Discussion Topic |
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Eric Beck
Sport climber
Bishop, California
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Apr 25, 2011 - 02:06pm PT
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I seem to recall that in some years past, dark material (gravel perhaps) was spread along the road to accelerate melting. Has this been abandoned as ineffective or too expensive?
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John Moosie
climber
Beautiful California
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Apr 25, 2011 - 03:02pm PT
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Eric, In the past they spread charcoal with a helicopter at the major slide points. Especially at Olmstead point. I remember 20 years ago hiking above glacier point and wondering why there was so much charcoal on the rock. It is mostly bare rock and there would be these large pieces of charcoal. Then I found out about them using it to help melt the snow. I don't know if they still use the charcoal.
They still do it. From this webpage..
http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tioga.htm
Factors affecting plowing operations:
* Avalanche zones (26 potential areas). The Olmsted Point avalanche zone requires a lot of work, including application of charcoal over the snow to help with melting and blasting the snow slab to make it safer for personnel.
* Heavy snow pack slows the whole operation.
* Trees that have fallen across the road and been buried in the snow. These can cause substantial damage to the equipment and result in a stop to all operations until they're cleared.
* Rock slides buried by the snow. These can cause substantial damage to the equipment and result in a stop to all operations.
* Snow storms during the opening require a stop to Tioga Road operations and in order to plow and sand the park roads.
* Road repairs and ditching and brushing operations once snow has melted back enough.
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Adamame
climber
Santa Cruz
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Apr 25, 2011 - 03:11pm PT
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I was told by one of the folks who participates in the initial NPS snowmobile trip up Tioga Road in April, that charcoal is still used, but in a more environmentally sound form. They use some kind of small explosive device that breaks up the snow and spreads a thin layer of very fine charcoal, increasing melting time by up to 10x. This very fine charcoal is much less visible on the side of the road come summer.
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corniss chopper
climber
breaking the speed of gravity
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Apr 25, 2011 - 04:00pm PT
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Charcoal
It's like placing tiny toaster ovens into the snowpack," Charlie Zender, a University of California, Irvine, associate professor of earth sciences...
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sempervirens
climber
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Apr 25, 2011 - 05:21pm PT
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What's Elery Bowl looking like? Anyone? Fair to say it oughtta be good til late June?
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matiasek
climber
Davis
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Apr 25, 2011 - 06:27pm PT
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Anyone know if the county has been clearing the east side of the pass up to the park entrance yet? The caltrans page says it is still closed to 5 miles from 395.
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Apr 25, 2011 - 06:28pm PT
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That's why the Valley gets so crowded- that friggin road lets in the hoards from the Eastside.
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klimski
Trad climber
Bridgeport,CA
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Apr 25, 2011 - 06:42pm PT
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Not open yet, plan on 5/1 ish to be at gate.
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Fluoride
Trad climber
West Los Angeles, CA
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Apr 25, 2011 - 08:25pm PT
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Jay and Ed, will see you at Stately Pleasure Dome on Memorial Day weekend...like last year! Mmmmkay?
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The Wedge
Boulder climber
Santa Rosa & Bishop, CA
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Apr 26, 2011 - 09:51am PT
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5/15/11 my last final exam. 5/16/11 skiing Tiaga!
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Ed Hartouni
Trad climber
Livermore, CA
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Apr 26, 2011 - 10:54am PT
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plan on being in Tuolumne opening day...
it's a date Fluoride!
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EdBannister
Mountain climber
13,000 feet
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Apr 26, 2011 - 11:50am PT
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Tioga Pass opening date for 1968-69 winter was August 10, and it was still a ditch 12 to 15 feet in places.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Nita, thanks for your link to the road opening statistics. If TPR can open I have a wonderful job awaiting me.....appreciate any information anyone has. Thanks, lynne
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John Moosie
climber
Beautiful California
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Predicting the opening date off of the April 1st data isn't very accurate because it also depends on how much it snows/rains in April and May. For instance, last year in April the park got over 8 inches of moisture, which in Tuolumne fell mostly as snow. Versus a normal April of I think 3 inches. This year we got less then 2 inches of moisture in April.
April and May rain/snow totals play a big part in how early the road opens.
Park politics and budget concerns also play a part. In the 90s the park was short money and tried to put off plowing the road. Plus they didn't have the money to repair the rotaries. The east side businesses fought with the park constantly about this. Whereas now, with the increase in fees in the park, and a large percentage of that staying in the park, the park has more money for that particular budget. The gate fee went up in 1997. If I remember correctly.
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CF
climber
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Topic Author's Reply - May 1, 2011 - 07:05pm PT
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Nps drove in snowmobiles and a snowcat to blast at Olmsted last week. Heard there was 10'.
