CalTrans crews found 7 inches of new snow on Ebbetts Pass this weekend.
Ebbetts and Sonora passes closed for the winter on Monday.
They join Tioga Pass, which closed on Nov. 25, according to the California Department of Transportation. Monitor Pass remains open as of Tuesday morning.
“The recent storm cycle, and accumulation of snow, make the seasonal closure necessary for the safety of motorists and Caltrans crews,” officials said. “The weather conditions and subsequent road conditions are among the determining factors in the decision to make the seasonal closure.”
The state does not expect the passes to open until next spring.
“Each year, Caltrans maintenance crews work diligently to clear debris, remove snow, and make repairs so the highway can reopen safely to motorists,” officials said.
Woordfords and Camp Connell maintenance crews reported 7 inches of new snow over the weekend at Ebbetts Pass, which is currently closed just east of Lake Alpine at Mount Reba Road in Calaveras County and in Alpine County at the State Route 4/89 junction.
The closure of Sonora Pass resulted in the opening of the Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest's Bridgeport Ranger District to snowmobiling.
Permits are required for each person/snowmobile entering the area. They are free and can be obtained online at https://www.bridgeportavalanchecenter.org/. Self-issued permits are also available at the People’s Gate kiosk.
Visitors are asked to be cautious of potential hazards like snowstorms, extreme cold, strong winds, and the risk of avalanches, making proper preparation and awareness crucial before venturing into the area