Avalanches Trap Officers on U.S. 395 in the Eastern Sierra

A heavy snowstorm continues to blast the Sierra with a ton of snow. The snow accumulation has become so large in the Eastern Sierra, U.S. 395 is now closed due to several avalanches. The avalanches trapped two law enforcement officers near Mono Lake. CalTrans was able to clear out roadway to allow the officers to get out of the area.

CalTrans announced the closure from Lee Vining to Bridgeport on Sunday, providing several photos showing the road covered in avalanche debris:

U.S. 395 from Lee Vining to Bridgeport will remain in a hard closure due to several avalanches from the recent snowstorms and the potential for more at this time. Crews are anticipating additional slides. Caltrans will work to clear these and any new slides after the storm. pic.twitter.com/R9F1uZ5WWO

— Caltrans District 9 (@Caltrans9) February 27, 2023

Here is the full announcement from CalTrans:

ATTN TRAVELERS:

U.S. Highway 395 from Lee Vining to Bridgeport will remain in a hard closure due to several avalanches from the recent snowstorms and the potential for more at this time.

Yesterday, Caltrans crews cleared two trapped law enforcement vehicles that had been surrounded by two avalanches at Mono Lake. New slides have been falling from the wildfire burn scar on the west side of this two-lane stretch of road along the lake, and there is a strong potential for more.

Crews are anticipating additional slides with this incoming storm, and Caltrans will work to clear these, and any new slides after the storm. Caltrans will post updates on this closure to its social media channels on Twitter and Facebook.

Also check Quickmap.dot.ca.gov to get the latest on road conditions and more.