Most years, Tioga Road through Yosemite opens in May or early June after the winter snow has melted away.

Thanks to this winter’s heavy snowpack, the road’s opening could be delayed until after the June 21 start of summer.

Right now, Caltrans road crews are clearing snow piled 5-to-7-feet deep and dealing with hidden boulders and fallen trees.

Not for the Faint of Heart

The job requires skill and steady nerves. Snowplow operators face a gauntlet of challenges: the narrow road, potential avalanches, and sheer cliffs.

When the snow is cleared on both sides of Tioga Pass (elevation 9,943 feet), the road repair crews will get to work.

Watch the drone video above to see the challenges these crews face. 

WEEKLY PASS STATUS REPORT
PASSES OPEN
SR-120E (Mono Mills Road)
SR-89 (Monitor Pass)
SR-158N (June Lake North)

WINTER CLOSURES
SR-4 (Ebbett’s Pass)
SR-108 (Sonora Pass)
SR-120W (Tioga Pass)
SR-270 (Bodie Road)

For the latest info https://t.co/B2JpeeuE5B or 1-800-427-7623 pic.twitter.com/oCwwwm1uHp

— Caltrans District 9 (@Caltrans9) April 26, 2019