Also heard a rumor of Volgelsang and Sunrise High Camps not opening.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Appreciate all the information. CF, how does 10'at Olmstead fit into the equation of opening Tioga ?
Has TPR Resort ever not opened due to late opening of the pass ? If Tioga Pass doesn't open til way late can people come in from the Valley to access Tuolumne and TPR ? Thanks, lynne
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John Moosie
climber
Beautiful California
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If Tioga Pass doesn't open til way late can people come in from the Valley to access Tuolumne and TPR ?
Hi Lynne, No.. there are avalanche zones on both sides of T Meadows. So they don't open the road until it is completely safe. They use charcoal on those zones to help them melt faster.
I don't know about TPR.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Thanks Moosie, appreciate your info. Cheers, :D
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BooDawg
Social climber
Butterfly Town
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Didn't see much mention of Glacier Pt. here. What's that road's plowing prospects look like?
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Seamstress
Trad climber
Yacolt, WA
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Avalanche control on US2 caused a large slide, shutting down the road for awhile. We won't be getting into the high country any time soon. Plowing for the snoparks stopped March 31, and there has been plenty of snow since the. The road into Marble Mountain is one lane.
So I can't go east or north.
Ski mountaineering is awesome (as long as you don't care about the long approach).
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robert jones
Trad climber
santa cruz,ca
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Rode my bike up 120 east from the closure gate outside Lee Vining. As of this past Fri. They had plowed just past the metal bridge near the head of Lee Vining canyon. We walked up to Ellery lake thru a rough plow path. Ellery bowl has incredible coverage along with the usual suspects behind TPR. It still feels like late winter at 9000 ft. Barring any unusual occurences my guestimate is they will have one lane plowed by May 15th. I'm guessing that Cal Trans will open the gate up to the normal spring closure point in time for Memorial day Spring skiing!
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disneyland freakshow
Trad climber
California
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DNCs projected opening date for the store and grill is the sixteenth of June, last year it was may fifteenth(the projected opening date) and I think we opened June sixth... Perhaps this year the estimate is more conservative barring the gigantic snow pack, but classically DNC overestimates when it will actually be able to open(usually two-three weeks) after the road is cleared any of the facilities, so heres hopin' for the first week of July!
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Charlie D.
Trad climber
Western Slope, Tahoe Sierra
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Robert or other's chime in, where is the "normal spring closure" point on the highway? Do you think one could drive up to the gate at the pass by Memorial Day? I would appreciate any information and/or history.
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Charlie D.
Trad climber
Western Slope, Tahoe Sierra
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^^^ any info?
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GhoulweJ
Trad climber
El Dorado Hills, CA
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CD
stay home
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Charlie D.
Trad climber
Western Slope, Tahoe Sierra
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GJ, join the fun.......I'll sneak you in to camp elixir, no one will notice until we summit upon which you can claim the prize of Alpha Ghoulwe!!!!
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arndog
Social climber
NV
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3 days ago, I finished a sitski ski traverse on the Tioga Pass Road from .5 miles east of Ellery Lake to Crane Flat. At the start of our traverse last Thursday, CalTrans had just plowed to the end of the "Green Bridge", .5 miles east of Ellery. TPR was buried. There were cabins that were totally covered with snow and the 2 story main lodge had snow up to the second story window. It was amazing to see. At Olmstead Point, a catapillar snow cat and snowmobiles had come in from the West side to do avi work. They dug out there metal boxes up there (which I assume had explosives) and must be spreading out black powder to enhance snow melt on it.
arndog
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Nice TR, arndog. Appreciate mucho ! If you saw the second story window of the Lodge.....well it means it's still there :D Now, for some sunshine and gentle breezes. Cheers, lynne
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GhoulweJ
Trad climber
El Dorado Hills, CA
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CDThanks,
Memorial Day is a national long range sniper competition.
After that.... I'm in!!!
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GhoulweJ
Trad climber
El Dorado Hills, CA
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CD
Memorial day.... you're dreamin'!
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Any more current specifics beside arndogs 6 days ago.....? lynne
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klk
Trad climber
cali
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^^^^^^^^ho man, great photo
i am so frickin READY!
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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QITNL, Awesome photo, Thanks so much for posting :D. We don't really need roads, do we ?
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bearbnz
Trad climber
East Side, California
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The Mono County guys coming in from the east said on Wednesday they only made 120', and they were just past the Green Bridge below Ellery. Yesterday they reported they were at TPR with 12-14' on the road, using dozers and blowers, real slow progress. Turning cold and snowy again over the weekend... It looks like late June or early July could happen. The road to Virgina Lakes is open, and fisher-people are reporting ice 6' thick on the lake.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Call me newbie, but I think the Sun will Shine. :D
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John Moosie
climber
Beautiful California
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Why Lynne, Are you saying the weatherman might be wrong... haha..
