“In mid-autumn, high upon the watershed of Yosemite Creek, a few raindrops fall . . . and then more . . . and more. “ I wrote those words ten years ago as I contemplated the comings and goings of Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls. Viewing the Falls during its springtime power rush astounds most visitors to Yosemite and gives reason to schedule a visit to the Park during April and May.
In contrast, disappointment can prevail when the iconic waterfall has turned to a trickle or even dries up during late summer and early autumn (i.e., August and September). Consequently, any return of water to rejuvenate the Falls’ flow brings a sense of relief and joy to those who care to take note.
I am one of those who takes note. I have been writing about its return for the past ten years, and I am happy to welcome it back no matter what day it suddenly reappears. As for 2024, on October 16, 2024, a light rain descended upon the Yosemite watershed. The following day, I gladly welcomed back Yosemite Falls. Although not fully replenished, its adequate flow gave sufficient reason to rejoice again and honor its return (see video below).
VIDEO BELOW DATED 10-17-2024: Courtesy of Yosemite Conservancy & halfdome.net
I have, on occasion, referred to Yosemite Falls as the “Valley Diva” as it unabashedly garners attention from all who enter Yosemite Valley along Southside Drive. As one drives past Sentinel Meadow, a splendid view of the Falls, especially during the spring, prompts first-timers and locals to pull over and park to gaze at its commanding view.
Although the definition of diva has changed over the years, it has come to mean “anyone who thinks they’re more fabulous than anyone else.“ Waterfalls do not think, of course, but those who gaze at their splendor do. And when many see Yosemite Falls’ spectacular display of churning power and white spray that dominates the landscape, few would question its reputation of being “more fabulous than” any other waterfall in Yosemite. Consequently, it easily gains most visitors’ votes as the most valuable Yosemite Valley “diva.”
John Muir eloquently approved of its “fabulous” character by writing in The Yosemite (Chapter 1) in 1906:
“The heads of these comet-like masses are composed of nearly solid water, and are dense white in color like pressed snow . . . while the outer, finer sprays of water-dust, whirling in sunny eddies, are pearly gray throughout. At the bottom of the fall . . . the rainbow light makes all divine, adding glorious beauty and peace to glorious power. This noble fall has by far the richest, as well as the most powerful, voice of all the falls of the Valley, its tones varying from the sharp hiss and rustle of the wind in the glossy leaves of the live-oak and the soft, sifting, hushing tones of the pines, to the loudest rush and roar of storm winds and thunder among the crags of the summit peaks.”
Indeed, Yosemite Falls has a long-standing reputation of being “more fabulous than” any other waterfall in Yosemite, a true diva. With that in mind, I honor it once again. I will do that in two ways this year. First, I offer a reprint of the initial article I wrote on Yosemite Falls, dated December 2014. It appears below. Secondly, I plan on offering t-shirts emblazoned with an image of the most fabulous diva in Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Falls (more information to follow)!
In the meantime, enjoy this first essay from 2014 of my observations of Yosemite Falls:
"You're Back!"December 31, 2014
In mid-autumn, high upon the watershed of Yosemite Creek, a few raindrops fall . . . and then more . . . and more. They continue falling and multiplying in number until all those raindrops seeking rest on a shrub or a tree have secured every available spot; all those seeking shelter in the soil have put up camp and claimed their site; and all those searching for an open space on the vast granite slabs have also found a place to park themselves. The later coming raindrops soon find out there is no vacancy for lodging on the rain-soaked shrubs and trees. They discover that there are only “campground full” signs on the saturated ground. And upon reaching the granite slabs, they find that “no parking” signs have quickly sprung up on the rain-slickened rock. Finding nowhere to lodge in the vast watershed, there is only one place for those excess raindrops to go: downward toward lower elevation, that is, to Yosemite Creek. And there they gather and meet. New raindrops acquaint themselves with each other, consolidate, and bring life to a creek-bed that has been without water for many months due to a limited snow pack and lack of rain. All these raindrops congregate together in increasing volume and momentum until they introduce themselves to the public by sending themselves cascading over the north granite face of Yosemite Valley. There, they all tumble and turn for 4,425 feet down to the Valley floor. Clearly, Yosemite Creek carries a heavy responsibility. Its job is to fulfill the high expectations of the many visitors traveling to Yosemite Valley, newcomers and old-timers alike, who come to see Yosemite Falls in all its glory; to raise eyebrows, to drop jaws, to foster a flurry of photo ops that are probably unequaled in the Valley. Yosemite Falls is reported to be the highest waterfall in North America and sixth highest waterfall in the world, and, when it is flowing, it is a sight to behold. Yet, at certain times of the year, like in the late summer and into autumn, it is prone to go dry. In 2014, Yosemite Falls went dry earlier than usual due to the serious drought in California. By late June there was only a trickle of water. By early July, the Falls closed up shop, disappointing many visitors hoping to enjoy one of the major attractions of Yosemite National Park. "Oh, no! Look! The falls are gone!" These are words that can be heard among the many onlookers approaching Yosemite Village, especially in August and September. But rain and snow always return to Yosemite. The timing varies; one year it might be early October, and in another year it might be late November. As for 2014, rain returned to the Yosemite Creek watershed on November 1st. The creek obliged expectant visitors by collecting enough raindrops to bring Yosemite Falls back to life. Its waters tumbled over the Valley’s granite wall much to the delight of its loyal observers awaiting its return. For those who were exultant over its return, it was easy to shout, “You’re back!” In much the same way as when a friend goes on a long trip and then safely returns, a loved one’s happy and appreciative shout of “You’re back” means all that it implies: “What a relief! You made it back. Yes, I knew you would be back, but I am just so happy to see you again, face-to-face; to look in your eyes and to see you looking back; to sense your vibrant energy, your power, and your unending enthusiasm; to feel your soothing essence; and to see your refreshing smile.” Welcome back, Yosemite Falls. I am so glad to see you again. |
IMAGE BELOW DATED 11/1/2014: Courtesy of Yosemite Conservancy and Halfdome.net
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