Half Dome Opens Early Because Of No Snow In Yosemite

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) — The cables to the summit of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park are opening Saturday -- three weeks ahead of schedule because of the low snowpack.

California is in its fourth year of drought, and state officials fear it may last as long as a decade.

During a snow survey Tuesday state water officials toured the High Sierra by helicopter, finding snow at only one of four sites that normally would be covered.

The extra three weeks mean fit hikers have a chance of getting a permit between May 2 and 22. Permits are required to hike Half Dome.

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Each day 300 permits are issued to day hikers and backpackers. Hikers use the cables to complete the strenuous 16-hour day hike covering over 17 miles to the 8,800-foot summit.

To apply for an early permit, enter the lottery two days before you plan to go. The lottery opens daily at midnight and closes at 1 p.m. the same day. You'll be notified if you win at 6 a.m. the following day

Visit Yosemite's hiking page for more details on the application process.

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