Discussion Topic |
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Erik Sloan
climber
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Topic Author's Original Post - Mar 10, 2015 - 06:37am PT
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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!
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Dapper Dan
Trad climber
Menlo Park
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Mar 10, 2015 - 08:18am PT
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oh man that would be awesome , hope it gets opened ...
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guyman
Social climber
Moorpark, CA.
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Mar 10, 2015 - 11:06am PT
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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.
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Vitaliy M.
Mountain climber
San Francisco
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Mar 10, 2015 - 12:19pm PT
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That would be amazing
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Texplorer
Trad climber
Sacramento
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Mar 10, 2015 - 01:06pm PT
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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.
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Erik Sloan
climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 10, 2015 - 01:51pm PT
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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.
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Bruce Morris
Social climber
Belmont, California
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Mar 10, 2015 - 01:51pm PT
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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.
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skitch
climber
East of Heaven
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Mar 10, 2015 - 02:03pm PT
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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.
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KabalaArch
Trad climber
Starlite, California
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Mar 10, 2015 - 03:19pm PT
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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.
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Climbnrok
Trad climber
LA
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Mar 15, 2015 - 09:10pm PT
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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.
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Risk
Mountain climber
Olympia, WA
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Mar 15, 2015 - 10:04pm PT
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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.
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rottingjohnny
Sport climber
mammoth lakes ca
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Mar 16, 2015 - 06:12am PT
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word...
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skitch
climber
East of Heaven
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Mar 16, 2015 - 07:18am PT
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Woo-HOO!!!!
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Dapper Dan
Trad climber
Menlo Park
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Mar 16, 2015 - 07:23am PT
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links not working , but awesome news if that's the case....
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WBraun
climber
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Mar 16, 2015 - 08:36am PT
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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?
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Onewhowalksonrocks
Mountain climber
Ventura
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Mar 16, 2015 - 10:49am PT
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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.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Mar 16, 2015 - 08:47pm PT
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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.
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skitch
climber
East of Heaven
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Mar 17, 2015 - 06:46am PT
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Why couldn't they just make a road that'll last forever with no maintenance required???
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reach
Trad climber
Palo Alto, CA
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Mar 17, 2015 - 07:58am PT
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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.
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Psilocyborg
climber
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Mar 17, 2015 - 08:38am PT
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Why couldn't they just make a road that'll last forever with no maintenance required???
Its called astral projection brah
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Vitaliy M.
Mountain climber
San Francisco
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Mar 17, 2015 - 09:22am PT
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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.
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Brandon-
climber
The Granite State.
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Mar 17, 2015 - 09:29am PT
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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.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Mar 17, 2015 - 09:37am PT
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I just found out it's a well disguised plot to discourage tourons from visiting Yosemite...............road resurfacing subterfuge.
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Brandon-
climber
The Granite State.
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Mar 17, 2015 - 09:42am PT
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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.
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John M
climber
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Mar 17, 2015 - 09:51am PT
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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.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Mar 18, 2015 - 11:21am PT
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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 :)
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NutAgain!
Trad climber
South Pasadena, CA
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Mar 18, 2015 - 11:39am PT
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John M, I stayed a week on an island in Belize that had a bunch of golf carts. It worked pretty well!
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c wilmot
climber
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Mar 18, 2015 - 12:01pm PT
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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"
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Mar 18, 2015 - 12:26pm PT
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JohnM and NutAgain, I think Catalina Island uses them as well......
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Lacey
Social climber
Nevada
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Mar 18, 2015 - 02:13pm PT
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APRIL 24TH.........
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Vitaliy M.
Mountain climber
San Francisco
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Mar 18, 2015 - 02:29pm PT
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When is the Sonora pass gonna open?
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DM88T
climber
San Juan Bautista, CA
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Mar 18, 2015 - 07:43pm PT
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If the road opens, does that mean you can leave your car over night.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Mar 18, 2015 - 07:47pm PT
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Lacey, looking forward to seeing ya. Where will you be spending the summer?
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Risk
Mountain climber
Olympia, WA
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Mar 18, 2015 - 07:52pm PT
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I used to tell angry tourists " at least you can enjoy the view"
Sounds like the ST crowd - angry tourists.
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CF
climber
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Mar 19, 2015 - 08:50am PT
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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]
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Charlie D.
Trad climber
Western Slope, Tahoe Sierra
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Mar 23, 2015 - 08:08am PT
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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.
