The Morning Report for Sunday shows that the Castle Road and 20 Mule Team Canyon are now open, with debris still on Emigrant Canyon Road and Saline Valley North. Mesquiite Springs campground still closed.

There is still a slight chance of thunderstorms tonight and tomorrow. August and September are more TS-prone than early summer, so always check road conditions before going to Death Valley or setting out for a day of sightseeing.

This may be the same weather system, after it moved east from Death Valley. Even though they are in the Mojave Desert, Las Vegas and St. George are not as dry as Death Valley, so they would have had lots more water actually reach the ground instead of evaporating on the way down.

lvrj.com/news/more-storms-hit-valley-hail-re…

deseretnews.com/article/865559077/Heavy-rain…

Hope they get Mesquite CG open for all those people who can't camp at Furnace Creek. 1.2" of rain. Must be amazing there as it is a lot of rain even for up here in Portland!

Updated August 4

For those planning to visit in the next few days, the Morning Report shows lots of impact from recent storms. It’s interesting that Dante’s View and Titus Canyon are not listed, but be prudent and check with the park for current info on ANY road you might want to take.

Roads closed:

• Cottonwood Canyon closed by mud and standing water.

• Mosaic Canyon, shown as closed because of washout; also shown as 4wd hc only (inquire once you arrive)

• Aguereberry Point and Skidoo roads both closed by washouts.

• Lippincott closed due to flood damage.

Roads limited to 4wd hc because of flood damage or mud:

• Darwin Falls

• Harry Wade

• Lemoigne Canyon

• Racetrack

• Saline Valley

• Telephone Canyon (a very lightly used road off Emigrant Canyon)

Forecast shows a 20% chance of thunderstorms for the next several days.

Since July 1, there has been 1.31 inch of precipitation. The annual total is usually 2-4 inches, so this is a major portion of it in the past month. August is TS season, so this is probably not the end of it. Remember, official weather data is recorded at Furnace Creek; higher elevations get a lot more rainfall, which rushes down canyons and can cause damage even where there has not actually been much rain.

Mesquite Campground is no longer listed as closed from the early July storm damage. Also, Furnace Creek Campground is still closed but the park says new reservations will open on August 8 on the Federal website.

http://www.recreation.gov/

Furnace Creek had some precipitation and the high was 120F, so the combination of heat and humidity must have been very uncomfortable. I don't have any problem with 120 or 125, but I'd rather have it be clear and dry and hot as Hades instead of damp and muggy.

More roads are now closed, including Dante's View, Devil's Golf Course, Natural Bridge, Mustard Canyon, and 20 Mule Team Canyon. Other roads have flood damage, mud, or debris, and there are restrictions or advisories.

Check the park website for the Morning Report, then ask about current conditions once you arrive.

http://www.nps.gov/deva/index.htm

Thank you Frisco for updates. With all this rain we can expect exceptional wildflower blooms in the spring. I need to reserve our room at the Inn very soon.

Another reminder: always check the Morning Report or call the park (760-786-3200) for current weather and road conditions.

Our regular fans are aware that mid to late summer is thunderstorm season in Death Valley, and damaging flashfloods are typical. This year was no exception, and a 40% chance of TS day and night Friday is forecast, which can bring more flooding for Labor Day weekend visitors.

Today’s (Fri. 8/31) conditions:

-- BADWATER ROAD: Closed and gated south of Badwater, debris on the road.

-- BIG PINE ROAD: Closed due to washouts.

-- NV HWY 267: Closed indefinitely due to flood damage. This is the road from Hwy 95 halfway between Goldfield and Beatty and is lightly traveled.

-- RACETRACK: Rough road, website says 2wd hc, but I’d be very leery about that and double-check on arriving in the park.

-- SALINE VALLEY: North and south roads damaged by washouts; repairs will take up to 2 months. Airstrip washed out.

-- WARM SPRINGS CANYON: Impassable from flooding damage.

-- Charcoal Kilns, Harry Wade, and West Side Roads are open with 4wd hc recommended because of flood damage or deep mud.

Thanks Frisco. Though I won't be back until the last week in March I like to check the morning report every couple of days. Amazing these sudden changes.

Whats the weather forecast like now? Planning to drive thro death valley en route to yosemite on 3rd october.... Should i be concerned?