Man I wish the park service would update their road condition site more often. Don't they understand that people have a bit of a jones going by spring and any little tidbit of info helps,,, Especially pictures. A couple of new pics each week of different parts of tioga would be great!
Thanks for the picture up above.
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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first week of real heat gets it done...
patience is a virtue.....
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Jingy, missing Yo Dude. Any chance of you getting to the Facelift this year? I'll let you beat me again at Bocci.....NOT. I've been practicing bocci and horse shoes. Watch out world. AND just got a slaackline. :DD
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Klimmer
Mountain climber
San Diego
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What's the problem?
I could drive that in my snowcat.
The Tioga Pass Road is open. ;-)
lol
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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@ Lynne - "Jingy, missing Yo Dude. Any chance of you getting to the Facelift this year? I'll let you beat me again at Bocci.....NOT. I've been practicing bocci and horse shoes. Watch out world. AND just got a slaackline. :DD"
 No facelift this year. I feel that my input to the lift would be drag on the team at this point. In other words, a half day of half work on clean up would equal about 3 days of rest needed, and that's not a good trade off. And I certainly would not want to get all the "free" stuff that Ken provides the clean up crew for that small amount of clean up that I'd be able to proovide in good faith.
Wish I could. But the body just won't allow it any more. Not to mention, the mind is nowhere near what it once was. I used to be able to hold conversations, I do very little of that these days. Keeping all output to a minimum seems to be my present path.
Sorry.
But still thinking of you, and thanks for thinking of me too.
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mooch
Trad climber
Old Climbers' Home (Adopted)
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Regarding the Olmstead Point photo....
granite slab with water saturated snow + two dumb asses = flirting with certain death.
MORONS!!
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corniss chopper
climber
breaking the speed of gravity
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Question: does the road crew get any financial incentives to complete the job
sooner?
Remember how Caltrans rebuilt that overpass in just a few days when they where promised less pay the longer it took?
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Fluoride
Trad climber
West Los Angeles, CA
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So what's the latest?
Hartouni and Jaybro, I better be seeing your asses at Stately Pleasure Dome on Memorial Day weekend...like we did last year!! :)
No, seriously, we need to be there the second the pass opens. I love JT and we've gone nuts skills wise but we desperartly need some Tuolumne time. Can't wait!!
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EdBannister
Mountain climber
13,000 feet
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Corniss,
i might be wrong, but mt recollection of why the freeway was rebuilt so fast, was.. they got private contractors in to do the job, and they got CalTrans personnell out of there, otherwise it would have taken a lot longer.
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bearbnz
Trad climber
East Side, California
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As of last Friday, Mono County had made it to TPR, reporting 12-14', but expecting to make it to the park entrance by Wednesday May 11. They are supposed to go as far as the avy zone prior to Olmsted.
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corniss chopper
climber
breaking the speed of gravity
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EdBannister - yup that was it! !
Whats happening at the plow front edge area as Hwy120 is being cleared today?
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John Moosie
climber
Beautiful California
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They are supposed to go as far as the avy zone prior to Olmsted.
I thought that there was an avi zone between the gate and the meadow. Anyone know about that?
We need a plow cam.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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May 10, 2011 - 12:23am PT
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Jingy, see !!!!
SuperstellarsuperwomanvalleymommaofalltimesnoneotherthantheEKAT is looking for Yo. Heads up Dude, you better listen to the kat....and fattrad and even yo momma me. :DD
We love you Mr. Not how well you speculate, articulate, contemplate, renovate, postulate, equate, recreate or sportsate...a new word I just created :DD We want the Jingy who is today, just how you are, at the Facelift.
Zeriously !!!
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Daphne
Trad climber
Mill Valley, CA
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May 10, 2011 - 12:31am PT
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^^^Yeah, what Lynne said! Come! We love you unconditionally!
edit: Lynne, I wrote you, did you get it?
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Risk
Mountain climber
Olympia, WA
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May 10, 2011 - 12:57am PT
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The disdain and contempt stated by cornass about Yosemite Roads is a tasteless affront to the tireless efforts of a truly heroic and historic team of professionals, some of whom paid with their life to get that road open as soon as feasible for all to enjoy; it reveals his preference that the Park never existed and was instead run by a bunch of greedy businessmen paid by the state of California instead of the National Park Service. If cornass is at all a friend of the Park, he should rescind his remarks here, or forever be labeled, in my book, an enemy of the Park. Really bad taste.
The road will open when it is time to do so and conditions allow. We are all blessed to have had a heavy and fruitful winter snowpack that will make the opening and the High Sierra that much more beautiful this season.
