In this monthly National Park news roundup, Death Valley National Park remains closed due to major flash flood damage caused by Hurricane Hillary. A significant crack appeared near Yosemite's Royal Arches Cliff, leading to climbing route closures. A distressed hiker sought help via a webcam in Katmai National Park, leading to a successful rescue. Visitors' spending in 2022 contributed to a record-high $50.3 billion benefit to the nation's economy. Commercial vehicles are prohibited on certain National Park Service roads, and a seasonal park ranger, Don Frankfurt, retired after 55 summers of service at Wind Cave National Park.
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1. Death Valley National Park is entirely closed due to major flash flood damage caused by Hurricane Hillary, which dumped an unprecedented amount of rain in August 20th.
2. Roads in the park were severely damaged and are closed until further notice, with erosion and drop-offs in many places.
3. California Route 190 is under repair, but there is no estimated opening date.
4. The park is likely to reopen in stages, and it might be weeks before certain areas like Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells open. Some secondary roads may take months to open.
5. A sudden 200-foot crack appeared near Yosemite's Royal Arches Cliff, prompting the closure of the climbing area for safety reasons.
6. The crack appeared suddenly between August 6th and August 20th, and it has been actively widening and making noises.
7. Yosemite scientists are closely monitoring the situation using advanced tools like high-resolution photography and laser mapping.
8. Visitors and spending in and around National Parks in 2022 resulted in a record high $50.3 billion benefit to the nation's economy and supported many jobs.
9. Commercial vehicles are prohibited on certain roads operated by the National Park Service, and violators can face citations and fines.
10. Seasonal park ranger Don Frankfurt is retiring after working 55 summers at Wind Cave National Park, starting his career in 1967 after a chance encounter with a park ranger.
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