A salamander is the only thing it could be, judging by your description. A number of species are possible in your area, and the animal concerned could be albino, leucistic, xanthic, or hypomelanic. The possibilities include Notophthalmus viridescens, Ambystoma jeffersonianum, A.maculatum, A.opacum, Desmognathus fuscus, D.monticola, D.ochrophaeus, D.quadramaculatus, Eurycea bislineata, E.guttolineata, E.longicauda, E.lucifuga, Gyrinophilus porphyriticus, Hemidactylium scutatum, Plethodon cinereus, P.glutinosus, P.hoffmanni, P.hubrichti, P.jordani complex [not sure which], P.wehrlei, Pseudotriton montanus, and P.ruber. Of all those, I think A.maculatum is by far the most likely: it's relatively large, typically possesses at least some yellow, color abberations are widespread in the genus, and it's not closely tied to specialized habitats like streams or caves. Several Eurycea have suitable colors but possibly restrictive habitats and body forms. Gyrinophilus and Pseudotriton could possible be suitably colored and stocky enough, but again have specific habitats. I think mole salamanders are by far the most likely to roam through a yard.
The only other thing which comes close to your description and might at a stretch be mistaken for a salamander, might be one of several skinks, Plestiodon. Of those, a pale colored broadheaded skink, P.laticeps might be a good candidate. While scaly, these might appear to be damp-skinned due to their smooth scales and possible water on their skin, and their red-brown coloration could either be reduced or appear yellowish under some lighting conditions.
