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Photos: Snowmelt causes flooding in Yosemite Valley

Visitors to the Yosemite Valley walk through a flooded section of the meadows, where high pools of water have swamped the wooden walkways.
(Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
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Melting of this year's massive Sierra Nevada snowpack will cause California rivers to surge and possibly overflow their banks well into the summer this year.

Among the first to be affected will be the Merced River running through Yosemite National Park, which is expected to crest today.

YOSEMITE VALLEY, CALIFORNIA, MAY 4, 2017: Richard DeYoung and his granddaughter Sienna Milandin walk through a flooded portion of the meadow in the Yosemite Valley with Yosemite Fall in the background May 4, 2017. Warmer weather is causing the snow to melt, and water levels in the Merced River and elsewhere around the Yosemite Valley are running high or near flood level (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times ).
(Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Cook's Meadow: Richard DeYoung and his granddaughter Sienna Milandin walk through a flooded portion of the meadow in the Yosemite Valley with Yosemite Falls in the background.

Upper Yosemite Falls: The water at the base of Upper Yosemite Fall crashes into the granite below in Yosemite Valley.

Flooded pathways: Bicycle riders have to walk their bikes across flooded pathways in the Yosemite Valley.

Submerged: One little visitor to the Yosemite Valley walks away from a one of the flooded sections of the wooden walkways that traverse the meadows.

Picture perfect: A photographer frames his shot while standing on Swinging Bridge as Yosemite Falls is reflected in the flood level waters of the Merced River.

Spring bloom: Dogwood blossoms dangle above the Merced River reflecting some of the colors of the setting sun in the Yosemite Valley next to the Pohono Bridge.

Mighty Merced: The water in the Merced River churns and roars near the Pohono Bridge.

Tunnel View: Visitors stop at Tunnel View in Yosemite National Park for a picture with Bridalveil Falls roaring in the background.

Video: Early snowmelt brings yosemite to life.
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