Caltrans geologists checking structure of rock wall on washed-out Hwy. 168 in Fresno County

Travelers looking to head up into Shaver Lake should take note: Highway 168 remained closed on Tuesday.

It is unknown when the highway might reopen, according to Tami Cox, chief public information officer for Caltrans District 6.

As of Monday night, the only route into Shaver Lake was via Tollhouse Road.

Auberry Road, which had been the main passage from the valley floor following the 168 closure, was closed Monday afternoon after it was discovered recent rains eroded part of the road in the Alder Springs area. Crews worked overnight, though the road remained closed Tuesday morning.

Caltrans is urging drivers to rethink travel plans, unless totally necessary.

“If they can postpone the trip up there,” Cox said, “I would suggest that.”

The four-lane Highway 168 was blocked Saturday at the 2,500-foot level by a rock slide, which expanded as the weekend rainstorm continued.

A Caltrans scaling team and geologist was to inspect the integrity of the wall above the rock slide on Tuesday afternoon. That work needs to happen before the rocks can be cleared from the roadway, Cox said.

Any work could be further complicated by another storm system, which is expected to hit the area on Wednesday.

This story was originally published January 3, 2023 at 10:13 AM.