Evacuation Yellowstone: Key Details and Insights

In June 2022, Yellowstone National Park experienced a severe flood event, prompting the evacuation of over 10,000 visitors. This unprecedented event was caused by a combination of heavy rainfall and snowmelt, resulting in significant damage to park infrastructure and surrounding communities.

Overview of the Yellowstone Evacuation

The Yellowstone National Park evacuation was a major event that occurred in June 2022 due to a severe flood. Over 10,000 visitors were evacuated from the park as a result of the flooding, which was caused by heavy rainfall and snowmelt. The flood event caused significant damage to park infrastructure, including the destruction of several sections of roads, damage to wastewater infrastructure, and widespread rockslides and mudslides.

Key Facts about the Yellowstone Evacuation

1. Flood Event: On June 13, 2022, Yellowstone experienced a 500-year flood event, with northern parts of the park receiving 7.5-9.5 inches of rain and snowmelt in a 24-hour period.
2. Evacuation: Over 10,000 visitors were evacuated from the park, with all but one group of backpackers leaving by June 14, 2022.
3. Damage: The flood destroyed several sections of roads, damaged wastewater infrastructure, caused widespread rockslides and mudslides, and led to power outages for most of the park.
4. Recovery: The park reopened at limited capacity on June 22, 2022, and has since returned to regular capacity in undamaged areas.
5. Cost: Early predictions estimate the damage to be over $1 billion.
6. Government Response: The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) released emergency funding to help repair flood damage, with $60 million allocated to the National Park Service, $3 million to the Montana Department of Transportation, and $2 million to the Wyoming Department of Transportation.

Precautions and Response during the Yellowstone Evacuation

1. Road Closures: On June 12, 2022, the park closed roads on Dunraven Pass, North Entrance, and Northeast Entrance in anticipation of potential flooding.
2. Evacuation Order: On June 13, 2022, park officials ordered the evacuation of over 10,000 visitors due to the severity of the flood.
3. Initial Damage Assessment: Within 36 hours of the event, the park conducted initial damage assessments and restored critical infrastructure.
4. Flood Recovery Timeline: The park has been working on a flood recovery timeline, including temporary solutions for wastewater systems and road repairs.

Lessons Learned and Future Planning for Yellowstone Evacuation

1. Infrastructure Redesign: Yellowstone Superintendent Cam Sholly suggested that the park’s infrastructure may need to be redesigned to combat the changing climate and potential future flood events.
2. Flood Insurance: The Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance reported that few residents of the affected area had flood insurance, highlighting the importance of flood insurance for homeowners.
3. Climate Change: Recent research predicts that flash floods will become more common in the United States, emphasizing the need for national parks to adapt to climate change.

References

1. National Park Service. (2023). Flood Recovery & Operations – Yellowstone National Park. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/flood-recovery.htm
2. Associated Press. (2022). Thousands evacuate Yellowstone park after flooding. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yy_PaEDxmDI
3. Aon Edge. (n.d.). The Yellowstone National Park Flood: How Did It Happen and How Can It Recover? Retrieved from https://www.aonedge.com/Resource-Center/Blog/The-Yellowstone-National-Park-Flood-How-Did-It-Happen-and-How-Can-It-Recover.