Disappearing Waterfalls

At certain times of the year some of the Valley’s waterfalls disappear. Bridalveil keeps flowing even in late summer, when Yosemite Falls begins to dry up. Above Yosemite Falls the terrain is largely bare granite, so runoff is rapid. Bridalveil Creek’s green upper valley has more vegetation and deeper soil that absorb rain and snowmelt, slowing runoff to a relatively steady flow. Recognizing that the vegetation above helps feed the falls, John Muir pushed for expansion of the park area to protect the entire watershed.

California · United States