And That’s That…The Pass Is Closed For The Season

STOCKTON – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has closed State
Route 4/Ebbetts Pass and Route 108/Sonora Pass for the winter.

Route 4 is closed from the Mt. Reba turnoff just west of Lake Alpine to Silver Creek, 5
miles west of the Route 89 junction (Alpine County), and Route 108 is closed from the Sno-Park gate east of Strawberry (Tuolumne County) to the U.S. 395 junction in Mono County.

Currently, there are no traffic restrictions on Route 89 over Monitor Pass.

The recent storms, and accumulation of snow, make the seasonal closures necessary
for the safety of motorists and Caltrans crews. The weather conditions on the passes
and subsequent road conditions are among the determining factors in the decision to
make the seasonal closures. Once the passes are closed for winter, they will not be
reopened until conditions warrant. Each year, Caltrans crews work diligently to clear
debris, remove snow, and make repairs so the highway can reopen by Memorial Day
Weekend.

For the latest road condition information, tune your radio to the Caltrans Highway
Advisory Radio (HAR) at 530 AM, 1610 AM or 1670 AM or call the Caltrans Road
Condition Hotline at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623). Real time conditions are also available
online and for mobile phones at quickmap.dot.ca.gov. Changeable Message Signs
with flashing beacons will have information regarding the pass closures.

Winter weather and road conditions can change rapidly. Motorists should expect the
worst conditions and be prepared when traveling in areas subject to hazardous
conditions. All vehicles, including those with four-wheel drive or snow tires should,
additionally, carry chains when traveling during snowy weather.

Drivers without chains in their possession may not be allowed to proceed. When
highway signs indicate that chains are required, drivers must stop and install chains or
risk being cited and fined.