Snake River Canyon reopens, Hoback Canyon on track to reopen later Friday

The Wyoming Department of Transportation reopened the Snake River Canyon early on Friday, Feb. 10, and expects to reopen the Hoback Canyon later in the day.

Crews reopened the Snake River Canyon (US 26-89), west of Hoback Junction, around 10 a.m. after working throughout the morning to clear the debris from several avalanches.

Crews are working on Hoback Canyon (US 189-191), south of Jackson and southeast of Hoback Junction, which is expected to open after noon.

Both sections of road closed earlier this week due to avalanches. Slide activity continued throughout the night on Thursday, Feb. 9, resulting in those roads staying closed because of unsafe conditions. The slides resulted from warm temperatures and increased precipitation.

Teton Pass (WYO 22), between the Idaho state line and Jackson, remains closed. Crews will evaluate the area and focus efforts on this road. WYDOT officials expect Teton Pass will reopen Saturday, Feb. 11.

The National Weather Service has issued an avalanche warning, winter weather advisory and flood advisory until 3 p.m. Friday for the Jackson area. That means avalanche danger is still extremely high, but weather conditions are forecasted to improve today with decreasing temperatures, wind and rain.

"Those things will help stabilize the snowpack and hopefully will decrease avalanche activity," said Jamie Yount, WYDOT avalanche technician. 

WYDOT crews are working to clear the roads and ensure they remain open. The department sent additional personnel and equipment to the area to assist in clearing the highways. Wyoming Highway Patrol officials also sent additional personnel to assist troopers and WYDOT crews.

WYDOT officials are recommending residents and commuters plan ahead, allow themselves ample time to reach their destinations and obey all advisories and closures. 

Motorists can check the latest road conditions by visiting WYDOT’s 511 Travel Information Map.