ACCESS: The East Ridge gate is open to pedestrians. Loaded freight remains staged at the mule rest below the shaded switchback.
REASON: The watch cleared the upper pass, while carriers reported slick stone on the lower turn. The route marshal has separated foot clearance from freight clearance.
CONFIRMED: The gate manifest is intact and no injury has been reported during the closure. The road crew has not yet completed a loaded-cart test.
NEXT: The crew will post a separate clearance time for freight after checking the retaining wall and the west-facing surface.
OPEN QUESTION: The gate office has not given a reopening estimate for heavy loads. This briefing will change when the road crew records the test result.
