Tioga Road is scheduled to be opened to Avalanche Trained Administrative Traffic - as conditions permit Beginning Wednesday, May 13, 2009, Tioga Road is scheduled to be opened to Administrative traffic, but only for those authorized employees with current avalanche training certification and fully equipped per "Tioga Pass Road Opening and Closing Plan". These authorized employees should be personnel who are essential for the preparation of infrastructure such as Buildings and Grounds and Utilities. Three Mandatory Radio Call Through Zones remain between Olmstead Point and Tuolumne Meadows and are signed accordingly. In addition, Dana Meadows is anticipated to be a designated Mandatory Radio Call Through Zone.
All authorized avalanche trained personnel entering the Tioga Road, where gated, will contact the designated Access Coordinator or their designee. Bob Brantley will be the coordinator Monday thru Wednesday. Bob's radio call number is #261. Ed Appling will be the coordinator Thursday thru Saturday. His radio call number is #360. For Sunday, the access coordinator will be designated by the Mather District Ranger. Park dispatch will be informed of who is the designated Access Coordinator each day.
All personnel entering a designated Mandatory Radio Call Through Zone will contact another vehicle in their convoy (partner vehicle) prior to and when exiting Mandatory Radio Call Through Zones.
All personnel entering the Tioga Road will adhere to the daily schedule for exiting through the Mandatory Radio Call Through Zones as established by the Avalanche Team and implemented by the designated Access Coordinator. This means personnel must exit the Tioga Road each day at the time established by the access coordinator or remain overnight. No exceptions. All persons granted administrative access must be prepared for the possibility of remaining in place overnight and have sufficient clothing, food and other equipment in the event changing conditions prohibit return travel through the avalanche zones. These restrictions and procedures will be in effect untill all Mandatory Radio Call Through zones have been rescinded.
All authorized personnel need to be aware of ongoing snow removal operations, tree removal operations, sign maintenance operations and other administrative functions. Be aware of black ice, snow and ice debris and vegetation encroaching into the roadway. Please drive with the utmost caution and observe the 25 MPH speed limit in effect throughout the Tioga Road opening.