With only a trickle of water, Yosemite's 'firefall' still puts on show

Pat Moynihan of San Francisco photographed Yosemite's 'firefall' on Feb. 17, 2018 with only a trickle of water. Pat Moynihan of San Francisco photographed Yosemite's 'firefall' on Feb. 17, 2018 with only a trickle of water. Photo: Pat Moynihan / IG @patmoyno Photo: Pat Moynihan / IG @patmoyno Image 1 of / 13 Caption Close With only a trickle of water, Yosemite's 'firefall' still puts on show 1 / 13 Back to Gallery

Amid a year marked by low rainfall, there was some concern that Yosemite's famous "firefall" would be running dry in February.

The natural marvel usually occurs during a two-week stretch in the early part of the month on the east side of El Capitan. When Horsetail Fall is flowing and the weather conditions are just right, the setting sun illuminates the ribbon of water and granite face with a fiery glow.

A week ago, the falls was as dry as a bone. But with the light snow flurries over the weekend, a trickle is now dripping down the face of Horsetail, treating onlookers to one of California's favorite natural splendors.

"There was just a little water at the top," says Pat Moynihan of San Francisco who photographed the falls among a crowd of hundreds on Saturday. "I think a lot of the firefall is the combination of the water and the light. The light actually was filling in the rest of the fall and creating the illusion of there being a fall."

VIDEO: Yosemite introduces new 'firefall' reservation system

Park spokesperson Scott Gediman is hopeful firefall will continue to delight park-goers through the week.

"Sunday night into Monday we did get some snow, maybe a half-inch on the valley floor and more up top," Gediman says. "I don't think it's going to be a good flow...but with the snow and little bit of a warming pattern today and tomorrow it could be a little bit more."

This year, Yosemite is testing a pilot program requiring guests to secure a free day-parking permit on Eventbrite.

Two hundred permits were issued for each day between Feb. 12 and Feb. 26, and these are all reserved. The park is also releasing 50 same-day permits, and these can be secured at the Ansel Adams Gallery that opens at 9 a.m.

Gediman says the new system is going smoothly. "People are getting the permits," he says. "People are being respectful. We feel that, except for the lack of water, it has been successful."

Without a reservation, you can still see the phenomenon from viewing areas that are walking distance from Yosemite Valley Lodge (accessible by shuttle bus) and El Capitan (limited parking).