Markleeville, CA…The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will open Monitor Pass on State Route 89 at noon on Friday, April 1, 2022. Crews removed snow and ice, cleared debris, and made necessary repairs to safely reopen the highway.

Caltrans’ goal is to have all winter passes open to the public no later than the Friday prior to Memorial Day Weekend. Late-season storms, snow accumulation and resources sometimes can hinder this goal.

However, due to the low volumes of rain and snow this year, Caltrans opened Monitor Pass and may be able to open the Sonora Pass on Route 108 in Alpine County and Ebbetts Pass on Route 4 in Alpine, Mono and Tuolumne counties sooner.

Caltrans’ top goal is safety for the traveling public. Even though the pass is open, motorists still should be prepared for emergencies as weather and road conditions can change rapidly.

Winter weather and road conditions can change rapidly. Motorists should expect the worst conditions and be prepared when traveling in areas subject to hazardous conditions. All vehicles, including those with four-wheel drive or snow tires, must carry chains 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.

For the latest road condition information, the radio may be tuned to the Caltrans Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) at 530 AM, 1610 AM, or 1670 AM or call the Caltrans Road Condition Hotline at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623). Real-time conditions are also available online and for mobile phones at Quickmap.dot.ca.gov.

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