JACKSON, Wyo. — With heavy snowfall throughout the day, the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) will be closing the Hoback River Canyon at noon today, Feb. 5, for avalanche control.
The road will be closed at Stinking Springs/MP 158. A local closure will be enforced at Milepost 156.5. Reduced visibility, winter driving conditions, and increasing avalanche hazard may force an earlier closure.
“Highway travelers are advised to plan accordingly,” WYDOT said. “Thank you for your cooperation.”
Along with heavy snowfall causing road closures, high avalanche danger is also in effect today according to the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center (BTAC).
Strong winds and heavy snowfall will create very dangerous avalanche conditions. Natural avalanche activity is likely at the higher elevations and possible at the mid-elevations. Large to very large destructive avalanches could run long distances, possibly into lower elevation avalanche run out zones.
“Human triggered avalanches are very likely at the mid and upper elevations and possible at the lower elevations,” BTAC said. “Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended during periods of high avalanche hazard.”
Nine people have died in avalanches in the United States since February 1.
Visit WYDOT’s Wyoming Travel Information Map for the latest updates on road conditions and closures.
The latest avalanche conditions for NW Wyoming can be found on the BTAC website.
