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zones have been rescinded.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. (T. Ludington - 5/8/09)