Extreme weather has forced Yellowstone National Park to close all entrances to the park amidst horrific flooding, rockslides, and resulting damage.
Photo credit: NPS, YELL media release
Just before noon on Monday, June 13, Yellowstone National Park (YELL) would make the call to close all park entrances. Power is out in multiple locations in the park as torrential rain continues to flood the entirety of Yellowstone. Already, multiple sections of roads throughout the park have been completely washed out, eroded, collapsed, or are covered in mud and rocks. The flood is compromising multiple bridges as well, as Yellowstone River flooding surpasses record levels.
Earlier this morning, visitor evacuation became a priority as conditions worsened. Thankfully, no injuries or deaths are on the table so far.
In the same announcement, officials declare that no inbound visitor traffic will be allowed into the park until conditions stabilize. This includes visitors with lodging and camping reservations.
Closed entrances include:
- North
- Northeast
- West
- South
- East
So far, the damage is intense, with potential to become catastrophic. Yellowstone is currently assessing the toll to roads, bridges and other facilities.
“Many park roads may remain closed for an extended period of time,” the park announces. As a result, visitors planning on coming to Yellowstone in the upcoming weeks should pay close attention to the status of road conditions.
- Several roads in the southern portion of the park are also on the verge of flooding, further restricting access
- Multiple sections of roads throughout the park are washing out or collapsing in mud or rocks
- Power is out in multiple locations in the park
Photo credit: NPS, YELL media release
Yellowstone also cites strains on wastewater and water treatment facilities as a potential factor. Park officials are currently taking precautions to ensure facilities are not failing as they tend to visitors inside the park. In addition, the National Park Service is working with surrounding counties and state of Montana and Wyoming to assist gateway communities to evaluate flooding impacts and provide support to residents.
With additional rainfall forecasted, the park does not want large numbers of day-use visitors stranded in the park.
‘Flood levels measured on the Yellowstone River are beyond record levels’
The forecast continues to call for further rainfall over the next several days. Already, flood levels measured on the Yellowstone River are beyond record levels. Park officials will continue to communicate about this hazardous situation as more information is available.
Several of Montana’s major roadways are also underwater and closing. The situation is “extremely dangerous” for local residents, park officials cite.
To stay informed about up-to-date road conditions in Yellowstone, Visit Park Roads on the NPS website.
To receive Yellowstone National Park road alerts on your mobile phone, text “82190” to 888-777. An automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions.
