Tioga and Glacier Point Roads Plowing Update

 

Tioga Road

April 25, 2024

The roads crew has plowed 17 miles easterly from the Crane Flat gate and is currently working west of Yosemite Creek. Within the 17 miles, avalanche hazard is still present at South Fork Tuolumne River.

Snow has been somewhat soft—not nearly as icy as last year—and things are melting out. The avalanche team made it to Olmsted Point on Tuesday and things are beginning to melt at Olmsted Point, although avalanche hazard remains present at Olmsted Point and other avalanche zones.

Cooler temps and chance of light showers or snow is forecast for this weekend, and warmer temperatures next week.

Facilities management employees have not been able to access Tuolumne Meadows to conduct assessments and begin preparing utilities and other visitor services for use.

Tioga Road is typically open to vehicles from late May or June until sometime in November. Plowing typically begins around April 15.

In some years, Tioga Road opens to cycling one or more days before opening to vehicles. If this occurs in 2024, we'll provide that information here.

Glacier Point Road

April 25, 2024

Crews have plowed the length of Glacier Point Road and are working on snow removal from parking lots, the campground, paved trails at Glacier and Washburn Points, and in front of buildings.

There is no estimated opening date for Glacier Point Road.

Glacier Point Road is typically open to vehicles from sometime in May until sometime in November. Plowing typically begins around April 15.

In some years, Glacier Point Road opens to cycling one or more days before opening to vehicles. If this occurs in 2024, we'll provide that information here.

 

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

• How can I drive to Yosemite from Las Vegas or Death Valley when the Tioga Road is closed?
• What are the historical opening dates for the Tioga and Glacier Point Roads?
• What are the historical opening dates for Sonora Pass (Highway 108) and Ebbetts Pass (Highway 4)?

Why does it take so long to open the roads?

These are some common causes for slow progress of Tioga Road plowing:

• Avalanche zones (26 potential areas). The Olmsted Point avalanche zone requires careful 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 can cause substantial damage to equipment and result in a stop to all operations until they're cleared.
• Rockfalls buried by the snow 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 in order to plow and sand park roads that are open.

Even after plowing is complete, trash collection, functioning restrooms, and adequate staffing must be in place to prevent harm to park resources.

For Tioga Road, once plows reach Tioga Pass, just one lane is plowed. Additional work is still required before the road can open:

Crews plow to the full width of Tioga Road and roads leading to critical infrastructure. During this time, several avalanche zones typically remain active.

Crews then shovel out infrastructure and begin the process of turning on drinking water and sewer systems. Meanwhile, other crews remove trees in danger of falling on the road and in developed areas, clear culverts on side roads, and replace signs.

Crews then work on setting up or de-winterizing buildings. Plowing and culvert clearing continues, and crews clear ditches and fill potholes.Just prior to opening, staff set up operations at the entrance station, wilderness/visitor center, and move into housing.

Will I be able to ride a bicycle on the Tioga or Glacier Point Roads before they open to cars?

In some years, these roads may be open during limited periods to bicycles prior to opening to cars. Any updates regarding pre-opening access on these roads will appear on this webpage. Unless otherwise posted here, both roads are closed to cyclists if they are closed to vehicles.

 

• 

  Olmsted Point Plowing

  Every spring, both visitors and locals look forward to the opening of the Tioga Road, a high-elevation pass that crosses Yosemite National Park. Get a glimpse of what it takes to clear snow and ice from a section of the highway known for dangerous avalanches.

  Duration:

  3 minutes, 35 seconds

 

What does it take to reopen Tioga Road?

Plowing is just the beginning! Plowing crews must safely navigate through multiple avalanche zones. In addition to several feet of snow, downed trees and rockfall often need to be cleared from the road. Park facilities and infrastructure may require repairs after a heavy winter. For the safety of staff and visitors, and for the protection of Yosemite's high country, services such as radio, water, restrooms, and trash must be in place before the road opens. We're not just opening a road—we're essentially opening a park!

Before Plowing Begins

Tioga Road is closed to vehicles for the winter but open to skiers and snowshoers. The road is treated as wilderness during this time.
Tasks:

• During winter and early spring, crews complete essential training and prepare equipment.

 

Plowing 45.5 miles from Crane Flat to Tioga Pass

Plowing begins on or around April 15.
Tasks:

• Ahead of the plows, the avalanche team surveys, monitors, and mitigates safety concerns along the route.
• Plowing crew clears 1−2 lanes of road to Tioga Pass Entrance.
• Caltrans plows Highway 120 from Lee Vining to Tioga Pass Entrance.
• Forestry and maintenance crews follow plows to begin clearing trees that pose a safety hazard and replacing road signs.

After snowplows “punch through,” even more work must be completed before the road opens!

Completing this checklist before opening the road to the public ensures the safety of staff and visitors and the protection of high-country resources.
Ongoing tasks throughout phases 1−3:

• Continue clearing Tioga Road and plow turnouts, secondary roads, campgrounds, and parking areas.
• Clear trees that pose a safety hazard along roads and in administrative and visitor areas.
• Repair and set up the potable water system, sewer system, and wastewater treatment plant.
• Clear culverts and ditches, repair potholes and other damage to road.
• Fabricate and replace signs, as needed.

Phase 1: Access Critical Facilities

• Avalanche team continues to support employee safety.
• EMS arrives in Tuolumne Meadows to support employee safety.
• Set up temporary camp for work crews.
• Extensive snow shoveling to access critical facilities and infrastructure.
• Assessment of damage to facilities and infrastructure.

Phase 2: Set Up Essential Services

• Dig out and set up tent cabins for employees.
• De-winterize restrooms and cabins.
• Employees begin moving in.
• Trash & vault toilets emptied.
• Park radio repeaters operational.
• Cell & internet service operational.

Phase 3: Final Preparation

• Remaining employees arrive and move into housing.
• Entrance station, visitor center, and wilderness center de-winterized and set up for opening.
• Road opening date announced.