A USDA Forest Service photo from Sardine Meadows area on Highway 108 from Dec. 15.
Recent snowstorms have closed the passes but opened the Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area for snowmobiling.
The California Department of Transportation reported that Monitor, Ebbetts, Sonora and Tioga passes were closed for the season on Thursday.
The passes actually closed on Dec. 6, which was earlier than the mid-December date last year, but a week later than 2018.
Each person or snowmobile is required to have a permit to enter the area, which is located on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest's Bridgeport Ranger District.
Permits are free and may be obtained online at https://www.bridgeportavalanchecenter.org/
Self-issued permits are also available at the People’s Gate kiosk.
“Dangerous avalanche conditions continue as unstable snowpack exists at all elevations and can easily be triggered by individuals, so be cautious as you head out,” officials said. “Use good assessment skills and give yourself a wide safety margin as human triggered as well as natural avalanches remain likely.”
Officials ask that visitors wait until roads open before traveling to trailheads.
“Be sure to have a partner and remain mindful of changing surface conditions, including which terrain to avoid,” they said.
For the latest about Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area’s weather, snow and avalanche conditions, please visit the Bridgeport Avalanche Center’s website at: https://www.bridgeportavalanchecenter.org/.
For additional information on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, please visit https://fs.usda.gov/htnf or participate in the conversation at https://twitter.com/HumboldtToiyabe and https://facebook.com/HumboldtToiyabeNF/.
