Federal Highways Administration engineers were here this week consulting with park engineers. On Mineral King Road, they only made it to the first two washouts, beyond that was too bad even on UTVs. This area is still vulnerable for further winter damage. Crews were accessing the damaged area closest to the gate late this week to see what is possible for stabilizing in the short term.  Crews were able to clear a very large boulder from the road, helping with access to damage further up the road. 

The park  has been receiving assistance from two former maintenance employees in a rented back hoe working their way up toward Mineral King. Below Slapjack Creek, they found a significant washout that will need additional inspection before they are able to determine if the road will support even one lane of traffic. 

Please be patient and let the crew work their way through this. Keep your vehicles off the road for now. The park can’t guarantee the stability of the decomposed granite below that section of roadway and your safety is the park’s greatest concern. 

[SOURCE: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks]