Associated Press
 
May 15, 2009
 
MEDFORD, Ore. -- A light snowpack has allowed highway crews to plow the snow well before the traditional Memorial Day opening for a popular mountain road to the Southern Oregon coast.
 
But officials say the Bear Camp Road between the towns of Galice and Agness will not open for public use until crews inspect it and remove some hazardous trees.
 
The seasonal road links the Grants Pass and Medford areas with Gold Beach on the coast but is closed in winter. Some travelers still try to use the road when it's closed, and get stranded.
 
In December 2006, James Kim of San Francisco died of exposure while seeking help for his family after their car bogged down in the snow. The Kims were apparently unaware the road is closed in winter and not a main highway.