JUNE LAKE – Caltrans will close a portion of State Route 158 S (South June Lake Loop) on Thursday, January 9, to test a new avalanche mitigation system. Starting this year, Caltrans District 9 will utilize the heli-portable Daisybell system to address avalanches in the Eastern Sierra. The Daisybell will be used in addition to District 9’s current stationary and mobile mitigation tools, such as Gazex. With avalanches occurring in locations they historically hadn’t before, the Daisybell will allow Caltrans to be more precise in its mitigation efforts, creating a safer environment for winter travelers.
The Daisybell will be tested on Mount Downs near the town of June Lake. For safety, Caltrans will close State Route 158 S from North Shore Drive to east of Boulder Lodge. All traffic will be detoured to North Shore Drive and travelers will have full access to the town of June Lake and surrounding recreation during the testing period, which will run from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.
This closure is subject to change due to weather.