2015 Tioga Pass Opening Date? - Next Weekend?

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Messages 1 - 157 of total 157 in this topic
Erik Sloan

climber
Topic Author's Original Post - Mar 10, 2015 - 06:37am PT
Rumor has it the road could be plowed in one day, there is so little snow.

In the old days the Park Service kept the road closed even on low snow years, because they didn't feel like they had the resources(cops) to monitor it. With the internet age this changed, because people started posting photos of themselves biking on the road, and other more proactive folks wrote, called, and pestered the PS until the road was opened.

This year, with so little snow, it only seems fair that our friends from the Eastside come over and enjoy the waterfalls in the Valley while they last. April is now in the Valley.


Let the Pass Open! Woot!
Dapper Dan

Trad climber
Menlo Park
Mar 10, 2015 - 08:18am PT
oh man that would be awesome , hope it gets opened ...
guyman

Social climber
Moorpark, CA.
Mar 10, 2015 - 11:06am PT
All of the snow free roads need to be opened up...

The Needles would be Prime right now....

so would the Domelands....

so would Shuteye...

freedom in our hills.
Vitaliy M.

Mountain climber
San Francisco
Mar 10, 2015 - 12:19pm PT
That would be amazing
Texplorer

Trad climber
Sacramento
Mar 10, 2015 - 01:06pm PT
Doesn't it have to stay closed for a certain period of time regardless of conditions. I thought there was something about it being a wilderness area that designated it as such.
Erik Sloan

climber
Topic Author's Reply - Mar 10, 2015 - 01:51pm PT
Yes there is a law about the wilderness up there that prevents the Tuolomne Store, Campgrounds, etc from opening until Memorial Day each year, or right before, I think.

But the road has been open all months of the year before, and if it's dry it would be awesome to have it open.

Bruce Morris

Social climber
Belmont, California
Mar 10, 2015 - 01:51pm PT
Don't speak too soon: I've seen March, April and May turn into a royal deluge/Great Flood where it rained and/or snowed above 7000ft for six weeks straight.

Never say Never.

Still hoping for more rain. I don't want to start watering my Japanese Maple yet this year. Costs too much.
skitch

climber
East of Heaven
Mar 10, 2015 - 02:03pm PT
I've always been told that no matter what they won't start plowing till April 15th because of the possibility for spring snow storms. I would be very surprised if, even with such a limited amount of snow, that the road could be cleared in a day.

There is more to clearing the road than snow, trees and rocks get moved around when there is even a small amount of snow.
KabalaArch

Trad climber
Starlite, California
Mar 10, 2015 - 03:19pm PT
There is more to clearing the road than snow, trees and rocks...


No kidden'

Here's the real deal:

The City and County of San Francisco pays the Park $X to keep Tioga closed for a certain period of time to protect the Hetch-Hetchy watershed.

Fun Fact!

IDK how much $ exchanges hands. But if power follows money, the reverse holds true here, too.
Climbnrok

Trad climber
LA
Mar 15, 2015 - 09:10pm PT
Snow update:
As of today (3-15-15), there is no snow at all on the lower sections, and no serious snow on the road until Ellery Lake. After walking our bikes through some small patches around the lake, we finally got shut down by continuous snow covering the road right at the west end of the lake. At that point it covered the road as far as we could see so we bailed. In the lower sections there were some boulders, but only a couple fridge size ones.
Risk

Mountain climber
Olympia, WA
Mar 15, 2015 - 10:04pm PT
The Tioga Road was not built to withstand heavy traffic, snowplowing, or heavy loads; it's a relic of yesteryear. Besides, the budget, as-is, doesn't allow for staffing, sewer, water, EMS, or whatnot to open. Don't complain to NPS, complain to Congress for pitiful funding levels.
rottingjohnny

Sport climber
mammoth lakes ca
Mar 16, 2015 - 06:12am PT
word...
Psilocyborg

climber
Mar 16, 2015 - 07:13am PT
Plowing is set to begin april 1st!!!!

http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.html
skitch

climber
East of Heaven
Mar 16, 2015 - 07:18am PT
Woo-HOO!!!!
Dapper Dan

Trad climber
Menlo Park
Mar 16, 2015 - 07:23am PT
links not working , but awesome news if that's the case....
WBraun

climber
Mar 16, 2015 - 08:12am PT
They are "saying" ....

Winter opening begins on or around April 15, 2015.

http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tioga.htm
WBraun

climber
Mar 16, 2015 - 08:36am PT
You'll just have to wait and see by then.

Anything can happen between now and then.

But that is their projected time frame to getting it open and operating.

Don't entirely bank on it.

Also there is supposed to be major road resurfacing construction on Tioga all this summer which can add delays and one way detoured traffic controlled sections.

It's going to be a mess probably?


Onewhowalksonrocks

Mountain climber
Ventura
Mar 16, 2015 - 10:49am PT
I can understand why they would wait to plow the road. It very well may snow again to great amount that they would have to replow it.

Did it just snow up there not two weeks ago? I can also understand the want not need for traffic to flow over the Sierra's.

The cost would high if they opened to road now. Then get a good two feet let's say stranding people and cars. The cost of rescue and the cost of replowing it, just doesn't make sense. You plow it and if a storm is coming just close the road. More unneeded cost.
Lynne Leichtfuss

Trad climber
Will know soon
Mar 16, 2015 - 08:47pm PT
Can't believe we're having another year of road work. Really?!

The last 3-4 years have produced major construction and repair projects on 120. Tioga Pass Campgrounds, Resort, Tuolumne guests as well as thru tourists to the Valley have been been very much affected by it. The major work is done during the high season of July and August causing a negative economic effect on all the above and inconvenience to the people that travel to the Sierra to enjoy perhaps a one time wonderful life experience. Remember the season for the Tuolumne and Tioga Pass area is 4 months at best.

