Teton Pass opening delayed, Hoback Canyon reopens

The Wyoming Department of Transportation has pushed back the opening of Teton Pass to at least Sunday, Feb. 12.

Crews had hoped to open Teton Pass on Saturday, but delayed it because of the large amounts of snow that have come down on Glory Bowl and Twin slide paths. Crews, however, will work to open Teton Pass (WYO 22), between the Idaho state line and Jackson, sooner if possible.

"Our crews are the best in the business,” said Tory Thomas, district maintenance engineer for District 3 in Rock Springs. “They know that pass like the back of their hand. There is no one that could get this specialized work done any faster or more efficiently than our guys.”

WYDOT crews continued to battle the relentless rainfall, which has brought down snowpack onto Teton County highways. Crews worked continuously to keep Hoback and Snake River canyons open.

After opening the gates at about noon on Friday, Feb. 10, WYDOT crews had to close Hoback Canyon again at 2:40 p.m. because of an avalanche at milepost 152. The avalanche measured about 8 feet tall across both travel lanes. WYDOT reopened Hoback Canyon (US 189-191), south of Jackson and southeast of Hoback Junction, after 5 p.m. on Friday.

Snake River Canyon (US 26-89), west of Hoback Junction, reopened at 10 a.m. on Friday.

WYDOT has mobilized extra equipment and manpower to help crews respond quickly and effectively in both canyons in case of further avalanches and to assist in clearing Teton Pass.

WYDOT would like to remind drivers to slow down when driving in winter conditions, be alert and cautious of roadside workers and obey all traffic control devices.

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.