I have always read that they want to open the road in time for trout fishing season. In the Inyo National Forest website, they say:
Quote:
Most streams and lakes on the Inyo National Forest are open for fishing from the last weekend in April through the end of October each year.


So April 19 is just a week before fishing season opens.

Seems to me the CHP tickets cars about the same time Inyo County road crews are working on clearing the road.