After a record snowfall this past winter Yosemite Park officials are finally opening Tioga Pass to through traffic on June 18th, at 8:00 a.m.
The past winter has seen at 178% above normal snowfall in the Sierra Nevadas. In fact snow fell only a couple of weeks ago, adding to the records snow depth.
The pass is the "back way" through Yosemite National Park and is usually closed from November through Memorial Day. Many businesses along the route have experienced a 60% decline in traffic this June. The opening should relieve many worried merchants.
The road still has snow in parts and there is ice in spots so visitors should use extereme caution.
Along the road campgrounds will be closed and some commercial services will be unavailable until further notice.