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The Wedge
Boulder climber
Santa Rosa & Bishop, CA
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May 10, 2011 - 01:00am PT
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Sabrina Lake was 1.5 feet thick on fishing opener.
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Peter Haan
Trad climber
San Francisco, CA
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May 10, 2011 - 01:17am PT
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Adding to and agreeing with TMJesse's deeply felt statement especially regarding Cornice's presumptions.
"The fox smells it's own hole"
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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May 10, 2011 - 01:18am PT
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See Jingy, you have many friends that love you. Period. You ! When you come to FaceLift this year you will have a special job responsibility to enhance the Facelift and keep you out of trouble. ( I think it might be beer sampling....:D) So start packin' Dude. We will work along side yo to make it happen.
I think this is pretty nice of me, considering I've never been able to beat you at my favorite game, but I will never hold that against yo. :DD I think :DDD
Daphne, I did. I always have to think before I reply. That of course takes a bit....hehehe. Peace and Love, lynnie
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JOEY.F
Gym climber
It's not rocket surgery
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May 10, 2011 - 02:20am PT
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Big old cold snap heading in next week. Bet a month from now.
Jingy, sorry to hear you're ailing. Hope you come to FL2011.
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Anastasia
climber
hanging from an ice pick and missing my mama.
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May 10, 2011 - 02:26am PT
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Jingy, I would love to pick you up if you need me in order to get you there. I'm that insane enough, and you are worth the effort. Even my dear husband will agree on that. Plus I can set you up with a tent, etc. Let me know, email me, etc.
Hugs,
Anastasia
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Melissa
Gym climber
berkeley, ca
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May 10, 2011 - 02:28am PT
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I have been told before my a long time TM employee that they can't open up until they have a certain amount of services that include the plumbing not being wrecked by run off as well as the roads being open. T or F?
The thing (OK, one of several things) that never washes w/ me about conspiracies of the sort described above is this: If that was happening, then someone would get to be a hero by blowing the whistle. Too many people are involved for no one to want to be the hero.
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nita
Social climber
chica de chico, I don't claim to be a daisy.
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May 10, 2011 - 03:04am PT
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I have to agree with TMJessie & Peter Hann....
Many of us Employees remember *Barry Hance.. RIP..
Jingy, You can be the camp greeter (-;
I can cook you breakfast..That is- if you don't mind eating brekky at 8:30...
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Rick Sylvester
Trad climber
Squaw Valley, California
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May 10, 2011 - 05:29am PT
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Having just done a transSierra ski last week, along Highway 120, a 2 and a half days' sojourn, with sit skiers Mark Wellman and Jon Arnow, only the second time for sit skiers to accomplish this (Mark and another partner did this 18 years ago taking 4 days). from near Ellery Lake to 5 miles before Crane Flat, I have some firsthand -- well, last week's -- direct knowledge of the situation. Due to Mark's contacts and Jon and his challenge we got the gate opened for us and a ride up to the snow line a bit before Ellery Lake where we ran out of pavement. 70 mph headwinds greeted us. A D9 had to be employed to bulldoze because rotary plows can handle no more than 8' depths. From Olmstead Point to 5 miles before Crane Flat -- that much had been plowed by then from the west -- there was a cat track. Ugly! -- and unexpected in such a setting, but it made for faster progress for the sit skiers (like the corduroy as a result of nordic center grooming which besides packing snow helps breaks up surface tension, especially important in dirty, warm and soft spring conditions. When you're doing almost 50 miles all on upper body strength via double poling this makes a real difference. The park service had been in and done work at certain sections, primarily side hills like Olmstead Point. Blasting and plowing had been done at various locales. Actually, I found their methods kind of odd but I'm not an expert. As far as the time frame for 120 being opened, I wouldn't hold your breath. Access in normal years is by Memorial Day weekend. At least a month later is the estimate I'm hearing. Budgetary restraints as well as the snow amount are the culprits. Lodge
As far as the ski possibilities in the area of Ellery Lakes/Tioga Pass Lodge (not open this year due to a new sewer or some such system being put in), IT's FAT. Unless you got better things to do like climbing or messin' around, I'd head there right now!
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rottingjohnny
Sport climber
mammoth lakes ca
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May 10, 2011 - 08:54am PT
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Cornass....Your republican party is slashing spending and you whine about the road thru tuolome not getting plowed on time....? Typical disconnect...
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Stewart Johnson
climber
lake forest
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May 10, 2011 - 12:33pm PT
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maybe corniss chopper should go up there and help with his sand bucket and toy shovel.
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Beyr
climber
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May 10, 2011 - 04:53pm PT
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Slow and steady. To give you a comparison from last year, they were at White Wolf on April 27 2010.
