Increased moisture causing more rocks to fall in Wind River Canyon; concerns for motorists may lead to closure if more rocks fall

Wyoming Department of Transportation personnel in Thermopolis were dispatched to Wind River Canyon about noon Wednesday when a house-sized boulder and other debris fell to the US 20/WYO789 roadway.

"There are quite a few big ones (rocks) that have fallen in that one area, about 13 miles south of Thermopolis," said WYDOT Maintenance Engineer Lyle Lamb of Basin. "We would appreciate it if people don't stop and look around. It's not nice there. We have built a berm in the Windy Curve area to try to keep any new rocks from entering the roadway."

Lamb said WYDOT workers will continue monitoring the slide area Wednesday night and Thursday.

"If it gets too western tonight, we're going to pull out of there and close the road. It could become a safety issue for travelers and our personnel," Lamb said.

WYDOT is moving dynamic message signs to the area in case of the need to close US 20/WYO 789 through Wind River Canyon during the continued rainy and snowy weather.

The weather forecast is calling for continued rain showers through Friday morning in Wind River Canyon. For road conditions, go to WYDOT 511 Travel and Information web page or call 511.

For information about this news release, contact WYDOT public relations specialist Cody Beers at (307) 431-1803.