Last year not only did we deal with major under grounding of lines on 120 but the powers that be decided to drain 20'of water from Tioga Lake with little warning. Glad my baby wasn't playing in the downstream when they decided to open the gate.

Communication to the general public and the area's employees about what exactly is happening should be a priority during all the summer road and utilities work but at best it is poor. Hope this year will be better.

skitch

climber
East of Heaven
Mar 17, 2015 - 06:46am PT
Why couldn't they just make a road that'll last forever with no maintenance required???
reach

Trad climber
Palo Alto, CA
Mar 17, 2015 - 07:58am PT
because people started posting photos of themselves biking on the road

Snow update:
As of today (3-15-15), there is no snow at all on the lower sections, and no serious snow on the road until Ellery Lake. After walking our bikes through some small patches around the lake, we finally got shut down by continuous snow covering the road right at the west end of the lake. At that point it covered the road as far as we could see so we bailed. In the lower sections there were some boulders, but only a couple fridge size ones.

Anyone with firsthand info on the ride from the west side? I'd also take secondhand info, but not thirdhand.

I might try to get up there this weekend and see what's what.
Psilocyborg

climber
Mar 17, 2015 - 08:38am PT
Why couldn't they just make a road that'll last forever with no maintenance required???

Its called astral projection brah
Vitaliy M.

Mountain climber
San Francisco
Mar 17, 2015 - 09:22am PT
They should make an underground freeway for a convenient commute to the east side. None of this deer ducking and speeding kills bears 20 mph bullsh#t. Euros would have it all rigged up back in the 20s. Gosh.
Brandon-

climber
The Granite State.
Mar 17, 2015 - 09:29am PT
Seriously, if it were in Europe there would be a tunnel to the Valley from the LV Mobil and a vehicular funicular to the pass.

We should modernize.
Lynne Leichtfuss

Trad climber
Will know soon
Mar 17, 2015 - 09:37am PT
I just found out it's a well disguised plot to discourage tourons from visiting Yosemite...............road resurfacing subterfuge.
Brandon-

climber
The Granite State.
Mar 17, 2015 - 09:42am PT
Good one Lynne...

Hope you liked my SS gift. I'm thinking that I forgot to sign it with my name. I was a little rushed.
John M

climber
Mar 17, 2015 - 09:51am PT
My plan for the future of the park calls for mini hybrid golf carts for everyone instead of buses. Park outside the park and drive a golf cart into the park.

This would keep us from having to ride buses. It would keep the RVs out the park. We could build mini cabins for those who have to have the RV luxury. Electrify the campgrounds so no more generators.

Other benefits would be that they are smaller and so that would free up parking. Plus they aren't as heavy so they wouldn't wear out the roads as much.

win win win for everyone.
Lynne Leichtfuss

Trad climber
Will know soon
Mar 18, 2015 - 11:21am PT
I loved it Brandon and I'm pretty sure I posted up a picture and a thanks on the SS Thread. But yes, you did forget to put your name on it :)

NutAgain!

Trad climber
South Pasadena, CA
Mar 18, 2015 - 11:39am PT
John M, I stayed a week on an island in Belize that had a bunch of golf carts. It worked pretty well!
c wilmot

climber
Mar 18, 2015 - 12:01pm PT
Having worked with the Yos road crew I can assure all that they will be needing serious overtime and many weeks to finish the road. The tioga pass clearing is their highlight of the year and a source of extra income in the form of overtime. After they are done- it will be back to pointlessly "ditching" the roads..IE: scraping any vegetation out of the drainage ditches on the side of the road in anticipation for the rain that never comes.
Enjoy the delays- and as I used to tell angry tourists " at least you can enjoy the view"
Lynne Leichtfuss

Trad climber
Will know soon
Mar 18, 2015 - 12:26pm PT
JohnM and NutAgain, I think Catalina Island uses them as well......
Lacey

Social climber
Nevada
Mar 18, 2015 - 02:13pm PT
APRIL 24TH.........
Vitaliy M.

Mountain climber
San Francisco
Mar 18, 2015 - 02:29pm PT
When is the Sonora pass gonna open?
DM88T

climber
San Juan Bautista, CA
Mar 18, 2015 - 07:43pm PT
If the road opens, does that mean you can leave your car over night.
Lynne Leichtfuss

Trad climber
Will know soon
Mar 18, 2015 - 07:47pm PT
Lacey, looking forward to seeing ya. Where will you be spending the summer?
Risk

Mountain climber
Olympia, WA
Mar 18, 2015 - 07:52pm PT
I used to tell angry tourists " at least you can enjoy the view"

Sounds like the ST crowd - angry tourists.
CF

climber
Mar 19, 2015 - 08:50am PT
Talked to some workers yesterday who drove to glacier point. they said there was very little snow on the road, mostly on the switchbacks and they drove the whole way in 2 wheel drive, cant believe it isnt open.

they now have 2 sets of stoplights on hwy 120, 1 set at the long tunnel and another at the 2 short tunnels (this set was not working yesterday). one would assume that the reids parking area would be closed as you cant have unregulated traffic between the lights?

[Click to View YouTube Video]
Charlie D.