Last Update: May 9, 2011
Tioga Road: Rotary plows have reached the Siesta Lake area just past the 8,000 foot elevation mark. Snow depths average 10 feet in depth. Charcoal has been spread over Olmsted Point to aid the melting of the snow above the road. Crews will work Monday through Saturday.
Glacier Point Road: Dozers have plowed off enough snow that the rotary blowers are to Washburn Point. Work will continue Monday through Thursday working down through the switchbacks to the parking lot. Average snow depth is still eight feet.
Mariposa Grove: The road is open; all weight restrictions have been removed.
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Ed Hartouni
Trad climber
Livermore, CA
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May 10, 2011 - 10:43pm PT
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wow, some beautiful young woman has commanded my ass to be somewhere....
....how could I do other but to comply
see you there babe!
and Steve too!
(and if that Jaybro guy is in state I'll drag him up there)
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EdBannister
Mountain climber
13,000 feet
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May 11, 2011 - 01:43pm PT
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weather forcast calls for snow flurries...
any update?
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Charlie D.
Trad climber
Western Slope, Tahoe Sierra
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May 11, 2011 - 02:06pm PT
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Thought I'd ask my question again, "where is the "normal spring closure" point on the highway?"
Hoping for an easy approach/drive up to the "normal spring closure point" on MD weekend for a corn harvest.
If you don't know who should I call to find out, Cal Trans or Mono County?
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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May 11, 2011 - 02:57pm PT
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Thanks for the awesome link, Super Topo Review Team :D lynne
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Inner City
Trad climber
East Bay
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May 11, 2011 - 03:31pm PT
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How far (if at all) can one drive up 120 from Lee Vining in an attempt to get up to ski Ellery and Dana couloir on Memorial Day weekend? Would appreciate information on that if anyone has an idea..TPR out of the question I guess?
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Charlie D.
Trad climber
Western Slope, Tahoe Sierra
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May 11, 2011 - 07:36pm PT
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^^^^what Innercity said!!!! Anyone know????
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Inner City
Trad climber
East Bay
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May 12, 2011 - 12:31am PT
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bump for the question....
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bearbnz
Trad climber
East Side, California
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May 12, 2011 - 01:22am PT
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The crews from the east side stopped today about 500 yards short of the Park entrance. They plan to be there tomorrow, barring any equipment issues. Haven't heard for sure when the lower gate will be open, I'll make some more inquiries tomorrow if no one else updates.
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Inner City
Trad climber
East Bay
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May 12, 2011 - 12:36pm PT
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Bump for east side access question four above...
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Inner City
Trad climber
East Bay
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May 13, 2011 - 01:09am PT
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bumpity bump a rumbumbum...question above about Memorial Day ski access on the pass?????ANYONE?
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reddirt
climber
PNW
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May 14, 2011 - 12:32pm PT
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according to NPS:
1998 the snowpack as of 4/1 was 156% & opening date was 7/1
2011 the snowpack as of 4/1 was 178% & opening date will be ?????
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Charlie D.
Trad climber
Western Slope, Tahoe Sierra
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May 14, 2011 - 12:41pm PT
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Inner City, finally got an answer from a buddy who works for Cal Trans out of Bishop. I suspect the east-siders are just being a bit protective. You can expect to drive up to the Park entrance come MD weekend, sounds like we'll see you there. We've got a contingent of Tahoe folks heading down for a corn fest and camping at Big Bend, I'll buy you a beer if you show up at the campfire.
Berg Heil,
Charlie D.
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Beyr
climber
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May 16, 2011 - 07:03pm PT
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Last Update: May 16, 2011
Tioga Road: Yesterday, crews started at Yosemite Creek and ended at an avalanche zone, plowing 1.6 miles. Crews will attempt to go through the avalanche zone today, conditions permitting.
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tom woods
Gym climber
Bishop, CA
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May 16, 2011 - 07:15pm PT
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Plow crews, whether it's the park or caltrans don't like to give official predictions, but once the work is done, caltrans posts it on the internet pretty fast.
Charlie D and innercity, check the clatrans site road info. Type in 395. They'll tell you how many miles up the road is open.
I'm not sure the mileage to the pass, but anything beyond five miles from the junction of 395 is a good sign.
http://www.dot.ca.gov/cgi-bin/roads.cgi
That's the link. Right now it looks like the normal lower gate is as far as you can go.
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Inner City
Trad climber
East Bay
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May 16, 2011 - 07:50pm PT
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Thanks for the great info folks. More snow on the way?
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EdBannister
Mountain climber
13,000 feet
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May 17, 2011 - 12:08am PT
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new snow to fall? updates?
