Pinecrest, CA…Like swallows returning to Capistrano and the opening day of baseball, the Caltrans Long Barn crew is planning to start the clearing of the Sonora Pass- the annual ritual that is the harbinger of springtime in the Sierra! Long Barn Supe, Chris Baker reports that we have all equipment moved up as of today and ready to go for a Monday morning start if the weather cooperates.

“We have the new edition of the Pisten Bully (snow cat) over a dozer this year,” said Baker. “Although we don’t have the snow of last year, it will be a great help to us up closer to the top of the pass where we should see some pretty decent snow, and the usual drifts.”

Meet your Long Barn Crew Pass opening operators. Pictured top is Steve Belitz, and left to right, Erik Young, Tim McGrath, Jim Longeway, in the blower Serge Kiriluk. Not pictured, Mike Shaughnessy, Dave Beauchamp.

Baker reports that this is what we look forward to every spring, and that the crew is excited to get under way.

Work is scheduled to begin on Monday, April 2nd. Baker reports that if all goes well, crews will make it to Eagle Meadows in a week, and if there are little or no maintenance issues we will open the road to there.

During this time for the safety of the crew and the public we ask that no pedestrians or over snow vehicles enter behind the gate. For the 1st stage of Pass opening we will be working 7:30 to 3:00, Monday through Friday.

Stay tuned for regular updates about our crew’s progress toward the summit.