Trad climber
Western Slope, Tahoe Sierra
Mar 23, 2015 - 08:08am PT
Anyone have a way to find out when Cal Trans will leave the lower gate in Lee Vining Canyon unlocked? I've had the good fortune of finding it that way on several occasions for ski tours up on the pass. Curious if there is any kind of policy ahead of the Tioga Pass road opening? I'd like to avoid riding my bike up carrying my skis, boots and gear.
Seamstress

Trad climber
Yacolt, WA
Mar 23, 2015 - 01:18pm PT
I see it is the same everywhere. We've been ask for gates to be opened in the PNW, but the powers that be are declining until the seasonal hiring has occurred. A few landslides to be removed here and there, but for many roads there is no excuse. Let's not let the owners of our public lands run amuck, unsupervised.
thetennisguy

Mountain climber
Yuba City, CA
Mar 23, 2015 - 02:49pm PT
As of 23 March 2015

Current State Route 120 Conditions

Before driving, check with the Caltrans Highway Information Network (CHIN) 800.427.7623


SR 120
[IN THE CENTRAL CALIFORNIA AREA & SIERRA NEVADA]
IS CLOSED FROM CRANE FLAT TO 5 MI WEST OF THE JCT OF US 395 /TIOGA PASS/
(TUOLUMNE, MONO CO) - FOR THE WINTER - MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO USE AN
ALTERNATE ROUTE
Jon Beck

Trad climber
Oceanside
Mar 23, 2015 - 03:34pm PT
Was up on Cloud's Rest Saturday (March 21), the lack of snow was startling. 360 degree view in the video from Saturday, compare to the still shot grabbed from a summit video taken in June 2010.[Click to View YouTube Video]

June 2010 below

Lynne Leichtfuss

Trad climber
Will know soon
Mar 24, 2015 - 05:04pm PT
Has anyone biked Crane Flats to Olmstead in the last couple weeks? Appreciate any info you have! Thanks!
Lynne Leichtfuss

Trad climber
Will know soon
Mar 24, 2015 - 05:59pm PT
Thanks, QITNL, you're always the Dude!
reach

Trad climber
Palo Alto, CA
Mar 26, 2015 - 07:55am PT
On the bicycle topic, I see information that conficts with the reply made by the rangers in that Tuolumne Meadows March 18th update:

http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tioga.htm

The Tioga Road is closed to all traffic. (The Tioga Road west of White Wolf is no longer open to bicycles because of road work seven days per week.)

and here:

http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/roadwork.htm

A road rehabilitation project is in progress on the Tioga Road from Crane Flat To White Wolf. The project is scheduled to conclude in November 2015. Delays will be possible each week, 24 hours per day, beginning Sunday at 11 pm through Friday at 4:30 pm. All campgrounds and other services along the Tioga Road will be accessible.

Sounds like riding in from the west side, at least while the road is still closed to cars, is not possible. Although, I'd love for someone to refute this conjecture.
enjoimx

Trad climber
Yosemite
Mar 26, 2015 - 11:15am PT
Not open to bikes East of Crane Flat. It was, then they rescinded access. No surprise
Stevee B

Trad climber
Oakland, CA
Mar 27, 2015 - 01:04pm PT
Any hope of a lower gate opening on the eastside from Lee Vining to the park entry this weekend?
Jefe'

Boulder climber
Bishop
Mar 27, 2015 - 05:01pm PT
Jefe'

Boulder climber
Bishop
Mar 27, 2015 - 05:02pm PT
Stevee B

Trad climber
Oakland, CA
Mar 27, 2015 - 05:14pm PT
Thank you kindly Jefe. Looks like bikable from lower gate to Saddlebag, would you agree?
Jefe'

Boulder climber
Bishop
Mar 27, 2015 - 05:16pm PT
Not sure if you could ride to Saddlebag, maybe fat tire, but you can ride from the bottom gate at the Poole Road, to the entrance station.
Risk

Mountain climber
Olympia, WA
Mar 27, 2015 - 07:53pm PT

1983 or 1984 with Timid on opening day, late June or early July at the Budd Creek trailhead. He found an old coin that fell out of John Muir's pocket and I found a 600 year old chert arrowhead. Late openings let the place rest, and I prefer them.
Lynne Leichtfuss

Trad climber
Will know soon
Mar 27, 2015 - 08:16pm PT





Delhi Dog

climber
Good Question...
Mar 28, 2015 - 02:39am PT
Late openings let the place rest, and I prefer them.

Me too.
HighTraverse

Trad climber
Bay Area
Mar 28, 2015 - 09:13am PT
Jefe
those photos are SO depressing!
TMJesse
yes. let's hear it for letting the wilderness rest. However The God Of Commerce demands his rights.
Lynne Leichtfuss

Trad climber
Will know soon
Mar 28, 2015 - 03:45pm PT
Yeah, late openings for sure or at least not early ones. This whole place gives so much to so many...........and the god of commerce besides being spelled with a lower case g is not everyones.

Cheers, Lynne
skitch

climber
East of Heaven
Mar 28, 2015 - 04:59pm PT
Screw that, you can go to the valley every day of the year if you live in the Bay Area (drinking up Hetch Hetchy) while us eastsiders can only get there once it's too damn hot.
reach

Trad climber
Brisbane, CA
Mar 29, 2015 - 05:23pm PT
I will refute. Looks like it's still saying the same thing; OK to bicycle to White Wolf on the weekends. A nice ride. More than once I road to White Wolf from the Valley with a gazillion motor home side mirrors whizzing past.

Hey Timid, have you been up there in the last couple weeks? Thanks and stay visible on account of those mirrors!


Also, I just saw this thread is updated and there's new reply to my question on the 25th: http://www.nps.gov/yose/blogs/Update-for-March-18-2015.htm.

When they say "closed"... just how closed is "closed"???
Lynne Leichtfuss

Trad climber
Will know soon
Mar 29, 2015 - 07:53pm PT
Strong Closed

Closed, partially opened

Closed, but really, mostly open

Closed, but we're open

Is the pass open and how open is it? :)
KabalaArch

Trad climber
Starlite, California
Mar 29, 2015 - 11:10pm PT
while us eastsiders can only get there once it's too damn hot

Quite so.

Vitaliy M.

