WYDOT reopens Snake River, Hoback canyons

The Wyoming Department of Transportation reopened Snake River and Hoback canyons on Friday, Feb. 10.

Crews reopened Snake River Canyon (US 26-89), west of Hoback Junction, around 10 a.m. Hoback Canyon (US 189-191), south of Jackson and southeast of Hoback Junction, reopened around noon.

Both road sections closed earlier this week because of avalanches. Slide activity continued throughout the night on Thursday, Feb. 9, and resulted in continued closures because of unsafe conditions. Warm temperatures and increased precipitation brought on the slides.

Teton Pass (WYO 22), between the Idaho state line and Jackson, remains closed. Crews will focus efforts on this road while also maintaining Snake River and Hoback canyons. 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 and maintain the roads. The department sent additional personnel and equipment from Laramie and Casper 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.