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Guesses about when Kaiser Pass will open?

Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2019 8:30 am
by maiathebee
I've got reservations for a campsite at Mono Hot Springs for Memorial Day weekend, but now I'm doubtful that Kaiser Pass road 5S80 will be open. Does anyone have a source for historical opening dates? I found the SNF road status page but haven't been able to find information about past years to try to make a guess about this year. (Specifically 2011 and 2017 would be helpful!)

Re: Guesses about when Kaiser Pass will open?

Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2019 10:18 am
by AaronRDavis
This may be helpful: viewtopic.php?t=15914

Re: Guesses about when Kaiser Pass will open?

Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2019 2:43 pm
by AlmostThere
VVR is making another attempt to send someone on snowmobile out to Edison this week - many feet of snow left.

I do not believe they will be plowing this year. We are being told that trail crew efforts at Florence and Edison need to be pushed later than June. Will post again if that changes.

Re: Guesses about when Kaiser Pass will open?

Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2019 9:33 am
by maiathebee
thanks everyone!

Re: Guesses about when Kaiser Pass will open?

Posted: Thu Apr 25, 2019 8:02 am
by AaronRDavis
According to VVR Facebook, Kaiser Pass road opening to vehicles is anticipated around June 7.

Re: Guesses about when Kaiser Pass will open?

Posted: Thu May 02, 2019 8:55 pm
by AlmostThere
Apparently something was worked out and the plowing starts this week. First week of June is the estimate.

Re: Guesses about when Kaiser Pass will open?

Posted: Sun May 05, 2019 12:56 pm
by maiathebee
Thanks y'all! I'm gonna cancel my plans and head somewhere else.

Re: Guesses about when Kaiser Pass will open?

Posted: Wed Jun 12, 2019 8:23 am
by SSSdave
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sierra/h ... rdb5399344

Forest Road Current Conditions as of June 5, 2019
Closed Kaiser Pass Road (5S80)
Deep Snow on the pass, SCE is plowing/blowing no estimate in opening date

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Also loaded a satellite view yesterday:
viewtopic.php?f=34&t=19393

Above report now a week old. Everything is looking as a go for my tentative 6 day backpack to the South Fork of the San Joaquin areas out of Florence. My highest camp spot will only be at 8.4k and is already well melted out. Time to start getting gear prepped and start my usual daily stair climbing with 50# weight. Now that I've finally worked through the huge backlog of spring wildflower work per link below, am looking forward to finally getting into the Sierra Nevada in 2019. Should be some awesome big whitewater, wildflowers, and junipers on canyon walls.

viewtopic.php?f=8&t=19515

Re: Guesses about when Kaiser Pass will open?

Posted: Wed Jun 12, 2019 10:40 am
by AlmostThere
I will be going over the pass this weekend, to meet the trail crew at Edison. Roads are plowed and potholes being patched. I believe the elephant gate (the big one up the hill from Huntington where the road becomes a one lane adventure) will open tomorrow.

Re: Guesses about when Kaiser Pass will open?

Posted: Thu Jun 13, 2019 12:04 am
by Snowfire
I drove Kaiser Pass on June 12 with no problem. Sign and website say “closed”, but heard the gate has been open since middle of last week. FS, SCE, and business operators just seem to prefer not to have vehicles on the road, but it was open to drive.