Ebbetts, Sonora & Tioga Mountain Passes Closing Temporarily Ahead of Winter Storm

Arnold, CA…Caltrans is scheduled to temporarily close Route 4 over Ebbetts Pass and Route 108 over Sonora Pass at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 19, 2019, due to incoming inclement weather forecast for the Sierra Nevada. The National Weather Service indicates that 4”-8” of snow is possible over mountain routes. Route 4 will close at the No. 2 snow gate east of Lake Alpine and Route 108 will close at Kennedy Meadows. No decision has been made regarding Monitor Pass (Route 89 in Alpine and Mono counties) at this time.

These closures are expected to be temporary and not the long-term, seasonal closures that Caltrans performs on an annual basis. The reopening of these routes is dependent upon the impact of the weather. The closures could last
several days or longer.

Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park, is scheduled to be closed at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, November 19, 2019. Yosemite crews maintain and operate all roads within the park.

Several factors influence the temporary closing and opening and seasonal closures of our mountain pass roadways. Storms, accumulation of snow and overall road conditions are all considered in the decision-making process by Caltrans leadership. For the safety of motorists and Caltrans crews, these passes will be continually assessed until the seasonal closure of each is decided.

Check ahead: Please check local highway conditions before planning to travel to the high country by visiting the Caltrans Quickmap site at http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov or call the California Highway Information Network at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623). Also, the radio may be tuned to the Caltrans

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For road conditions in Yosemite National Park, please visit
https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm or call (209) 372-0200.

Be prepared: Winter weather and road conditions can change rapidly. All
vehicles, including those with four-wheel drive or snow tires should carry
chains/traction control devices when traveling during snowy weather.
Drivers without chains in their possession may not be allowed to proceed. When
highway signs indicate that chains are required, drivers must stop and install
chains or risk being cited and fined.

Motorists should expect the worst conditions and be prepared when traveling in
areas subject to hazardous conditions. We recommend carrying blankets,
water, food, a shovel, gloves, a flashlight, and sand or kitty litter to provide
traction in case your vehicle becomes stuck.
CHAIN CONTROL REQUIREMENT LEVELS:

No Restrictions: Watch for snow on pavement.
R-1: Chains are required on all commercial vehicles (large trucks or buses). All
other vehicles must have either snow tread tires or chains on the drive axle.
R-2: Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel drives with snow
tread tires. Four-wheel drive vehicles must carry chains in the vehicle.
R-3: Chains required – ALL VEHICLES – no exceptions.
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For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Be Work Zone Alert.
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www.dot.ca.gov
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