Half Dome and oaks in flooded Leidig Meadow, June 16th

Half Dome and oaks in flooded Leidig Meadow, June 16th



Last Thursday Claudia and I rose early and drove up to Yosemite Valley to see the high water. When we arrived, we found Swinging Bridge almost completely submerged, and large portions of Leidig and Chapel meadows resembled lakes.

I wanted to make a photograph that “said” high water—that really showed the flood. But when the water is this high, many of the best viewpoints are under water! I found a spot in Leidig Meadow that looked great, with two of my favorite Yosemite Valley oaks rising out of the pond. But there was no way to photograph these trees from dry ground without contending with intervening branches and trunks. If I wanted this photograph, I’d have to wade in.

Anticipating this possibility, I’d worn my shorts. But I’d expected to contend with a foot or two or water; instead I found myself in up to my waist at times. Man, was that cold! In the video below Claudia captured footage of me in action (if you can call wading into a pond action). You’ll also see the view from the pond, and the raging river below Pohono Bridge.

Hot temperatures yesterday and today are expected to raise the water in Yosemite Valley to near flood stage again. So there’s still time to see sights like this if you can make it up to the park. The highest water levels will probably occur on Thursday morning.