WILSON, Wyo. — The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) has announced that Teton Pass (WY22 between Wilson and the Idaho State Line) will close at 3 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 8, for avalanche control.
“Reduced visibility, winter driving conditions and increasing avalanche hazard may force an earlier closure,” WYDOT said via press release.
The closure is expected to last for two hours, but this could change depending on conditions. WY22 will be closed from miles 7 to 17.494, WYDOT said.
A skier-triggered slide deposited snow onto the highway in the area of Twin Slides below Glory summit on Thursday, Dec. 7, according to Teton Backcountry Alliance.
Parking at the summit of Teton Pass and at Coal Creek will be prohibited beginning at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7.
“Highway travelers and backcountry users are advised to plan accordingly,” WYDOT said. “Thank you for your cooperation.”
WYDOT’s Senior Public Relations Specialist Stephanie Harsha told Buckrail that the closure is not likely to affect Friday morning’s commute, as long as the weather cooperates.
“When they do avalanche mitigation missions, the duration depends on how much snow comes off of the hill and how long it takes to clean it up,” Harsha said. “It’s pretty early in the season. They usually do these missions at night so they don’t affect the morning commute.”
If an earlier closure of the pass becomes necessary, WYDOT will send an alert via the 511 Notify system. Drivers are encouraged to sign up for 511 Notify alerts here.