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Seamstress
Trad climber
Yacolt, WA
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Mar 23, 2015 - 01:18pm PT
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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.
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thetennisguy
Mountain climber
Yuba City, CA
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Mar 23, 2015 - 02:49pm PT
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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
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Jon Beck
Trad climber
Oceanside
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Mar 23, 2015 - 03:34pm PT
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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
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Mar 24, 2015 - 05:04pm PT
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Has anyone biked Crane Flats to Olmstead in the last couple weeks? Appreciate any info you have! Thanks!
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Mar 24, 2015 - 05:59pm PT
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Thanks, QITNL, you're always the Dude!
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reach
Trad climber
Palo Alto, CA
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Mar 26, 2015 - 07:55am PT
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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.
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enjoimx
Trad climber
Yosemite
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Mar 26, 2015 - 11:15am PT
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Not open to bikes East of Crane Flat. It was, then they rescinded access. No surprise
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Stevee B
Trad climber
Oakland, CA
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Mar 27, 2015 - 01:04pm PT
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Any hope of a lower gate opening on the eastside from Lee Vining to the park entry this weekend?
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Jefe'
Boulder climber
Bishop
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Mar 27, 2015 - 05:01pm PT
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Jefe'
Boulder climber
Bishop
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Mar 27, 2015 - 05:02pm PT
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Stevee B
Trad climber
Oakland, CA
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Mar 27, 2015 - 05:14pm PT
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Thank you kindly Jefe. Looks like bikable from lower gate to Saddlebag, would you agree?
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Jefe'
Boulder climber
Bishop
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Mar 27, 2015 - 05:16pm PT
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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.
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Risk
Mountain climber
Olympia, WA
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Mar 27, 2015 - 07:53pm PT
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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.
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Delhi Dog
climber
Good Question...
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Mar 28, 2015 - 02:39am PT
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Late openings let the place rest, and I prefer them.
Me too.
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HighTraverse
Trad climber
Bay Area
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Mar 28, 2015 - 09:13am PT
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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.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Mar 28, 2015 - 03:45pm PT
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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
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skitch
climber
East of Heaven
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Mar 28, 2015 - 04:59pm PT
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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.
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reach
Trad climber
Brisbane, CA
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Mar 29, 2015 - 05:23pm PT
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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"???
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Mar 29, 2015 - 07:53pm PT
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Strong Closed
Closed, partially opened
Closed, but really, mostly open
Closed, but we're open
Is the pass open and how open is it? :)
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KabalaArch
Trad climber
Starlite, California
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Mar 29, 2015 - 11:10pm PT
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while us eastsiders can only get there once it's too damn hot
Quite so.
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Vitaliy M.
Mountain climber
San Francisco
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Mar 29, 2015 - 11:19pm PT
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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 :)
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skitch
climber
East of Heaven
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Mar 30, 2015 - 07:26am PT
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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.
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Trashman
Trad climber
SLC
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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.
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mouse from merced
Trad climber
The finger of fate, my friends, is fickle.
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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.
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Grippa
Trad climber
Salt Lake City, UT
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Pitchers of margarita and drunk driving into the valley here we come!
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cuvvy
Sport climber
arkansas
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Drunk drivers are worthless turds
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mouse from merced
Trad climber
The finger of fate, my friends, is fickle.
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Stupid, two.edit: I know you're kiddin', Grappa.
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nita
Social climber
chica de chico, I don't claim to be a daisy.
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Apr 13, 2015 - 06:40pm PT
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*
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."
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christoph benells
Trad climber
Tahoma, Ca
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Apr 14, 2015 - 03:19pm PT
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they're opening up to the park entrance tomorrow.
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crankster
Trad climber
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Apr 14, 2015 - 03:47pm PT
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Cool - I see a van load of Truckee skiers headed that way this weekend!
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christoph benells
Trad climber
Tahoma, Ca
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Apr 14, 2015 - 04:15pm PT
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yes. see 5 posts up ^^^^^
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nita
Social climber
chica de chico, I don't claim to be a daisy.
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Apr 14, 2015 - 06:56pm PT
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*
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.
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tom woods
Gym climber
Bishop, CA
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Apr 15, 2015 - 06:48pm PT
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Mouse- Jolly Cone is in Bridgeport. Unless something drastic happened, Mono Cone is still Mono Cone.
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JOEY.F
Gym climber
It's not rocket surgery
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Apr 15, 2015 - 08:21pm PT
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Nita Timid Sonora Tioga:
Thanks for the updates!
