thu Oct 01, 2015 5:48 am

grant wrote:I am planning a backpacking trip to camp atop yosemite falls and climb lost arrow spire the last week of October - we are staying two nights. I've read that the falls will be a trickle in some places, which leads me to believe I would have water to filter at the top where we'll be camping, but others say it will be completely dry. Anyone care to provide some feedback on what to expect? Obviously we'll make sure of that conditions before heading up without any water but just trying to figure out what to expect... I'd really hate to have to lug all of our water all the way up on top of our already heavy gear load. Also any tips on good spots to camp would be appreciated!

Thanks!
Grant


The time has now arrived again. But i could not see the pictures of your last trip. Will you please share it?
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