At approximately 0900 hours the Mono County Sheriif’s Office requested assistance in locating stranded motorists who had proceeded past the road closed sign on the Benton Crossing Road and became stuck in the deep and drifted snow.

A field team of 4 snomos departed from near the Green Church and followed the snow-covered road. They encountered several stuck vehicles and 17 stranded motorists. They coordinated with Inyo County who had a snowcat in the area to recover all stranded motorists.

After approximately 5 and one half hours in the field, the field team returned to base, and the operation was terminated at 1630 hours.

The Mono County Sheriff’s Office posted the following on social media shortly thereafter:

The roads are closed. All of them. There is no alternate route, back way, or secret route. It's a blizzard, people. You cannot see your hand in front of your face, let alone a snow stake to guide your way. Stay home. Or wherever you are if you aren't home (and if you're somewhere you shouldn't be, you'll have to sort that out with your significant other - we told you to make good choices).

IC: Gillespie Ops Leader: Patterson Responders: Buchanan, Carlson, Senior, Torrence