El Nino storms trigger massive rockslide in Yosemite

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. -- Yosemite National Park officials say a rock slide has forced the closure of Highway 140 below the Arch Rock entrance to the park.

The slide happened in the area of the 2014 Dog Rock Fire around 5:45 a.m. on Thursday. The highway was closed from the park boundary in El Portal to the junction of El Portal Road/Big Oak Flat Road (Highways 140/120).

Scott Gediman with Yosemite National Park said a large boulder fell in the area. He said the road was expected to be closed at least for the rest of the day. Officials said there is no estimated time for reopening the road.

Wawona Road (Highway 41) and Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120 west) remain open with chain restrictions. All roads within Yosemite Valley remain open with chain restrictions as well. Visitors must carry chains in their vehicle when entering a chain control area. Lodging and other facilities in El Portal are accessible.