Mountain climber
San Francisco
Mar 29, 2015 - 11:19pm PT
Yup, once it is hot as hell you guys can go to the valley, and us bay area people can go to the eastern sierra :)
skitch

climber
East of Heaven
Mar 30, 2015 - 07:26am PT
Yeah we "get to" but by mid May I don't bother till October, might as well just stick around here and climb at the decent crags we have. I wish they could close the pass from June to September.
Stevee B

Trad climber
Oakland, CA
Mar 30, 2015 - 12:50pm PT
Another 2' of snow possible in the mountains by Easter might set this back.
https://opensnow.com/dailysnow/tahoe
looks easy from here

climber
Ben Lomond, CA
Apr 1, 2015 - 09:18am PT
Of course the two days I'm going to bring my 6 year old niece there:

http://www.wunderground.com/weather-forecast/US/CA/Yosemite_National_Park.html

I wonder if this is going to close Glacier Point Road again.
Trashman

Trad climber
SLC
Apr 7, 2015 - 09:10pm PT
Late openings let the place rest, and I prefer them.
Man, I wish I could kick people out of my favorite places for half the year. 😈

I'd gladly ride/ski in in exchange.
Chris McNamara

SuperTopo staff member
Apr 8, 2015 - 10:27am PT
Tuolumne Conditions On April 1

http://www.nps.gov/yose/blogs/Update-for-April-1-2015.htm

Recreation conditions have not changed much since last week's post. The east side of Tioga Pass is now snow free enough to bike from the locked gate in Lee Vining Canyon to Tioga Pass. From Tioga Pass westward, it is still a patchwork of snow and pavement to Tenaya Lake. Skis are not recommended for travel along the road corridor due to the lack of consistent snow. However, there is still too much snow above 9,000 feet to simply hike. Snowshoes are the equipment of choice to access the trails around Tuolumne Meadows. Ice axes and crampons are advised for high mountain travel. And, as stated last week, please realize trails are not obvious in places and navigational skills are a must. Come prepared for any type of weather.
mouse from merced

Trad climber
The finger of fate, my friends, is fickle.
Apr 8, 2015 - 12:01pm PT
I don't believe the current situation is the same as they described.

Today's observations after yesterday's storm, taken at @ 11:30 a.m.

Showing some Yosemite & SoYo country that never usually shows up due to haze and distance.
Chris McNamara

SuperTopo staff member
Apr 8, 2015 - 02:06pm PT
Tioga Gas Mart opens Friday April 24
Grippa

Trad climber
Salt Lake City, UT
Apr 8, 2015 - 02:16pm PT
Pitchers of margarita and drunk driving into the valley here we come!
cuvvy

Sport climber
arkansas
Apr 8, 2015 - 02:53pm PT
Drunk drivers are worthless turds
mouse from merced

Trad climber
The finger of fate, my friends, is fickle.
Apr 8, 2015 - 04:49pm PT
Stupid, two.edit: I know you're kiddin', Grappa.
nita

Social climber
chica de chico, I don't claim to be a daisy.
Apr 13, 2015 - 06:40pm PT
*
http://www.monolake.org/today/2015/04/11/tis-the-season-when-will-tioga-pass-open/
"Right now we know that Yosemite National Park will begin snow removal on the Tioga Pass Road on April 15. Even though this year there’s very little snow, crews also have to move downed trees, rocks, and other debris off the road to get it open."

"At last Wednesday’s local government meeting here in Lee Vining we got the official word from the Yosemite National Park Superintendent via our Mono County Supervisor that Tioga Pass will open on Friday, May 1. This is the most current information we have, and you can compare this projected opening date to opening dates in past years here."
christoph benells

Trad climber
Tahoma, Ca
Apr 14, 2015 - 03:19pm PT
they're opening up to the park entrance tomorrow.
crankster

Trad climber
Apr 14, 2015 - 03:47pm PT
Cool - I see a van load of Truckee skiers headed that way this weekend!
christoph benells

Trad climber
Tahoma, Ca
Apr 14, 2015 - 04:15pm PT
yes. see 5 posts up ^^^^^
nita

Social climber
chica de chico, I don't claim to be a daisy.
Apr 14, 2015 - 06:56pm PT
*
The other pass...

Sonora Pass, Hwy 108, will tentatively be opening this Friday, April 17, 2015 at noon! (Pending weather conditions)

The lower section of Tioga Pass, Hwy 120 west, will be opening from Lee Vining to the park entrance tomorrow April 15, 2015 by 5pm.
mouse from merced

Trad climber
The finger of fate, my friends, is fickle.
Apr 14, 2015 - 07:01pm PT
Mono County Tourismo sez:

http://www.facebook.com/VisitEasternSierra

And the Mono Cone is now the Jolly Cone.

tom woods

Gym climber
Bishop, CA
Apr 15, 2015 - 06:48pm PT
Mouse- Jolly Cone is in Bridgeport. Unless something drastic happened, Mono Cone is still Mono Cone.
JOEY.F

Gym climber
It's not rocket surgery
Apr 15, 2015 - 08:21pm PT
Nita Timid Sonora Tioga:
Thanks for the updates!
Lynne Leichtfuss

Trad climber
Will know soon
Apr 15, 2015 - 08:54pm PT
QITNL, Your Incredible Thread Of being alone in the high country was so poignant and emotive of the place I have grown to love I couldn't even comment. So I'll comment now............Dude, it was stellar beyond words. Thanks for the treasure. lynnie
Inner City

Trad climber
East Bay
Apr 15, 2015 - 11:42pm PT
QTNL,
Your report was amazing to me too. Thanks.!
Charlie D.

Trad climber
Western Slope, Tahoe Sierra
Apr 16, 2015 - 04:54am PT
Anyone know when or if the lower gate is open for car access up to the Park gate at the pass???

