Yellowstone to remain closed after ‘extreme’ floods tear through park
Visitors have been evacuated and a reopening date has not been announced as flooding rips through the park
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A series of “unprecedented” rainstorms have created chaos inside Yellowstone National Park, which closed its gates to visitors on Monday.
The severe weather caused mudslides, with multiple roads being rendered impassible, and a bridge getting destroyed.
"Our first priority has been to evacuate the northern section of the park where we have multiple road and bridge failures, mudslides and others issues," park superintendent Cam Sholly said in a statement.
Guests already inside the park have been evacuated, and no return date has been announced.
Video footage released the National Parks Service (NPS) shows the northern entrance road to the park from Gardiner, Montana destroyed as water rushes through the canyon.
Communities outside of Yellowstone like Gardiner have been isolated, as roads going in and out of town are rendered impassible.
One family staying in the area in a rental home told CNN they were stranded.
“The water levels were high on Saturday but within the past 10-12 hours things have gotten rougher,” said Parker Manning, who was visiting from Indiana.
Water levels on the Yellowstone River in Corwin Springs, Montana had blown past its previous record high by at least two feet, according to the US Geological Survey. Other rivers in the area were also far above normal levels.
Power is out in some parts of the popular natural park.
It is unclear when the park could re-open.
“We will not know timing of the park’s reopening until flood waters subside and we’re able to assess the damage throughout the park,” Mr Sholly said in the statement. “It is likely that the northern loop will be closed for a substantial amount of time.”
The flooding was caused by intense rainfall, coupled with increased snowmelt. The AP reports that the park saw 2.5 inches of rain fall from Saturday to Monday, with areas nearby recording up to four inches.
In addition, recent warmer temperatures have spurred increased snowmelt in the area, adding even more water to the landscape.
The park is one of the most popular outdoor recreation spots in the US, receiving more than 800,000 visitors a year on average.
The climate crisis is expected to bring significant change to the Yellowstone ecosystem, NPS says. In particular, warmer temperatures will likely bring decreased snowpack and a higher chance of wildfires.
Climate change may also bring more severe storms across the country. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, more rain is now coming during intense rainstorms than in years prior — which could lead to more flash flooding events.
A recent study found that floods in the US would get “flashier” as the climate warms further, leading to quicker, more intense flooding events.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments