Winter Rite of Passage: Tioga Pass Prognosticator #12

[Mark Sedenquist]

The most dangerous part of the road, (avalanches and rock-fall) is the part that lies within the the Park boundaries. Caltrans is a partner in the road maintenance for the entire distance. I can pretty guarantee that the NPS lacks the capability of opening the pass if Caltrans is not on-board. The NPS has snow removal equipment, but they work with Caltrans on the road. So, whatever is going on with the NPS has very little to do with the actual condition of the road at the moment.

Mark

[Southwest Dave]

Not at all, I'm afraid.

As with most Sierra passes, the western side is a lot more gradual than the eastern side. So, in comparison, 120 from the eastern gate down to Lee Vining is a lot more rugged, winding, and steep than the road up from Crane Flat. The road, with no plowing, could very well be fine on the western side but very treacherous, if even passable, on the eastern side. I highly doubt that Caltrans will expend any effort on 120 till spring due to funding issues.

I'm aware of the differences George, but my reply was based on your question of 'if' they reached the east entrance station.

You first mentioned opening the road from "Crane Flat all the way to the east entrance station". What I was suggesting is that if the road is 'fit' enough to be travelled along the 50 odd miles from the west across Tuolumne/Dana Meadows all the way to the east entrance gate, there would be a good chance that the last 12 miles to the 395 would be passable as well. [Not guaranteed though of course.]

Dave.

[CAnative]

Oh more fun. Weather prediction was for sunny skies with high temperatures above freezing for the next few days.

Last year was a big snow year and may have no relation to this year as others have pointed out. That said, didn't the plowing updates last spring show that the road was plowed from the west and from the east through Tioga Pass? Wasn't the Olmsted Point section the last portion to be cleared?

[Southwest Dave]

Yes they do plow from both ends each year. We doubt very much there will be any major plowing effort to open it up again for the winter though.

We are just in 'Hypothetical Mode' at the moment. [Guessing lol.]

Dave.

[Southwest Dave]

A low pressure system is moving into the Sierras tonight, bringing with it snow. The heaviest [to the east] is predicted through Monday and could bring up to 12 inches of new snow. Tuesday and Wednesday could also see small amounts of snow accumulation added to that.

Maybe, Maybe not ??

There is a hazardous weather warning in place so check before travelling in the vicinity of the Sierra's.

Dave.

[Southwest Dave]

....... but look at how much the snow has melted away from previously!!

[Mark Sedenquist]

Clearing now

(Courtesy of the Yosemite Conservancy)

[Southwest Dave]

I can now confirm that we have an official closing date and for the first time ever we have a ...................

....... 'back to back' Winner -CAnative !!!! [who had correctly guessed the Spring 2011 opening !!]

In fact Jessica, [CAnative] is the first person ever to be crowned Chief Tioga pass Prognosticator twice.

The CLOSING date, confirmed by Yosemite NP is January 17th @ 4pm. Jessica nailed the date and was within an hour of the actual time, predicting 3pm. That means an additional prize will be on it's way too !!

This has been an unprecedented year with the latest ever recorded closing, AND up to the latest snowfall this week, held a real possibility of re-opening.

Keep your eyes peeled, the Spring opening competition will soon be up and running !

Congratulations Jessica and thanks to everyone for taking part.

Dave.

[Mark Sedenquist]

Ok, Sheriff Dave.... I have Jessica's address.... from last spring....

Onward we goeth....

[CAnative]

Yes an unusual year with lots of guesses. I know Dave is the Sheriff but I'm wondering about the 4 pm closing time. The press release on the Yosemite National Park website states a 7 pm closing time.