Its been open in years past allowing easy access for skiers.
nita

Social climber
chica de chico, I don't claim to be a daisy.
Apr 16, 2015 - 08:04am PT

Charlie D.. info was on the prior page....edit:..oops someone
deleted, now it's on this page.


Sonora Pass, Hwy 108, will tentatively be opening this Friday, April 17, 2015 at noon! (Pending weather conditions)

The lower section of Tioga Pass, Hwy 120 west, will be opening from Lee Vining to the park entrance tomorrow April 15, 2015 by 5pm.

in Lee Vining we got the official word from the Yosemite National Park Superintendent via our Mono County Supervisor that Tioga Pass will open on Friday, May 1.

donini

Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
Apr 16, 2015 - 08:21am PT
Are these openings the earliest ever?
Chris McNamara

SuperTopo staff member
Apr 16, 2015 - 09:30am PT
Any chance tioga open for this weekend?
Greg Barnes

climber
Apr 16, 2015 - 09:42am PT
Are these openings the earliest ever?

Not by a long shot, the 1970s saw three Tioga Pass openings in early April, looks like April 8, 1977 takes the prize:

http://www.monobasinresearch.org/data/tiogapass.php
Charlie D.

Trad climber
Western Slope, Tahoe Sierra
Apr 16, 2015 - 01:43pm PT
Thanks Nita!
bradL

Trad climber
Lake Tahoe, NV
Apr 18, 2015 - 02:02pm PT
Can I go ski up there?! On snow? Anybody have pictures? What about Dana Couloir? False White?
Mtbphoto

Trad climber
Mammoth Lakes, Ca
Apr 18, 2015 - 02:14pm PT
I went and checked it out. Looks like some good lines, but a lot of stuff is already snow free. The road is open right up to the gate. Elery bowl looked pretty thin
Edit: also looked like it was pretty clear past the gate
looks easy from here

climber
Ben Lomond, CA
Apr 18, 2015 - 03:39pm PT
Sorry everyone, but I'm going to mess everything up. I'm taking my niece and sister-in-law up this coming Friday and Saturday, so because of my hubris the weather gods have seen fit to http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-119.30313&lat=37.88040#.VTLcYiFVhBc.
rottingjohnny

Sport climber
mammoth lakes ca
Apr 18, 2015 - 07:25pm PT
Looks like it's storming up there right this moment...
Willoughby

Social climber
Truckee, CA
Apr 19, 2015 - 01:46am PT
Some friends skied Solstice a couple of days ago, then stuff off Sonora the next day. Said Sonora was much better. Even found some boot-top powder.
ryankelly

Trad climber
Bhumi
Apr 19, 2015 - 07:16pm PT
reach

Trad climber
Brisbane, CA
Apr 20, 2015 - 08:29am PT
We tried to bike in from the west side early on Saturday morning and met a rather large road worker, standing cross armed in the middle of the road. The following dialog ensued:

“What’s the probability of us biking out Tioga road?” I asked.

“Zeee-roow” the gentleman replied with a country draw and a smirk. He proceeded to describe the construction work and how, while the road is closed to cars, they are trying to get as much done as possible. Similar to most construction projects the contactor is behind.

“How many days are you guys working?” was my next question, thinking maybe Sunday would be a possibility.

“6 days a week, but there are signs at the gate and if LE catches you, you’ll get a ticket for sure…. Come back after May 1st.” He said.


We talked for a while. Nice fellow. Later I chatted with gal at the reservations desk at Big Oak Flat entrance whose husband works on the road clearing crew. She said they had all the debris cleared in like 2 or 3 days, so the road is essentially entirely passable. She did say there was a lot of ice from the late rain/snow storms that had. I mentioned talking to the construction guy and she said that there are some people who would like to keep the road closed to cars until May 8th so that more road work could be completed without the need for traffic control. However, that statement was made with some doubt since there is such a push from the east side to have the pass opened. I also learned that finding out when the yearly window is open to bike Tioga without cars is difficult, but doable. One must do some research on when it might open and be persistent about getting information. Park employees typically get a memo about the pre-opening of the road, but with little notice.

Short story: Biking from the west side is a no go, due to the construction (which also has the road in a dirt/gravel state). May 1st is target open date.

As for us, we biked to Hetch Hetchy from the Big Oak Flat entrance then cragged at Lower Catheral in the afternoon. Sunday we got on Outer Limits and Generator. All in all, it was a pretty solid and fun weekend.
HighTraverse

Trad climber
Bay Area
Apr 21, 2015 - 11:11am PT
Current forecast through Sunday night.
Snow/Rain likely/possible through Sat night
Not looking good for a road opening.
This will probably slow down the road work.

Rain and snow showers likely. Some thunder is also possible. Cloudy, with a high near 56. South southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

TonightRain showers likely before 11pm, then a chance of rain and snow showers. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

WednesdayA chance of snow showers before 11am, then rain and snow showers. Some thunder is also possible. High near 51. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Wednesday NightSnow showers, mainly before 11pm. Some thunder is also possible. Low around 24. Light and variable wind becoming east northeast 5 to 10 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

ThursdaySnow showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49. East wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Thursday NightA 50 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23. West southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

FridayA 40 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 47. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday NightA 30 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21. West southwest wind 5 to 15 mph becoming northeast in the evening.

SaturdayA slight chance of snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 50. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west southwest in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Saturday NightA slight chance of rain and snow showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 22. North northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northeast in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

SundayMostly sunny, with a high near 55. West wind around 5 mph.

Sunday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 23. West northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming east southeast in the evening.
skitch

Gym climber
Bend Or
Apr 21, 2015 - 02:00pm PT
I am itching to get back into the Valley before it starts heating up, but I'd rather have more pre-cip.

