WYDOT schedules closure of Teton Pass April 7 for avalanche control

Jackson, Wyo.- Mother Nature is at it again this year, hammering Teton County with warm temperatures and continued precipitation. With more rain on its way to the valley, the Wyoming Department of Transportation is scheduling a closure of WYO 22, Teton Pass for 9 a.m. April 7, 2018.  

WYDOT crews will be conducting avalanche mitigation activities due to deteriorating conditions and extremely high avalanche danger on Teton Pass.  The closure will more than likely carry into the afternoon until about 3 p.m., when WYDOT will provide an update on road and mountain conditions.   However, an extended closure is anticipated.

"It's like an atmospheric river up there," WYDOT Avalanche Technician Brian Gorsage said.

WYDOT Avalanche technicians will continue to closely monitor two major slide paths in the Hoback Canyon as well.  

Local residents and travelers are advised that if conditions continue to worsen and the risk to the traveling public elevates, crews will not hesitate to close the Hoback Canyon or close WYO 22 Teton Pass sooner than scheduled.

"This is an extremely hazardous scenario.  There is an excessive amount of high elevation rain, which leads to risky conditions," WYDOT District 3 Maintenance Engineer Tory Thomas said. 

WYDOT is encouraging residents and commuters to plan ahead today, to travel to your expected destination and stay put, especially if your travel plans take you over Teton Pass.  To receive updates on the situation, sign up for 511 alerts at WYDOT's 511 road and travel website.