Mother Lode Passes Update

Yosemite Valley, CA– Although the recent rain over the weekend has prompted the closure of some Mother Lode passes, they still have not officially closed for the winter.

Tioga Pass, Highway 120 in Yosemite National Park is currently closed, but there is a possibility that it could reopen by the end of the week.

“It’s literally a day by day decision,” said Scott Gediman, Yosemite National Park Spokesperson. “But once we get what we consider a season ending event, a lot of snow or a lot of ice, we will close the road for the season until next Spring.”

Caltrans has also not announced any permanent closures of Ebbett’s Pass, Highway 4 or Sonora Pass, Highway 108.

“Everything is contingent on the weather”, said Caltrans Spokesperson Michele Demetras. “It’s up to Mother Nature to decide.”

Last year Sonora Pass, Ebbett’s Pass and Tioga Pass were all closed for the season by December 3rd.

Written by tina.falco@mlode.com