Thank God we have some decent climbing on the East Side.
CF

climber
Apr 21, 2015 - 02:44pm PT
a friend of mine went into the meadows from the eastside 4/19

" Nps has also plowed up to tioga pass but has not opened it to cars. went to the meadows and flew a kite in front of the store. There's zero snow in tuolumne, none in the meadows, barely any on north facing peaks..."

another report from a nps person says that there is 15 miles of the worst graveled dusty road section between white wolf and crane flat from the road construction. he said it was so dusty that he could almost not see.

the construction crews have been working on the road for several weeks, wonder how they got around the "road is wilderness until 4/15"?
Stevee B

Trad climber
Oakland, CA
Apr 21, 2015 - 07:18pm PT
Cold snow is still holding between 10,000' and 11,500' on sheltered north aspects. Sonora and Tioga about sixes, all depends on wind and sun exposure.
nita

Social climber
chica de chico, I don't claim to be a daisy.
Apr 25, 2015 - 08:15am PT
*
This has to hamper the May first opening a wee bit.. Damn did we need it!..

Still snowing in the high country..Not much visible on the Sentinel web cam...

edit;...More like 8 inches or more..It's been snowing most of the day.
ryankelly

Trad climber
Bhumi
Apr 25, 2015 - 08:36am PT
Yeah!!! Snow!!
HighTraverse

Trad climber
Bay Area
Apr 25, 2015 - 08:53am PT
Current forecast is for 3 - 5 inches more snow today at Tuolumne Mdws.

Sonora Pass Rd (108) is currently closed from approximately Dardanelles to above the Marine Corps training center.
Chains/Snowtires/4WD required on 88 and 50.
skitch

Gym climber
Bend Or
Apr 25, 2015 - 10:09am PT
3-5 inches?!? That'll take weeks to remove!!!
Chris McNamara

SuperTopo staff member
Apr 26, 2015 - 03:43pm PT
still no opening date - see Tioga Pass Plowing Update
christoph benells

Trad climber
Tahoma, Ca
Apr 28, 2015 - 08:03pm PT
bump for any insider information? anyone know anything?
looks easy from here

climber
Ben Lomond, CA
Apr 28, 2015 - 08:50pm PT
The snowpack is ridiculous! http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tiogaopen.htm
CF

climber
Apr 28, 2015 - 08:51pm PT
Just heard the 4th, why i have no idea coulda been open weeks ago, they are working on the section of road between crane flat and white wolf like last year and have paved part of it but there is a nasty rumor going around that the asphalt is bad
HighTraverse

Trad climber
Bay Area
Apr 29, 2015 - 09:05am PT
several inches of snow falling in the Meadows and on the road last week didn't help.
Snow turning to ice as soon as it hits the warm road.
I'm surprised their sched has only slipped 4 days.
Guess I'll have to go over Sonora or Carson tomorrow afternoon. Probably Sonora.
Come back over Tioga next week.
skitch

Gym climber
Bend Or
Apr 30, 2015 - 09:26am PT
Has anyone heard anything about tomorrow???
skitch

Gym climber
Bend Or
Apr 30, 2015 - 03:19pm PT
Maybe it will open sometime before it gets too hot to bother?!? If it doesn't open this weekend then that means it will open later than last year.

I find it hard to believe that the 2-5" of snow they got early this week wouldn't take less than a day to clear out.
skitch

Gym climber
Bend Or
Apr 30, 2015 - 04:51pm PT
Yeah, I heard the same thing, but I'm selfish and I wanna climb on some fine granite!!!
rottingjohnny

Sport climber
mammoth lakes ca
Apr 30, 2015 - 06:20pm PT
A reliable source said it's going to be open tonite... to walking...
Mtbphoto

Trad climber
Mammoth Lakes, Ca
Apr 30, 2015 - 06:32pm PT
The road is clear, I can see online that people have been riding bikes into the meadows from Tioga.
k-man

Gym climber
SCruz
Apr 30, 2015 - 06:38pm PT
I wrote this last week in that other thread:

From a buddy:

Howdy there,

Just got word via Mono Lake Committee:

"At last Wednesday's local government meeting here in Lee Vining we
got the official word from the Yosemite National Park Superintendent
via our Mono County Supervisor that Tioga Pass will open on Friday,
May 1."

http://www.monolake.org/today/2015/04/11/tis-the-season-when-will-tioga-pass-open/


Only time will tell if the Sup sticks to the sched.
Spring in Tuolumne!
Chris McNamara

SuperTopo staff member
May 1, 2015 - 08:44am PT
Opens May 4

http://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/news/tioga-road-in-yosemite-national-park-to-open-on-monday-may-4.htm
skitch

Gym climber
Bend Or
May 1, 2015 - 10:06am PT
Sounds fishy to me.
Chris McNamara

SuperTopo staff member
May 1, 2015 - 07:36pm PT
Mobil Mart is Open

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Whoa-Nellie-Deli/307983628936?fref=ts

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tioga-Gas-Mart/294285648546?fref=ts
toyon

climber
May 4, 2015 - 02:10pm PT
By the numbers:

Average opening date: May 26th
Average date range (68% probability): May 8 - June 12

Based on NPS data since 1980.
Flip Flop

climber
salad bowl, california
May 4, 2015 - 02:51pm PT
Game on.
SeanH

Trad climber
SLC
May 4, 2015 - 03:27pm PT
Since the campsite doesn't actually open until July...is there anywhere legit to stay within park boundaries the next two months?

Or is "Camp 9" going to be a zoo on weekends.
nita

Social climber
chica de chico, I don't claim to be a daisy.
May 5, 2015 - 08:51am PT
*
Please drive carefully
Fish Finder

climber
May 8, 2015 - 06:39am PT


well that didnt last long


This highway information is the latest reported as of Friday, May 8, 2015 at 06:24 .


