I called the Inyo County road department, and they couldn't say exactly when they would work on it; that it depends on what other emergencies and jobs crop up. A front loader has been moved up there and they are hoping to get the road cleared in the next couple of weeks.
The gentleman I talked to asked me to pass along that the "Road Closed" sign really means the road is closed.
Sorry I can't provide a better answer.
Edit 04/18/12: Word from Inyo National Forest is that there is word from the Inyo County road department that, if all goes according to plan with road crew work schedules...
The Whitney Portal Road should be officially opened Friday, April 27.
Last edited by Steve C; 04/18/12 02:42 PM.