WYDOT reopens Teton Pass early; all roads into Jackson now open
by WYDOT
February 11, 2017
The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) reopened Teton Pass Saturday, making all roads into the Jackson area open to traffic.
The Jackson maintenance crew, and personnel and equipment from around the state worked quickly and efficiently to clear Teton Pass (WYO 22) of avalanche debris and snow accumulation on Saturday, and as a result, Teton Pass opened several hours earlier than expected.
Crews opened Teton Pass, which is between the Idaho state line and Jackson, at 2 p.m.
"We have some of the best guys around," said Bruce Daigle, WYDOT maintenance foreman. "They have been working their tails off to get this pass open, and they did."
Besides Teton Pass, WYDOT had to close Snake River and Hoback canyons earlier this week because of avalanche activity.
Crews opened Snake River Canyon (US 26-89), west of Hoback Junction, around 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 10. Hoback Canyon (US 189-191), south of Jackson and southeast of Hoback Junction, reopened at 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 10.
The avalanches occurred because of warmer temperatures and increased precipitation. Now that the rain has ended and temperatures have dropped, conditions have improved, allowing crews to clear the roads faster.
Avalanche danger remains high, and WYDOT’s avalanche team continues to monitor the mountain slopes adjacent to these roadways for avalanche activity.
"We will be regrouping, repairing equipment and preparing our teams for what could be a long season," Daigle said.
Motorists are reminded to use extra caution when traveling. Motorists may encounter snow-packed roadways and slick and icy conditions because of water and ice that may be on the roads. They also may encounter snow on the road from snow walls, which are formed when crews plow the roads. Snow walls in the area can be in excess of 5 feet tall. Maintenance crews will be on the roadway continuing cleanup efforts.
For more information on closures and weather conditions, please visit http://www.wyoroad.info.
For more information concerning WYDOT activities, contact Stephanie Harsha, public involvement specialist, WYDOT District 3, at (307) 352-3065 or at (307) 389-0790.
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