Alpine, Tuolumne, Mono and Inyo Counties – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) announces the seasonal closure of Sonora Pass (SR-108) due to accumulations of snow and ice on this route.

Caltrans Maintenance Supervisor Chris Baker encountered 8″ of snow covering a thick sheet of ice that stopped his progress at about 8,000′ on the Sonora Pass with snow falling and deeper drifts ahead. Photo credit: Chris Baker

Caltrans Maintenance Supervisor stops above upper Cascade Falls to inspect the snow-covered route below Ebbetts Pass. Photo credit: Clinton Neeley

A comprehensive status update on the condition of the passes is listed below:
· State Route 4 (Ebbetts Pass) is closed at this time. Crews will assess early next week.
· State Route 89 (Monitor Pass) is open at this time.
· State Route 108 (Sonora Pass) is closed for the winter.
· State Route 120 West (Tioga Pass) is closed at this time. Crews will assess early next week. Yosemite National Park officials determine status of SR-120 in the park boundary.
· State Route 120 East is open at this time.
· State Route 158 is open at this time.
· State Route 168 West (Bishop Creek) is closed for the winter.
· State Route 270 (Bodie) is closed at this time. Crews will assess this road early next week.

Several factors weigh in to influence the temporary closing, seasonal closures and opening of our pass roadways. Storms, accumulation of snow, and road conditions are all considered in the decision-making process. In the case of SR-120, Yosemite National Park leadership confers with Caltrans to coordinate closure of park entrance gates as well as Caltrans gates. For the safety of motorists and Caltrans crews, continual updating of these passes will be assessed until the seasonal closure of each is decided.

For the latest road condition information, call the Caltrans Road Condition Hotline at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623). Real time conditions are also available online and for mobile phones at http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov. Changeable Message Signs with flashing beacons will have information regarding the pass closures visible along the highways.

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 should, additionally, 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.
CHAIN CONTROL REQUIREMENT LEVELS:
No Restrictions – Watch for snow on pavement.
R-1: Chains are required on all commercial vehicles (trucks or buses). All other vehicles (cars, pick-ups, vans, etc.) 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 Slow for the Cone Zone.

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www.dot.ca.gov

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