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Apr 15, 2015 - 08:54pm PT
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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
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Inner City
Trad climber
East Bay
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Apr 15, 2015 - 11:42pm PT
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QTNL,
Your report was amazing to me too. Thanks.!
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Charlie D.
Trad climber
Western Slope, Tahoe Sierra
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Apr 16, 2015 - 04:54am PT
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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.
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nita
Social climber
chica de chico, I don't claim to be a daisy.
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Apr 16, 2015 - 08:04am PT
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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.
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Apr 16, 2015 - 08:21am PT
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Are these openings the earliest ever?
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Charlie D.
Trad climber
Western Slope, Tahoe Sierra
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Apr 16, 2015 - 01:43pm PT
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Thanks Nita!
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bradL
Trad climber
Lake Tahoe, NV
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Apr 18, 2015 - 02:02pm PT
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Can I go ski up there?! On snow? Anybody have pictures? What about Dana Couloir? False White?
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Mtbphoto
Trad climber
Mammoth Lakes, Ca
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Apr 18, 2015 - 02:14pm PT
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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
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rottingjohnny
Sport climber
mammoth lakes ca
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Apr 18, 2015 - 07:25pm PT
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Looks like it's storming up there right this moment...
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Willoughby
Social climber
Truckee, CA
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Apr 19, 2015 - 01:46am PT
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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.
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ryankelly
Trad climber
Bhumi
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Apr 19, 2015 - 07:16pm PT
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reach
Trad climber
Brisbane, CA
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Apr 20, 2015 - 08:29am PT
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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.
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HighTraverse
Trad climber
Bay Area
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Apr 21, 2015 - 11:11am PT
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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.
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skitch
Gym climber
Bend Or
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Apr 21, 2015 - 02:00pm PT
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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.
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CF
climber
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Apr 21, 2015 - 02:44pm PT
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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"?
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Stevee B
Trad climber
Oakland, CA
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Apr 21, 2015 - 07:18pm PT
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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.
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nita
Social climber
chica de chico, I don't claim to be a daisy.
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Apr 25, 2015 - 08:15am PT
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*
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.
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ryankelly
Trad climber
Bhumi
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Apr 25, 2015 - 08:36am PT
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Yeah!!! Snow!!
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HighTraverse
Trad climber
Bay Area
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Apr 25, 2015 - 08:53am PT
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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.
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skitch
Gym climber
Bend Or
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Apr 25, 2015 - 10:09am PT
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3-5 inches?!? That'll take weeks to remove!!!
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christoph benells
Trad climber
Tahoma, Ca
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Apr 28, 2015 - 08:03pm PT
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bump for any insider information? anyone know anything?
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CF
climber
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Apr 28, 2015 - 08:51pm PT
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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
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HighTraverse
Trad climber
Bay Area
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Apr 29, 2015 - 09:05am PT
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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.
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skitch
Gym climber
Bend Or
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Apr 30, 2015 - 09:26am PT
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Has anyone heard anything about tomorrow???
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skitch
Gym climber
Bend Or
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Apr 30, 2015 - 03:19pm PT
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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.
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skitch
Gym climber
Bend Or
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Apr 30, 2015 - 04:51pm PT
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Yeah, I heard the same thing, but I'm selfish and I wanna climb on some fine granite!!!
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rottingjohnny
Sport climber
mammoth lakes ca
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Apr 30, 2015 - 06:20pm PT
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A reliable source said it's going to be open tonite... to walking...
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Mtbphoto
Trad climber
Mammoth Lakes, Ca
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Apr 30, 2015 - 06:32pm PT
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The road is clear, I can see online that people have been riding bikes into the meadows from Tioga.
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k-man
Gym climber
SCruz
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Apr 30, 2015 - 06:38pm PT
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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!
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skitch
Gym climber
Bend Or
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Sounds fishy to me.
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toyon
climber
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By the numbers:
Average opening date: May 26th
Average date range (68% probability): May 8 - June 12
Based on NPS data since 1980.
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Flip Flop
climber
salad bowl, california
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Game on.
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SeanH
Trad climber
SLC
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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.
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nita
Social climber
chica de chico, I don't claim to be a daisy.
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*
Please drive carefully
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Fish Finder
climber
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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
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BrassNuts
Trad climber
Save your a_s, reach for the brass...
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May 19, 2015 - 07:16am PT
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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!
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skitch
Gym climber
Bend Or
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May 19, 2015 - 07:44am PT
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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. . .
