Spring Snowfall and Road Report

Michael Botkin plowed to the end of the Mineral King Road on Monday, May 20. The road is narrow through Faculty Flat and there isn’t much parking or room for turning around.

If the smaller dumpster is locked, you will have to haul your garbage down the hill; the big roll-off isn’t there yet. 

Also, Joseph Seaward took these photos on Sunday, May 19.  What an amazing winter/spring we have had in our Mineral King Valley!

Mineral King Road Update

From Jana Botkin:

"On Saturday Michael pushed through to the ranger station. The road is narrow and there aren’t a lot of places to park or turn around, so please don’t block the road. Hopefully he can get there one more day before Memorial Day weekend to punch through to the end of the road, but the weather doesn’t look promising."

From Michael Asay:

"I was in MK over the weekend and the road has been plowed up to just before Cold Springs Campground.  Thanks to Mike Botkin!  There was heavy snow again last night and ongoing, but pretty wet and might not cause much of a problem.  Still lots of significant drifts around cabins."

Gate Opening: May 22

WMK Water System On: June 21

(If I hear anything different, I'll pass it along.)

From our SEKI Superintendent Woody Smeck

I have received several messages from cabin owners about current road conditions in Mineral King.  There is a substantial cleanup requirement across the parks due to winter storms, widespread tree morality, and late snow melt.  Here is an excerpt of the response I have provided to cabin owner inquiries about cleanup work:

The road crew has been working to clear a wider path on Mineral King Road over the past few days.  Our target is to have the road cleared for resident use by May 22.  This is later than in previous years due to wide-spread tree mortality and winter storm damage affecting all roads, campgrounds, resort areas, visitor centers, and housing areas within Sequoia and Kings Canyon.  All campground openings are delayed as a result, and many areas are still under deep snow.

We have doubled our crew size to fall trees and perform clean up across the 124-mile road system.  We have also involved CalTrans and CCC crews in this work.  They are making good progress and our hope is to finish ahead of scheduled targets.  But, worker safety is our highest priority and capacity to cut trees is limited (many trees are five feet-plus in diameter).  

Let Nancy [Hendricks] or I know if you have any questions.  Thank you for your understanding.

Woody Smeck

Superintendent

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

(559) 565-3101 office

Mineral King Road Reports

From Jana Botkin, May 9:

Michael Botkin borrowed the Silver City Store’s big yellow machine and opened the road to the cattle guard below Barton Grade yesterday. The road is passable to that point. Parking and turning around will be tight, so don’t block the road if you go up.

From our NPS Sub-District Ranger, May 10:

Road crew did recon yesterday, and was planning on running equipment up there today (Thurs) or Monday. We expect improved admin and local access by Tuesday; and full access to Silver City by planned opening May 22.

There's a hole punched into the snow to just below West Mineral King, where it is now 100% snow cover, and 3' deep. Access beyond Silver City to MK and Cold Springs will depend on the rate of snow melt.

From The Weather Channel, May 13:

Mineral King Forecast


(Recent Update):
As of today there's a pretty substantial drift at the top of Barton grade. Until we can get to the Cold Springs water head there will be no water. I don't have any control over the roads crew but I know their busy up there today. You might check with the resort, I think they were planning on opening but shuttling patrons up. I'm waiting for the lab to report on the water samples from Silver City before we move our own people in. Cold Springs will probably be closer to the end of June in my estimation. 

Marty Maine

Buildings & Grounds Supervisor

Sequoia National Park

Temporary SEKI Superintendent

From the Sequoia and Kings Canyon Superintendent:

I will be departing to Grand Canyon National Park at the end of this month to serve as acting superintendent for the summer.  Accepting this assignment is not easy as it means being away from you – the great team at Sequoia and Kings Canyon – and my wife and family.  I will also miss summer treks through our extraordinary wilderness.

In my absence, the Regional Director has selected Christy Brigham to serve as Acting Superintendent.  Christy is currently the Chief of Resources Management and Science for Sequoia-Kings Canyon NP and brings a balance of management experience and knowledge of the wide-range of programs and services we deliver.  I know she will effectively support you, our team, and continuity in park operations.

Next week the Leadership Team will be meeting to identify critical priorities and actions for Christy’s assignment.  This list of requirements is extensive – from wildland fire, to visitor and resource protection, to visitor and facility services, to budget and program administration.  Most important, caring for the safety and well-being of our employees and volunteers through Operational Leadership is an over-arching value.

Your commitment to our mission is inspiring and I’m confident we will offer the public another extraordinary season of service.  Please join me in welcoming Christy as acting superintendent.

Woody Smeck

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

(559) 565-3101 office

Sequoia Parks Conservancy Newsletter

Here is the link to the latest issue of the Sequoia Parks Conservancy newsletter, "Compass."