One of my Strava friends recently asked on one of my posted rides if the gates for Monitor and Ebbett’s Pass were open. That question made me realize I hadn’t posted an update on the local road conditions lately. So, here’s one!
Four recent rides
Since last Sunday I’ve toured the area around Markleeville and ridden in or to Diamond Valley (Hwy. 89 between Markleeville and Woodfords), Wolf Creek Road (Hwy. 89 between Markleeville and Monitor Pass and Hwy. 4 from Monitor Pass up a portion of Ebbett’s Pass) and Crystal Springs Road (Hwy. 88 from Woodfords up a small bit of Carson Pass) and have this to report:
- Diamond Valley – Snow on the sides of the roads but no ice on the roads themselves. Lots of “snow plow dirt” and other detritis on the shoulders though.
- Wolf Creek – Ditto – heading up Ebbett’s to Wolf Creek you’ll see some small slides, with assorted rocks and boulders, though. Not too “bouldery” on the roads themselves but certainly some. On one ride earlier this week I heard, and then saw, some rock coming down one of the hills onto Hwy. 4. A bit disconcerting…
- Wolf Creek Road itself is gated/closed.
- Crystal Springs – Easy going on Hwy. 88 with only the plow detritus on the shoulders. No ice on Crystal Springs Road.
- Monitor Pass is closed for the winter. The gates at Hwy. 395 and at Hwy. 4/89 are closed.
- Ebbett’s Pass is closed for the winter. The gate at the Hwy. 4/89 junction is open, and the sign nearby reads the road is closed seven (7) miles ahead (Raymond Meadow Creek), HOWEVER, the road is actually closed 2.5 miles from the junction (at Wolf Creek Road). It’s likely that the gate will be closed at the junction at some point in the near future though, as more snow is forecast for this weekend.
- Carson Pass is open.
- Luther Pass is open.
Pix of some of those roads
Looking east, towards Carson Valley, on Hwy. 88 from Crystal Springs Road. 
Looking west on Hwy. 88 from Crystal Springs Road. 
Melting snow and ice on the Hwy 4 turnout just north of the bridge over the East Carson. 
Melting snow causing run-off on the Hwy 4 bridge over the East Carson. 
Boulders and rocks perched on the hillside on Hwy 4 – about 2 miles from the Hwy 89/Hwy 4 junction. 
Looking north on Hwy 4 – about 2 miles from the Hwy 89/Hwy 4 junction. 
Looking north on Hwy 89 – about 3 miles from Woodfords. 
Looking south on Hwy 89 – about 3 miles from Woodfords. 
Yours truly at the road closed sign on Hwy 4 at Wolf Creek Road 
Looking east from the gate at Wolf Creek Road on Hwy 4. 
Looking south towards Ebbett’s Pass from the gate at Wolf Creek Road on Hwy 4. 
Looking north from the Wolf Creek gate at Hwy. 4 and Wolf Creek Road 
Hanging loose at the Wolf Creek gate. Hwy. 4 at Wolf Creek Road
The lucky shot
Have a great Friday and a wonderful weekend! More snow is on the way so please remember to ride safe and let’s kick some passes’ asses!
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The information and content on this page, as well as any other California Alps Cycling (CAC) page or materials, is general in nature and must be used with an understanding of your capabilities and expertise. Please be sure that any trails, roads, hikes etc. that you use are suited to your skill set as CAC is not responsible for any injuries to you, your companions or your equipment. Additionally, while we strive to provide accurate, timely and complete information, it is subject to change and therefore CAC is not responsible for the accuracy thereof.