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john hansen
climber
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May 19, 2015 - 07:45am PT
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Google. Cal Trans. Road Conditions
It shows 120 open now but could change.
Or that one...
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John M
climber
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May 19, 2015 - 09:18am PT
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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.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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May 19, 2015 - 09:30am PT
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I'm heading up to TPR this Thursday. I'll try and post info. Cheers, lynnie
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HighTraverse
Trad climber
Bay Area
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May 19, 2015 - 09:34am PT
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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
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BrassNuts
Trad climber
Save your a_s, reach for the brass...
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May 19, 2015 - 11:02am PT
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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!
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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May 19, 2015 - 11:13am PT
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Stop by for coffee and pie on me BrassNuts. :)
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skitch
Gym climber
Bend Or
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May 19, 2015 - 03:06pm PT
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I am dying to get back into the Valley, but the more water now hopefully means less smoke this summer!
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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Apr 25, 2016 - 02:32pm PT
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Anyone have info or predictions about when 120 will open from 395? Heard rumors Cal Trans may work on it next week. Thanks, lynnie
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WBraun
climber
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Apr 25, 2016 - 02:44pm PT
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Sometime in May .......
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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Apr 25, 2016 - 06:44pm PT
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Well that helps, WBraun. Weather being so unpredictable, I was wondering if it would be another late (June or July) opening for TPR. Grazie!
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10b4me
Mountain climber
Retired
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Jan 16, 2017 - 09:10am PT
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"Tioga Pass Opening Date? - Next Weekend?"
Don't think so. Try July 4th.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Jan 16, 2017 - 11:37am PT
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Are you serious about this, 10b4me?
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10b4me
Mountain climber
Retired
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Jan 16, 2017 - 12:01pm PT
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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.
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G_Gnome
Trad climber
Cali
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Jan 16, 2017 - 12:44pm PT
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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.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Jan 18, 2017 - 05:35pm PT
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Perhaps we will be kayaking up Tenaya Creek as in 2011. Hope this weather keeps up. Cheers to rain and snow.
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10b4me
Mountain climber
Retired
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Mar 14, 2017 - 10:12pm PT
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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/.
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Vitaliy M.
Mountain climber
San Francisco
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Mar 14, 2017 - 10:25pm PT
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Mosquitos should be EPIC.
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bpope
climber
Sunnyvale, CA
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Mar 15, 2017 - 12:37am PT
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got a wedding planned at Glacier Point just after Memorial Day...let's see if the road is opened in time!
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looks easy from here
climber
Ben Lomond, CA
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Mar 17, 2017 - 08:47am PT
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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?
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John M
climber
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Mar 17, 2017 - 09:07am PT
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I have never heard of a partial opening.
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looks easy from here
climber
Ben Lomond, CA
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Mar 17, 2017 - 09:10am PT
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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. ;)
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John M
climber
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Mar 17, 2017 - 09:12am PT
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so I was hoping they'd cater to my conditioned convenience. ;)
hahaha.. yep.. we all hope that.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Mar 17, 2017 - 03:50pm PT
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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.....
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10b4me
Mountain climber
Retired
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Apr 14, 2017 - 07:30am PT
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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.
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WBraun
climber
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Apr 14, 2017 - 07:52am PT
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Mammoth Mt said this winter exceeded 1969 record snowfall.
So Tioga pass opening will be a long time coming this year ......
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Apr 14, 2017 - 09:47am PT
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I imagine Sonora Pass will be similar?!
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rottingjohnny
Sport climber
Sands Motel , Las Vegas
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Apr 14, 2017 - 06:42pm PT
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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...
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Yinzer
Trad climber
Los Angeles, CA
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Apr 14, 2017 - 10:04pm PT
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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.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Apr 16, 2017 - 05:56pm PT
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The land needed it. We got it. Thankful. Too bad about inconvenience.
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Charlie D.
Trad climber
Western Slope, Tahoe Sierra
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Apr 17, 2017 - 07:36am PT
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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.
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Capt.
climber
some eastside hovel
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Apr 17, 2017 - 08:51am PT
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^^ I suddenly understand where the name 'Great White Book' comes from. ;-)
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riemannzetagambit
Trad climber
San Francisco
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Apr 17, 2017 - 04:10pm PT
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Holy heck Walleye, what a photo! That Tenaya Lake?
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steve s
Trad climber
eldo
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Apr 17, 2017 - 06:51pm PT
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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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