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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May 17, 2011 - 12:15am PT
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I heard from Doug Nidever today in June Lake. He said the snow was falling yesterday, today and likely tomorrow. Crazy. How will this recent activity affect the opening of Tioga Pass to the public for summer....summer is coming, right? :D lynnie
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bearbnz
Trad climber
East Side, California
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May 17, 2011 - 12:15am PT
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The east-side crew started into the Park today, but new snow is still falling. Still haven't heard the official opening date for the lower gate... Looking forward to it.
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Fish Finder
Social climber
THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART
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May 18, 2011 - 11:45am PT
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The pass wont open till the end of June.
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Beyr
climber
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May 19, 2011 - 06:24pm PT
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Looks like they've been busy. Still 11 feet of snow!
Last Update: May 19, 2011
Tioga Road: Yesterday, crews plowed the Big Oak Flat Road due to new snowfall, plowed 18-20 inches of new snow on the Tioga Road, then plowed 0.4 miles from previous point (now at Porcupine Summit). Snow depth is 11 feet.
Additionally, Mono County Public Works and Mammoth Mountain crews have begun plowing from the east side and are now at Mono/Parker Pass Trailhead.
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The Wedge
Boulder climber
Santa Rosa & Bishop, CA
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May 19, 2011 - 07:08pm PT
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Yep, Also interested in Skiing off of Tioga Plataue. They still may need to clear out the parking, bathrooms, hwy signs, before they can open the rd. I will be stoked if its Moron day weekend. I may try to do the White Mt Ski traverse during that weekend and avoid some crowds.
Anyone here done it?
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BooDawg
Social climber
Butterfly Town
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May 19, 2011 - 07:13pm PT
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What's the latest on the Glacier Pt. Rd?
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Doug Robinson
Trad climber
Santa Cruz
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May 22, 2011 - 05:17pm PT
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That's right, the record is 72.5 feet, winter of '06-07 at Tamarack which sure enough is around 7000 feet off (I think) the Hwy 108 corridor above Sonora.
Still big time 20-foot drifts at 8000 feet at Kirkwood.
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mrtropy
Trad climber
Nor Cal
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May 22, 2011 - 08:04pm PT
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Tamarack is on Hwy 4 about 3 miles Below Bear Valley. And to keep thing clear that is 1906-1907. the little lodge there used to have photos of that year.
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Mtbphoto
Trad climber
Mammoth Lakes, Ca
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May 23, 2011 - 12:40pm PT
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A few photos were posted of the plowing efforts on Tioga on Visit Mammoth's Facebook page. They are stating "scheduled opening June 30th"
http://www.facebook.com/visitmammoth
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Sierraboarder
Mountain climber
Mammoth Lakes, CA
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May 26, 2011 - 09:30pm PT
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Great news from the eastside! Lower gate is open as of today. Road closed about a mile short of the upper gate for some reason. Plenty of snow up top but the powerhouse exit is getting thin. I'll try to post photos later.
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Beyr
climber
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May 26, 2011 - 09:36pm PT
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Where is the upper gate? Does that mean at the pass or is there another gate down lower?
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rhyang
climber
SJC
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May 26, 2011 - 09:39pm PT
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http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tioga.htm
Last Update: May 26, 2011
Tioga Road: Crews are working east from Olmsted Point. Mono County & Mammoth Mountain crews are working between Marmot Dome and Spring hill.
Just saw this on the Caltrans site -
SR 120
[IN THE CENTRAL CALIFORNIA AREA & SIERRA NEVADA]
IS CLOSED FROM CRANE FLAT (TUOLUMNE CO) TO TUOLUMNE/MONO CO LINE
/TIOGA PASS/ - FOR THE WINTER - MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO USE AN ALTERNATE ROUTE
[YOSEMITE NAT'L PARK]
FOR YOSEMITE NAT'L PARK ROAD INFORMATION CALL 209-372-0200
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WBraun
climber
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May 27, 2011 - 01:23am PT
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Tioga Pass, Glacier Point Road are always open year round ....
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F10
Trad climber
e350 / Bishop
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Golden Spike
KMMT radio reported east and west crews have met, still lots of snow to remove
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HighTraverse
Trad climber
Bay Area
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still lots of snow to remove and lots more to fall in the next few days
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rottingjohnny
Sport climber
mammoth lakes ca
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This is how the winter of 69 started..!
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John Moosie
climber
Beautiful California
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This is how the winter of 69 started..!
LOL, yep.. in June.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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So, from The Mobil to Tioga Pass Resort.....when will that go thru? Any ideas? Appreciate any info as I try to close down one job and open another.