SR 120
[IN THE CENTRAL CALIFORNIA AREA & SIERRA NEVADA]
IS CLOSED FROM CRANE FLAT TO 5 MI WEST OF THE JCT OF US 395 /TIOGA PASS/
(TUOLUMNE, MONO CO) - DUE TO SNOW - MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO USE AN ALTERNATE
ROUTE
BrassNuts

Trad climber
Save your a_s, reach for the brass...
May 19, 2015 - 07:16am PT
Does anyone know if the pass has been reopened after the recent storms? It looks to be open from the info I've found on the web, but most of that is not currently dated and may refer to the original May 5 opening... Any info is appreciated - thanks!
skitch

Gym climber
Bend Or
May 19, 2015 - 07:44am PT
http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/sr120


Not the most up to date, e.g. on sunday the highway signs said 120 was open but the website said it was closed. . .I'm scared that if I head over I may not get back! The weather this weekend looks iffy anyways. . .
john hansen

climber
May 19, 2015 - 07:45am PT
Google. Cal Trans. Road Conditions

It shows 120 open now but could change.




Or that one...
John M

climber
May 19, 2015 - 09:18am PT
Brassnuts..

call the park phone for road conditions.

209-372-0200.. press one, so you don't have to listen to the recording, then one again for road and 2 for weather.

Its open today Tuesday at 9 AM… but we have more weather coming, with a system coming through starting sometime Weds and going through Thursday night possibly into Friday.. The park doesn't try real hard to keep it open, so it will probably close again.


the last system went through faster then predicted, it was suppose to last to today, but its sunny today, so maybe this next one will go through fast also.
Lynne Leichtfuss

Trad climber
Will know soon
May 19, 2015 - 09:30am PT
I'm heading up to TPR this Thursday. I'll try and post info. Cheers, lynnie
HighTraverse

Trad climber
Bay Area
May 19, 2015 - 09:34am PT
current conditions from the Cal Dept of Transportation
SR 120
[IN THE CENTRAL CALIFORNIA AREA & SIERRA NEVADA]
NO TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS ARE REPORTED FOR THIS AREA.

Just type 120 into this website:
http://www.dot.ca.gov/cgi-bin/roads.cgi

as John noted above, very iffy weather on the way.
The NPS really doesn't want people stuck out there in snow. Unlike we "mountain men/women" most tourons have zero notion of surviving getting stuck in a snowstorm and are capable of doing Very Silly Things to endanger themselves and others. Actually I've seen climbers do Very Silly Things in snow.
So I'd guess they'll be closing it again soon.

Get it while ya can!

As for the only nearby alternative Rte 108/Sonora Pass, y'er outta luck.
SR 108
[IN THE CENTRAL CALIFORNIA AREA & SIERRA NEVADA]
IS CLOSED FROM 26.4 MI EAST OF STRAWBERRY TO 5.3 MI WEST OF THE
JCT OF US 395 /SONORA PASS/ (TUOLUMNE,MONO CO) - DUE TO SNOW - MOTORISTS ARE
ADVISED TO USE AN ALTERNATE ROUTE
BrassNuts

Trad climber
Save your a_s, reach for the brass...
May 19, 2015 - 11:02am PT
Cool, thanks for the info everyone! Hoping to go over Tioga Sunday pm or Monday am, hopefully clear by then although more moisture for the Sierra is a good thing!
Lynne Leichtfuss

Trad climber
Will know soon
May 19, 2015 - 11:13am PT
Stop by for coffee and pie on me BrassNuts. :)
skitch

Gym climber
Bend Or
May 19, 2015 - 03:06pm PT
I am dying to get back into the Valley, but the more water now hopefully means less smoke this summer!
Lynne Leichtfuss

Sport climber
moving thru
Apr 25, 2016 - 02:32pm PT
Anyone have info or predictions about when 120 will open from 395? Heard rumors Cal Trans may work on it next week. Thanks, lynnie
WBraun

climber
Apr 25, 2016 - 02:44pm PT
Sometime in May .......
Lynne Leichtfuss

Sport climber
moving thru
Apr 25, 2016 - 06:44pm PT
Well that helps, WBraun. Weather being so unpredictable, I was wondering if it would be another late (June or July) opening for TPR. Grazie!
10b4me

Mountain climber
Retired
Jan 16, 2017 - 09:10am PT
"Tioga Pass Opening Date? - Next Weekend?"

Don't think so. Try July 4th.
Lynne Leichtfuss

Trad climber
Will know soon
Jan 16, 2017 - 11:37am PT
Are you serious about this, 10b4me?
10b4me

Mountain climber
Retired
Jan 16, 2017 - 12:01pm PT
Are you serious about this, 10b4me?

Very, with as much snow as they have. . . . and it's only mid January

I remember back in 1999 we climbed in TM the weekend of the fourth. They had only opened the road a couple of days before.
G_Gnome

Trad climber
Cali
Jan 16, 2017 - 12:44pm PT
What year was it that they never opened the campground? The meadow was still flooded in August with snow everywhere. I think they were putting the new sewer system in that year and between that and the mud they decided to keep the campgrounds closed. That was actually a nice year to climb there.
Lynne Leichtfuss

Trad climber
Will know soon
Jan 18, 2017 - 05:35pm PT
Perhaps we will be kayaking up Tenaya Creek as in 2011. Hope this weather keeps up. Cheers to rain and snow.
10b4me

Mountain climber
Retired
Mar 14, 2017 - 10:12pm PT
Yosemite National Park


There's still lots of snow in the high country, so we've changed the tentative opening dates for Tuolumne Meadows Campground and Bridalveil Creek group sites from July 15 to August 1. We will not be accepting reservations for dates prior to August 1 for these two campgrounds for now. The campgrounds could still open earlier. We'll provide updates once we make a determination (we won't know for a few months, at least).

