Recent image of Sonora Pass, CA. image: caltrans district 10

9,945′ Tioga Pass:

“TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Caltrans has opened its gate on State Route 120 East leading to Yosemite National Park. However, the park remains closed at this time. Caltrans reminds all Californians that it is important to stay at home to fight the spread of COVID-19. #StayHomeSaveLives” – Caltrans District 9, 5/15/20

9,624′ Sonora Pass:

“TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Caltrans has opened Sonora Pass/State Route 108. California’s Stay At Home order remains in effect. While the road is now open, a late season winter storm next week may require it to be closed again. Please check quickmap.dot.ca.gov for the latest.” – Caltrans District 9, 5/15/20

8,730′ Ebbetts Pass:

“Alpine County – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) announced today it has opened Ebbetts Pass, one of the seasonal highways in the Sierra after completing necessary road repairs and removing winter snow and debris in preparation for the summer season.” – Caltrans Disctrict 10, 5/15/20

Tioga Pass road with the famous chutes off the Dana Plateau (including the 3rd Pillar) in the background. image: caltrans district 10

Caltrans just announced that 9,624′ Sonora Pass and 8,730′ Ebbetts Pass are both now open.

Caltrans also announced that 9,945′ Tioga Pass is now open to the gate of Yosemite National Park.

Caltrans also reminded us that the “Stay-at-Home” order is still in effect in California.

All three of these passes deliver world-class spring skiing & riding this time of year.

Last season we skied 14 days off Tioga Pass in June (see trip reports below).

This is a very early opening for these two passes due to the Central Sierra snowpack currently sitting at 15% of average for today’s date, according to the California Department of Water Resources.

A snowstorm is headed to the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California Sunday-Tuesday that is foreast to drop up to 12″ of snow on Tioga Pass.

This storm will likely close all 3 of these passes again temporarily.

“If you’re planning on traveling through the Sierra this weekend into early next week, be prepared for wet and slippery conditions, along with gusty winds.” – NOAA Sacramento, CA, 5/15/20