Friday, 28 May 2010 04:19

Unseasonable Weather Extends Road Closures

slide4-unseasonable_weather_extends_road_closures.pngAmador County – The unpredictable and unseasonably wet weather as of late has prompted officials to extend road closures through the Memorial Day weekend. The Sierra snowpack was at 143 percent of normal as of April 30 and recent storms have only added to that percentage, closing high country roadways across the Sierras. Amador County Transportation and Public Works announced Tuesday that they will be unable to open Bear River Road and Pardoes Road for camping this weekend near the Bear River Reservoir due to snowy conditions. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) said they may be unable to open upcountry passes as well. However, they said they have removed the packed winter snow, cleared the debris and made the necessary repairs to open State Route 4 over Ebbetts Pass and State Route 108 over Sonora Pass. The U.S. Forest Service said the popular Mormon Emigrant Trail, located in the Eldorado National Forest between Jenkinson Lake and Highway 88, will not be open to traffic through Memorial Day. As of Wednesday, snowdrifts as deep as five feet near Highway 88 continued to block the popular forest road. All road conditions may change as we head into a much warmer and sunnier weekend. Motorists may continue to check with Caltrans to find out information as to when the passes will be open. For the latest in highway information please call Caltrans’ Road Condition Hotline at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623). You may also contact their Public Information Office at (209) 948-7977. The Amador County Public Works office can be contacted during normal business hours at 209-223-6429. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.