sharone

We will be travelling from Yosemite to Death Valley on 23rd May this year and obviously would like to go over the Tioga Pass. However, when I've looked at the data for opening dates over the last 20 years its only been open by the date we want 9 times so the odds don't look good.
Is there any way of knowing how likely it is to open early, i.e. amount of snowfall over the winter?
Otherwise what would be our best option?
Thanks for any help

Tomsd

This year is one of the lightest so far on snowfall - so unless we get another huge March - it should be open.

Otherwise - check other posts in here - but heading down 5 and then over/east at say Bakersfield would probably work best.

Michael

We still have two months of potential winter rains so I would not count on Tioga Pass being open. Figure on going around the Sierra and count yourself lucky if the pass happens to be open when you are there.

janisj

>>so unless we get another huge March - it should be open.>Otherwise what would be our best option?

sharone

Oh dear, I didn't think our chances were that great. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed there's no more snow or storms.

janisj

>>I'll be keeping my fingers crossed there's no more snow or storms.LOT more snow. We are on the cusp of a really major drought - most of our water year round comes from the Sierra snow pack. We have serious problems.

We really won't be sympathetic if a few tourists are inconvenienced by some much needed snow.

wekewoody

Actually, we Californians wish you would uncross your fingers. We really need the rain and snow. It goes way beyond not just having enough water to keep our lawns green. It could an environmental and economic disaster. Your inconvenience might be our salvation.

There is going to be some snow this week in the high elevations above 8500'. So you never know. There will be more snow in the coming months, it is just a matter of HOW much.

As janis said, I would not count on it being open by May 23. As you mentioned, that would be betting against the odds. Even if there isn't a lot of snow, it might not be feasible from a logistic standpoint to open it that early.

tomfuller

If you're driving a rental car anyway, plan on turning it in at the Fresno airport (FAT) and flying on one of two Allegiant air flights to Las Vegas. Flight 517 leaves at 2:50PM and flight 515 leaves at 7:51PM. Both flights take 1.25 hours and are less than $100 per person. Rental cars are cheaper in LV than in California.

sharone

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset anyone with my comments about wishing for less snow. It's just that this is a trip of a lifetime for us and obviously we want it to go as well as possible.
I would gladly give you some of our rain if I could, we have been under 2 feet of water here in the UK since Xmas day, the thought of some warmth and sunshine in 3 months time is what's keeping us going.
Thanks to all for your help anyway.

janisj

Yes - isn't fair is it

I read a coupe of UK newspapers every day and know about your extremely wet weather -- troops into Somerset for flood relief.

Jean

It's snowing in the Sierra today!! Yay!

wekewoody

Looks like we might get two feet of snow!

http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2014/01...cted-atop.html