Campground reservations are available March 15 at 7 am PDT for camping dates from July 15 to August 14 in all other reservation campgrounds (and for August 1-14 for Tuolumne Meadows and Bridalveil Creek group sites) via https://www.recreation.gov/.
Vitaliy M.

Mountain climber
San Francisco
Mar 14, 2017 - 10:25pm PT
Mosquitos should be EPIC.
bpope

climber
Sunnyvale, CA
Mar 15, 2017 - 12:37am PT
got a wedding planned at Glacier Point just after Memorial Day...let's see if the road is opened in time!
looks easy from here

climber
Ben Lomond, CA
Mar 17, 2017 - 08:47am PT
Does the park ever do an earlier partial opening of 120 (i.e. to Tenaya, or the Meadows), or do they wait until all the way over the pass is cleared to open it?
John M

climber
Mar 17, 2017 - 09:07am PT
I have never heard of a partial opening.
looks easy from here

climber
Ben Lomond, CA
Mar 17, 2017 - 09:10am PT
Thanks. That's what I figured since my Google-fu turned up nothing. But I've been spoiled with opening dates by only having begun to really go to Yosemite much since the drought, so I was hoping they'd cater to my conditioned convenience. ;)
John M

climber
Mar 17, 2017 - 09:12am PT
so I was hoping they'd cater to my conditioned convenience. ;)

hahaha.. yep.. we all hope that.
Lynne Leichtfuss

Trad climber
Will know soon
Mar 17, 2017 - 03:50pm PT
TPR Lodge/Cafe is totally covered with snow. All you can see is one second story window. According to manager, Dave Levy, soonest they could open is end of June. Tho they are still taking reservations for mid June just in case.....
10b4me

Mountain climber
Retired
Apr 14, 2017 - 07:30am PT
From Caltrans(Mono County)

SR 120 West – Tioga Pass (from the Junction of US 395 to the Yosemite National Park Gate)
Snow removal equipment is in place and starting to work on the lower sections of the highway. The snowpack is estimated to be between 8 to 15 feet on the highway, with up to 50 foot snowdrifts in some locations. There is no estimated date for reopening the highway at this time.
WBraun

climber
Apr 14, 2017 - 07:52am PT
Mammoth Mt said this winter exceeded 1969 record snowfall.

So Tioga pass opening will be a long time coming this year ......
Lynne Leichtfuss

Trad climber
Will know soon
Apr 14, 2017 - 09:47am PT
I imagine Sonora Pass will be similar?!
looks easy from here

climber
Ben Lomond, CA
Apr 14, 2017 - 11:57am PT
^^I've been wondering the same thing. It looks like 108 usually open 1-2 weeks before 120 does:


But Sonora Pass is currently sitting at 125", which is 140% of what it was in 2011, so I'm fully prepared to be taking 88 over in June.

http://snoflo.org/report/snow/california/sonora-pass/history/
rottingjohnny

Sport climber
Sands Motel , Las Vegas
Apr 14, 2017 - 06:42pm PT
Cal Trans didn't plow 395 last friday.. Rumor are drivers are leaving and sick of snow removal.. Good luck getting them to drive a blower for the next 3 months on Tioga Pass...
Yinzer

Trad climber
Los Angeles, CA
Apr 14, 2017 - 10:04pm PT
even when the park is open it might be best to ski tour to climbs.. I think a tour to Conness ridge would be cool but I'm not sure how you'd 'go back' for your skis .. maybe just backtrack?

for the record I'm thinking june 21. Even with the sheer volume I think the heat & UV will be working on that snowpack overtime... socal has been feeling global warming. I believe this winter and the wet PNW winters of late have been related to the record-breaking polar ice-cap melting rates.. more liquid water everywhere..

Thankful for all the precip.
bouldabud

Boulder climber
denver, colorado
Apr 16, 2017 - 04:49pm PT
Plenty of water everywhere right now, on the peaks and in the rivers. Might even set some river records during runoff this year

http://snoflo.org/map/?snow=base&flow=streamflow&lat=38.48208226348981&lng=-119.48799133300781&z=10
Lynne Leichtfuss

Trad climber
Will know soon
Apr 16, 2017 - 05:56pm PT
The land needed it. We got it. Thankful. Too bad about inconvenience.
Charlie D.

Trad climber
Western Slope, Tahoe Sierra
Apr 17, 2017 - 07:36am PT
For those interested in some ski touring ahead of a full opening of the highway, this is what I found out.........


Topic Author's Reply - Mar 30, 2017 - 03:31pm PT
Just as an FYI, I did contact Mono County who referred me to Cal Trans in Bishop. They said the goal is to have the road plowed and cleared up to at least Ellery Lake by the opening day of trout season which is April 29th. I'm sure they get pressure from the chamber of commerce.

As everyone knows this is an epic year for the Sierra so that goal may be optimistic. They went on to say just how much rock debris is on the road at the big wide slide path.....the earth abides. Any insider information out there would be appreciated.

.....any new information would be appreciated.
Capt.

climber
some eastside hovel
Apr 17, 2017 - 08:51am PT
^^ I suddenly understand where the name 'Great White Book' comes from. ;-)
riemannzetagambit

Trad climber
San Francisco
Apr 17, 2017 - 04:10pm PT
Holy heck Walleye, what a photo! That Tenaya Lake?
steve s

Trad climber
eldo
Apr 17, 2017 - 06:51pm PT
Walleye, That is a great picture. Lotta snow! Thanks for postin that one up. Say Hey to old swilliam ifna ya see him. Now Puke. x-dlfa.
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