Hermit Valley, CA…From Caltrans District 10…Check out the wall of snow that our crews are battling through on their way to the summit of Ebbetts Pass during the annual clearing of the Sierra Passes to get the routes open for the summer season. Caltrans Woodfords Area Lead Worker James Adams sent us the shots of the east side of State Route 4 where the road crosses over the PCT very near the summit.

Our west side crew was at Mosquito Lake earlier in the week, so we’re attacking it from both sides in the classic pincer move to get ‘er open.

Our goal is to have all winter passes open to the public no later than the Friday before Memorial Day weekend. Late season storms, road damage and equipment issues may hinder this goal.

We know people are excited to get into the higher elevations, but our crews would like us to remind everyone to avoid walking or biking behind the closure signs when they are working to ensure your safety.

Walls of snow line SR-4 where the Pacific Crest Trail crosses over the road just east of the summit of 8730′ Ebbetts Pass.

Even with low volumes of snow, Ebbetts Pass and Sonora Pass require closure during the winter season. Sonora Pass has grades in excess of 20% and Ebbetts Pass had grades in excess of 23%, far exceeding typical highway grades of 6%. The steep grades, high elevation and narrow road cannot accommodate snow removal equipment and vehicular traffic at the same time.

Photo credit: James Adams Caltrans, District 10
Date: April 25, 2018
Location: Ebbetts Pass/State Route 4

Please check http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ for up to the second road information. Also, follow us on Twitter @CaltransDist10 where we will post breaking news when the passes are set to open.