Peace mixed with Joy....a combo not derived from stuff but from the planet we live on. An evolving pilgrim, lynnie
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John Moosie
climber
Beautiful California
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Lynne, Do you know if Julia is going to work up there this year? Maybe she has more info. I tried looking at TPRs website, but all of the info is old, plus on webpages like trip advisor, the most recent posts state that no one answers their emails. Seems kind of strange. I know you liked working there, but there are a lot of complaints about how reservations are handled. Don't the owners or managers give you any idea on when they will open?
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Moosie, I've only worked there for part of a season and loved it. I don't know if Julia will be there. I know they have web and internet issues. Having no phone or internet at the lodge and then being closed for months is a challenge. Hope people don't give up on going to an incredibly awesome place. Peace, Lynne
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klimski
Trad climber
Bridgeport,CA
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yesterday they were shoveling the roof of the lodge. The building is totally buried, at least6-10 feet of snow on the roof. The road is open to Tioga lake and the skiing is delicious!!
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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klimski, Thank you !!! I owe you a piece of pie when we open. lynne
(Wonder if Wonderful Bob, the Pastry Chef will be back this year?)
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Looks like quite a colorful party up there :D Thank you too for the picture and info Chris. Cheers!
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F10
Trad climber
e350 / Bishop
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Drove up the road today, snowing at the top
Lee Vining Ice
TPR
TPR cabins
Looking up at Tioga Pass
1/4 mile below the entrance
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Who Hoooo ..... the boards are off the Lodge! I think I see Joe's truck in the parking lot....YOU CAN SEE the parking lot. The cabins need an all out hair dryer attack :DD Say by a couple hundred of us. Cheers to summer !!!
F10 Totally awesome reporting you are now the lead reporter for the LLN Channel!
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adikted
Trad climber
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Does anybody know how the road is to Saddle bag lake? or do you have to park at tioga lake and hike in?, and is this even possible....thanks in advance
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G_Gnome
Trad climber
In the mountains... somewhere...
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You can park at the entrance to Saddlebag road, or at Tioga Lake, but that is it. I can't imagine the Saddlebag road opening for at least another month.
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Adamame
climber
Santa Cruz
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Now that the road is plowed through we have entered the 2-4 weeks where we hear absolutely nothing from the NPS about when the road will open. The real waiting game has begun.
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John Moosie
climber
Beautiful California
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Now that the road is plowed through we have entered the 2-4 weeks where we hear absolutely nothing from the NPS about when the road will open. The real waiting game has begun.
I hope not.. but I know what you mean. Maybe someone will get motivated to go up there on a bike and take pics for us.
I really appreciate all the pics shared so far.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Me too Moosie, I'm getting stuff together in hopes of my job starting in a couple weeks. Last year I got there the day Junction Campground opened...the one across from TPR. Think the date was @June 27. lynne
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adikted
Trad climber
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thanks yal...ill be up there this weekend and will try and report back.....enjoy the weather.
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Beyr
climber
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Word is admin traffic open on the 17th and public on the 24th. This was as of last week, not sure of the current accuracy. I'm gonna try to bike out to yosemite creek (hopefully further?) this weekend and I'll snap some pics for yall.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Right On, adikted and Beyr. Sounds about right B. Thanks both and looking forward to some pictures if you get out there. Ciao :D
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nita
Social climber
chica de chico, I don't claim to be a daisy.
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QITNL.., Thanks for posting this up..... It is a cool video. The blasting looked a bit wimpy. Do you know if the amount of dynamite is regulated for safety and environmental reasons?
Loved the blasting echoes and views..
edit: oops, of course ...charcoal dispersal ...thanks.
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Fluoride
Trad climber
West Los Angeles, CA
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Jun 13, 2011 - 06:50pm PT
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BUMP!!!
Where's it at? With the hot temps and melt-off threatening Valley floods, what does this mean for Tuolumne?
Cause I am selfishly wanting to be there every weekend these days.
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John Moosie
climber
Beautiful California
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Jun 13, 2011 - 06:57pm PT
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From what I understand, and this site, the road is plowed through, but they are waiting for Olmstead point to be safe before they open the road. Plus they need to clear all the side roads. But it is open to bicycle traffic from the Eastside all the way to the meadows. Or to Olmstead point from the west.
http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tioga.htm
Some one earlier said they would ride in and take pics. Hopefully they did and will post up. Going in from the eastside looks like great fun.
Car camp just outside the park, and ride in each day. You would have the meadows mostly to yourself. Chat up the set up crew and you could probably camp with them.
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chez
Social climber
chicago ill
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Jun 13, 2011 - 07:26pm PT
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Is it legal to bike in?
