Tioga overlook parking lot, Memorial Day 2011.

It was a cold and blustery Memorial Day at Tioga Pass, but that didn’t stop adventure- and photo-seekers from filling the Saddlebag Lake Road and Tioga overlook parking areas. About two inches of new snow sat on top of the older snowpack, with deeper drifts in places. Evidence of numerous recent wet avalanches was visible as cornices failed under the intense late-May sun. Gaylor Bowl was full of ski tracks, but in many other places the wind had already covered up the signs of backcountry travel. Past the park entrance gates the recent snow had not yet been plowed, meaning that bicycling conditions were less than optimal. A snowshoer had left firmly-packed tracks on the Mt. Dana Trail, creating excellent gliding conditions for cross country skiers through the trees and meadows at the park entrance.

Gaylor Peak from Dana Meadows.

New snow drifts cover the road past the Tioga Pass entrance gates.

The entrance station at Tioga Pass peeks out of the deep snow. Photos by Greg Reis.

This entry was posted on Monday, May 30th, 2011 at 4:05 pm and is filed under News, Recent Photos, Seasonal Update. You can view No Responses on this post or leave your own response if you log in.