Re: Tioga Road Is Closed

At this time Tioga Road is close from Crane Flat to the Lower Gate on the east side due to snow.

Back to plan G.

Gold panning American below (south of) Colfax.

Sonora Pass, Tioga Pass and Bodie were on the agenda today for other rock collecting but it can wait.

Plan 395 Sunday.

Sonora Pass is also closed:

SR 108
[IN THE CENTRAL CALIFORNIA AREA]
IS CLOSED FROM 26.4 MI EAST OF STRAWBERRY (TUOLUMNE CO) TO THE
TUOLUMNE/MONO CO LINE /SONORA PASS/ - DUE TO SNOW

I was up in the VALLEY today. I climbed up the Snow Creek trail. Sprinkles turned to snow at 6,000 feet. The trail disappeared by 7,400 feet. Photos and video forthcoming.

Mike

I was in the San Gabriels today. Snow was on the ground above about 5500' and there were enough clouds to keep the crowds from swarming up to see it:



http://yosemitephotos.net/main.php?g2_itemId=8015

Here is Donner Summit on Saturday 5/24

How long is it likely to be closed for?? I am heading down to Yosemite on Friday!! will things be reopened by then?

It'll open when the threat of snow stops. They just don't want people stuck up there if they re-open and have to close suddenly.

My bet is it'll open tomorrow.

Looks like they will open the road again:

SR 120
[IN THE CENTRAL CALIFORNIA AREA]
IS REOPENED FROM CRANE FLAT TO 5 MI WEST OF THE JCT OF US 395 /TIOGA PASS/
(TUOLUMNE, MONO CO) AT 1000 HRS ON 5/26/08

Hwys 4 and 108 are also open again.

On Friday we had snow at 6,000 feet on the Snow Creek trail (across Tenaya Canyon from Half Dome).



Snow starts to fall early...

http://s275.photobucket.com/albums/jj296/MichaelIrwin_photos/?action=view&current=CIMG4989.flv

Being early and being quiet on the misty trail revealed these shy deer.

Mike,
What's your assessment of the Snow Creek Trail hike? I've eyed the trail many times from near Half Dome, or where it takes off above Mirror Lake, and wondered about it. (I have books, but firsthand thoughts are usually better).

The creek and falls themselves look amazing, though it doesn't look like you get to see much of that from the trail going up. Did you go up and back the same day? How long/strenuous is it?

Thanks.



Post Edited (05-26-08 16:39)

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Gary
Yosemite Photo Galleries: http://www.pbase.com/roberthouse/yo

One time, just about this time of the year, a friend dropped me off on Tioga Road just a little east of the May Lake turn. I climbed up the wall of snow and headed for the Valley. There are markers (old license plates) nailed high on the trees so I was able to find the way with the first five miles being covered with snow. Almost down to Mirror Lake I found my first Yosemite rattle snake. I stepped about an inch from his head; he rattled; I teleported down the trail

It's a nice hike. Not sure I'd enjoy going up that trail though.

Gary,

Snow Creek is a beautiful hike! I started at 6:30 and made it up to the footbridge and then the 7,400 foot level by 11:00 am before the driving snow and mist raised a route finding issue and I decided to go down. I was hoping to get to North Dome...

Yes, long and strenuous... but I look forward to the John Muir Trail this July so all hikes till then are training.

When I go back to do it again, I will start with a headlamp before dawn to take advantage of the cool temps on the switchbacks. They reminded me of the famous "97 switchbacks" on the approach to Mt. Whitney. But a mile plus higher was tougher, though.

There were good views of the water.

http://s275.photobucket.com/albums/jj296/MichaelIrwin_photos/?action=view&current=CIMG4984.flv

http://s275.photobucket.com/albums/jj296/MichaelIrwin_photos/?action=view&current=CIMG4987.flv

A report from the Eastern Sierra next week....

Mike

Thanks for the info, Mike and eeek. I definitely have that trail on my list, either from below or above. It looks like the uphill trek in summer could be a hot one, with the south-facing canyon wall and open exposure for a long way:


I was a little surprised to learn that Snow Creek Falls is one of the tallest in the world at 2140 feet, but it doesn't get a lot of attention since you can't get near most of it 8^).

The video made me thirsty...you just can't beat that icy fresh water from Yosemite's snowpack after it's run down the river or over the falls.



Post Edited (05-28-08 22:52)

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Gary
Yosemite Photo Galleries: http://www.pbase.com/roberthouse/yo