Inyo County only closed the gate one year. I believe businesses complained that it was keeping tourists away, so last year it was never closed, except when the road crew went up to clear the rocks for official opening.
I have seen it posted that they have put up the "Road Closed" sign this year now. What that means is that they don't keep it cleared of rocks and debris, and if you drive around it, you do so at your own risk. If a storm catches you (or a falling rock), it will cost more to get your car out. (Sometimes cars have been stuck for weeks.)
That being said, I think most people choose to proceed past the sign and go as far as they are comfortable.
Sometimes there are rocks on the road -- they can be small to really big.
