On June 13, 2022, Yellowstone National Park experienced a devastating flood that washed out several roads, causing significant damage to the park’s infrastructure. This article will provide an in-depth look at the specific roads affected, the timeline for repairs, the impact on tourism, and the ongoing efforts to rebuild and restore the park.
Specific Roads Washed Out in Yellowstone National Park
The flooding in Yellowstone National Park caused extensive damage to several key roads within the park. Here are the details on the specific roads that were washed out:
| Road | Damage |
|---|---|
| North Entrance Road | The road between Gardiner, Montana, and Mammoth Hot Springs was washed out in multiple places, including a significant rockslide in Gardner Canyon. |
| Tower Junction to Northeast Entrance | A segment of the road was washed out near Soda Butte Picnic Area, with mudslides and downed trees reported. |
| Tower-Roosevelt to Canyon Junction (Dunraven Pass) | A mudslide occurred on the road. |
| Canyon Junction to Fishing Bridge | A segment of the road just south of Canyon Junction collapsed overnight on June 15-16, with repairs underway. |
Repair Timeline for Yellowstone National Park Roads
The repair and reconstruction of the damaged roads in Yellowstone National Park will be a lengthy and complex process. The National Park Service (NPS) has provided the following timeline for the repairs:
- The northern portion of the park, including the North Entrance Road, is likely to remain closed for a substantial length of time, potentially the entire 2022 season.
- The repairs to the Tower Junction to Northeast Entrance and Tower-Roosevelt to Canyon Junction (Dunraven Pass) roads are underway, but the timeline for completion is uncertain.
- The repairs to the Canyon Junction to Fishing Bridge road segment are also in progress, but the NPS has not provided a specific timeline for when this section will reopen.
Impact on Tourism and Local Businesses
The flooding and road closures in Yellowstone National Park have had a significant impact on tourism in the region. Since the floods, attendance at the park has dropped by 40%, with local businesses in Gardiner, Montana, struggling to survive due to the lack of park access.
To mitigate the impact on tourism, the NPS is working to enhance an old dirt road from Gardiner into Yellowstone, known as the Old Gardiner Road, to provide limited access to the park. However, this temporary solution is not a long-term fix, and the full restoration of the park’s roads and infrastructure is crucial for the recovery of the local economy.
Cost and Rebuilding Efforts
The cost of repairing and rebuilding the damaged infrastructure in Yellowstone National Park is estimated to be around $1 billion. The NPS is committed to rebuilding the roads and infrastructure in a sustainable and environmentally sensitive manner, ensuring that the park’s natural beauty and ecological integrity are preserved for future generations.
The rebuilding efforts will involve a comprehensive assessment of the damage, the development of a detailed plan for reconstruction, and the implementation of best practices in engineering and environmental protection. The NPS is working closely with local communities, stakeholders, and experts to ensure that the rebuilding process is transparent, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the park and its visitors.
Conclusion
The flooding in Yellowstone National Park has caused significant damage to the park’s roads and infrastructure, leading to the closure of several key access points and a substantial impact on tourism. The repair and rebuilding process will be a long and complex undertaking, but the NPS is committed to restoring the park’s roads and infrastructure in a sustainable and environmentally sensitive manner.
As the park works to recover from this natural disaster, it is important for visitors and enthusiasts to stay informed about the ongoing developments and to support the local communities that have been affected. By working together, we can ensure that Yellowstone National Park remains a cherished and accessible destination for generations to come.
References
- Yellowstone National Park Flooding: What We Know
- Yellowstone National Park’s Extreme Flooding Washes Out Roads, Shuts Off Access
- The Long Road to Recovery at Yellowstone
- Attendance at Yellowstone National Park Plummets After Road Washouts in June
- Yellowstone National Park News Release: June 13, 2022