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Yosemite Deaths 3 of Many in West This Year

Yosemite deaths a reminder of rivers' risks

By the Associated Press

Posted Jul 22, 2011 11:42 AM CDT

(AP) – The deaths of three young tourists who were swept over a 317-foot waterfall this week in Yosemite are far from the only water-related deaths to hit the West this year. Rising temperatures have caused record snowfall to melt, engorging waterways with sometimes tragic consequences. In Montana, at least 10 people have drowned so far this year compared to just three in all of 2010; another man is missing and presumed drowned after trying to retrieve an oar that fell out of his raft Sunday.

The numbers keep adding up: At least 11 people have drowned in Utah waterways since April; five people have died after being swept into Colorado's raging rivers and creeks; swollen rivers in Wyoming have killed at least half a dozen people this summer; more than a dozen people have died along the Kern River in California's southern San Joaquin Valley. Tuesday's deaths bring to six the number of people who have died in water accidents this year at Yosemite, where breathtaking waterfalls and rivers are at their most turbulent level in years.

A no swimming sign is shown Emerald Pool above Vernal Fall Wednesday, July 20, 2011, in Yosemite National Park, Calif.
A no swimming sign is shown Emerald Pool above Vernal Fall Wednesday, July 20, 2011, in Yosemite National Park, Calif.   (Eric Paul Zamora)
A man steps off the trail to take a photo of Vernal Fall Wednesday, July 20, 2011, in Yosemite National Park, Calif.
A man steps off the trail to take a photo of Vernal Fall Wednesday, July 20, 2011, in Yosemite National Park, Calif.   (Eric Paul Zamora)
Hikers reach the vista point at Vernal Fall after hiking the Mist Trail Wednesday, July 20, 2011, a day after three visitors reportedly slipped into the river in Yosemite National Park, Calf.
Hikers reach the vista point at Vernal Fall after hiking the Mist Trail Wednesday, July 20, 2011, a day after three visitors reportedly slipped into the river in Yosemite National Park, Calf.   (Eric Paul Zamora)
Mar Awa Royel speaks to the media prior to conducting a vigil service at the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East, St George Parish, Wednesday, July 20, 2011, in Ceres, Calif.
Mar Awa Royel speaks to the media prior to conducting a vigil service at the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East, St George Parish, Wednesday, July 20, 2011, in Ceres, Calif.   (Ben Margot)
Hikers approach Vernal Fall Wednesday, July 20, 2011, in Yosemite National Park, Calif.
Hikers approach Vernal Fall Wednesday, July 20, 2011, in Yosemite National Park, Calif.   (Eric Paul Zamora)
Hikers on the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall in Yosemite are seen Wednesday July 20, 2011.
Hikers on the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall in Yosemite are seen Wednesday July 20, 2011.   (Gosia Wozniacka)
Tonya Badal, sister of the missing Ramina Badal, speaks before a vigil service at the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East, St George Parish, Wednesday, July 20, 2011, in Ceres, Calif.
Tonya Badal, sister of the missing Ramina Badal, speaks before a vigil service at the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East, St George Parish, Wednesday, July 20, 2011, in Ceres, Calif.   (Ben Margot)
A man and a woman crossed this metal barricade above the 317-foot Vernal Fall on Tuesday, July 19, 2011 making their way over slick granite at the waters edge of the Merced River.
A man and a woman crossed this metal barricade above the 317-foot Vernal Fall on Tuesday, July 19, 2011 making their way over slick granite at the waters edge of the Merced River.   (Gosia Wozniacka)
In this undated photo provided by the Badal family on Thursday, July 21, 1011, Ramina Badal is seen.
In this undated photo provided by the Badal family on Thursday, July 21, 1011, Ramina Badal is seen.   ((AP Photo/The Badal family))
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 9 comments
Fatquah
Jul 22, 2011 11:49 AM CDT
It's not the weather it's the growing entitlement culture that expects government to protect them at all times.
CHRiSTFELD
Jul 22, 2011 11:48 AM CDT
Record snowfall followed by record heat... I'm looking foward to next year when the oceanic warming nuisance is over and done with.

Copyright 2012 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

 
Montana • Utah • Wyoming • Colorado • Yosemite National Park

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