Snake River Canyon, Teton Pass remain closed since last night

JACKSON, Wyo. – As temperatures warmed Thursday, Feb. 14 in the Teton Valley, so did the avalanche danger in the surrounding canyons. Thursday night, natural avalanches forced the Wyoming Department of Transportation to close all three canyons into Jackson, at one point.    

The Hoback Canyon between Bondurant and Hoback Junction closed around 2:30 a.m. last night due to natural avalanche activity, but crews were able to reopen the road this morning at about 6:30 a.m.

“The temperature has dropped more in the Hoback, which has helped with the avalanche danger,” WYDOT Jackson Foreman Bruce Daigle said.  

However, US 189/191 Hoback Canyon remains under a “No Unnecessary Travel” advisory.  

WYDOT avalanche crews continue to monitor WYO 22 Teton Pass and US 26/189 through the Snake River Canyon.  

WYDOT maintenance crews closed WYO 22 Teton Pass around midnight due to high avalanche danger, drifting snow because of heavy winds, and to help remove a stuck semi truck that had illegally attempted to traverse the pass. WYO 22 Teton Pass remains closed and crews are currently evaluating and performing avalanche control measures on all major slide paths and several isolated bank areas.  As of 10 a.m. today, the estimated time of opening for Teton Pass is 8 to 10 p.m. tonight.   

WYDOT also closed US 26/189 Snake River Canyon last night around midnight after an avalanche was reported at mile marker 120 that covered both lanes of travel.  It remains closed due to high avalanche danger.  The estimated time of opening is unknown at this point.  

“We are watching the Snake River Canyon closely.  An opening time will depend on what the temperature does,” Daigle said.  

Although WYDOT continues to plow the road and pull resources from other areas, travelers should prepare for the extended closure of Teton Pass and possibly the Snake River Canyon.  

Drivers can sign up for 511 Notify alerts.  
 
WYDOT would like to remind drivers to slow down in winter conditions, and obey all roadside signs and closures.  

For more information on road closures and weather conditions, please visit WYDOT's 511 website.