Tioga Pass is open!
May 7th, 2012 by Elin, Communications Coordinator
closeAuthor: Elin, Communications Coordinator
Name: Elin Ljung
Title: Communications Coordinator
About: Elin's job consists of some of her favorite things: finding typos, experimenting with layouts, and figuring out how best to communicate the Committee's work to the world. She also oversees the Field Seminar program. Elin is an EMT on the Lee Vining Fire Department, loves sitting at Latte Da Coffee Cafe immersed in a good book, and watches English Premier League football (soccer) at any opportunity.See All Posts by Elin (133)
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After almost the shortest winter closure in history, Tioga Pass (Highway 120) opened through Yosemite National Park at noon. The road closed for the winter on January 17, 2012 just before the first substantial snowstorms finally arrived. After such a dry winter summertime will come quickly to Yosemite’s high country. As you drive through, make sure to watch for wildlife and visitors near the road. Enjoy your trip to Yosemite!
This entry was posted
on Monday, May 7th, 2012 at 12:49 pm and is filed under News, Seasonal Update.
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May 7th, 2012 at 1:53 pm
It is the earliest opening since 1977! It opened three times in April in the 1970s, all prior to April 15th when the Park Service now begins plowing.
May 24th, 2012 at 8:11 am
I was surprised when it was opened up to the gate for opening day of fishing season! Never happened in the 12 years I’ve been going. My sons got to try fishing through the ice for the first time.
May 26th, 2012 at 3:59 pm
The Pass has opened in April only 4 times since 1933 but one should note how snow removable equipment has improved in recent years and the east side was a bit hairier to open before the road was rebuilt in 1965. At Tuolumne Meadows the maximum May snow depth was 6″ in 2008 and 2004 and only 1″ depth in 2007. Snow cover at Tuolumne for the season ended on April 23rd but in 2007 the snow disappeared April 9th and in 1994 and 1992 was gone on April 21st. The snowfall season so far is at 198.5″ but in 2006-07 totaled 172.5″ and 1991-92 a whopping 162.3″ fell. This season will rank the 8th least in the last 32 years.