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John Moosie
climber
Beautiful California
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Jun 13, 2011 - 07:38pm PT
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did you check the link?
http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tioga.htm
Beginning Friday, June 10, the Tioga Road will be open to (non-motorized) bicycles from Crane Flat to Olmsted Point. There will be no access beyond Olmsted Point due to the avalanche zone just east of Olmsted Point. From the east, the road is open to bikes from US 395 to the west end of Tuolumne Meadows. It will be signed accordingly. Please be on the lookout for debris falling into the road and administrative vehicles travelling back and forth.
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chez
Social climber
chicago ill
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Jun 13, 2011 - 07:54pm PT
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Goin' tomorrow
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John Moosie
climber
Beautiful California
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Jun 13, 2011 - 07:59pm PT
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Awesome! From which side? East or West.
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chez
Social climber
chicago ill
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Jun 13, 2011 - 08:00pm PT
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Mammoth East side.
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John Moosie
climber
Beautiful California
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Jun 13, 2011 - 08:01pm PT
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Thats going to be a great ride. I hope you take pics. What a chance to be in the meadows without the crowds. Woot!
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Beyr
climber
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Jun 13, 2011 - 09:10pm PT
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Made it out to Olmsted on saturday. Forgot my camera so just have a few pics from my phone. It was kinda an odd weather day with pretty variable temps but the high seemed to be in the upper 50's. Saw a lot of wildlife chllin on the road (coyotes, marmots, a bear). It was amazing to be out there without a single car on the road. Definitely a different experience.
Before White Wolf
Before bombing down to Yosemite Creek.
Nice cascade on the climb out of yosemite creek.
The next two are pretty self explanitory.
This is the cascade early on 120 across the bridge. First photo was taken around 1:30 PM and the second was taken around 6:30. Just to illustrate the difference in runoff after 5 hours on a cool day.
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John Moosie
climber
Beautiful California
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Jun 13, 2011 - 09:49pm PT
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Thanks Beyr!
Here are shots from Glacier Point road. June 9th
Just for kicks. TM summer 2010
I have some of Badger, but each time I load them, they come out sideways. I took them that way, but rotated them on my computer and saved them that way, but the taco keeps posting them they way I took them. Any ideas? I'm on a mac. Badger Pass still has full coverage. They could open for June skiing. haha..
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bearbnz
Trad climber
East Side, California
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Jun 14, 2011 - 12:55am PT
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I was told by NPS personnel today that 120 over Tioga will open for the season on Friday June 17. I don't know if it is all the way through, but at least to Tuolumne from the east side. Can hardly wait, I'll be up there for sure.
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Ojailala
Social climber
Ojai, California
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Jun 14, 2011 - 07:27pm PT
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Fingers crossed for the 17th.. will be there on the 19th!! If not open I have a long detour... If not open on 19th.. what is best way from Lee Vining to Yosemite.. 4???
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splitclimber
climber
Sonoma County
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Jun 14, 2011 - 08:12pm PT
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lots of snow....duh.
view from Dana last Friday
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hairyapeman
Trad climber
1.5 hours from Yosemite!!!
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Jun 14, 2011 - 08:17pm PT
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Can't wait! Taking my mom and dad up Mount Lyell in about 5 weeks!
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Jun 14, 2011 - 11:44pm PT
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Has anyone "in the know" heard about a possible power outage going on in Tuolumne which could affect the Lodge, store, gas station from opening...? lynne
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JOEY.F
Gym climber
It's not rocket surgery
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Jun 15, 2011 - 12:04am PT
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Cool photos above, thanks for posting them. Work the plans, yeah, work the psyche. Splitclimber, wow.
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M. Volland
Trad climber
Grand Canyon
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Jun 15, 2011 - 09:58am PT
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DNC's set-up crew goes up starting taday.
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CF
climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 15, 2011 - 12:36pm PT
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Power is out, was out all winter just like last year. They are working on it. A transformer was taken out by a avalanche at Ellery Lake.
The sewer ponds in TM are still covered in snow and could be a few weeks before they melt out, so, there will probably be no services until the sewer and water is online.
Rampant rumor in the valley though is the pass opening Fri or Sat.
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M. Volland
Trad climber
Grand Canyon
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Jun 16, 2011 - 12:07am PT
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Party at the Moon Tower!
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rottingjohnny
Sport climber
mammoth lakes ca
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Jun 16, 2011 - 01:12am PT
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Latest weather forecast..snow above 15,000 feet...opening on hold...
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adikted
Trad climber
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Jun 16, 2011 - 02:09pm PT
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^^^^^^ HORRAYYYYY......
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klk
Trad climber
cali
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Jun 16, 2011 - 03:24pm PT
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so, so there.
ill even fight the traffic
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Jun 18, 2011 - 11:07pm PT
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Looking to perhaps open TPR in a week or two.......imagine Tuolumne will be same or earlier ?! Cheers, Lynne
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