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As of this past week, the state average snow pack is running at about 92% of the normal for this point in the season, measured by snow water content. As of March 18 the central Sierra (which is where Yosemite is located) has 91% of normal for this point in the season.
http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/products/swccond.pdf
Forecasts for the upcoming period indicate no immediate prospects of much more snowfall aside from a possibility of minor storms early this coming week. It is currently very warm again, and it is expected to warm up again by mid-week. While it is not impossible that we could receive surprisingly heavy late season snow, at this point in the season the probability is quite low and the amount would have to catch up to normal levels and then exceed them.
Online resources (such as http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tiogaopen.htm) list historic opening and closing dates for both Tioga Pass Road and Glacier Point Road. In recent years it has been very unusual that it would not be open at some point in May, though (in line with what I wrote earlier) the exact date in May varies. It has opened earlier than May and on two occasion it opened significantly later. In 2010 and 2011, which were extremely heavy snowfall years, it did not open until close to the end of May.
Based on this, I stand by what I wrote in my earlier post, while acknowledging that we cannot know for sure until it happens.
If you do get up there, and especially if you haven't been there before, you'll find breathtaking views — down into the Valley, westward toward the Great Central Valley and the foothills, north toward Mount Hoffman and North Dome, up Tenaya Canyon, Clouds Rest and Half Dome, numerous waterfalls, and a huge portion of the Sierra Nevada crest. Wander around a bit and don't stick to just the obvious viewpoint. Morning is quite different than evening (and frequently much less crowded), but both can be spectacular.
Along the way to Glacier Point there are other attractions. The side trip to Sentinel Dome is well worth it, and you could even hike to spectacular Taft Point if time and conditions permit. There are many lovely subalpine meadows and creeks along the road, and early in the season the combination of snow, high water, and the start of new spring growth is lovely. For a real adventure, hike to Glacier Point via the Four Mile Trail from the Valley. Even bigger adventures are possible if you are an enthusiastic hiker, but I'll leave you to figure out some of those.
Have a great visit.
Dan
Edited on Mar 19, 2016 at 08:57 AM · View previous versions
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