Wyoming Governor Addresses Teton Pass Mudslide Catastrophe

Following a catastrophic mudslide between Jackson, Wyoming, and the Idaho border, a section of Teton Pass had to be shut down, impacting commuters and the local economy. The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) announced the closure at 4:15 a.m. on Friday after a mudslide hit at milepost 15, breaching both lanes.

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon took to Facebook to describe the landslide as potentially devastating. WYDOT geologists and engineers promptly arrived on the scene to assess the situation and devise a plan for the extensive road reconstruction that lies ahead.

The timeline for reopening the road remains uncertain as officials evaluate the damage. Governor Gordon acknowledged the closure’s impact on Teton County residents and regional commuters, assuring that updates on the status of the road will be provided as new information emerges.

Earlier last week, Teton Pass had been closed due to damage caused by another landslide at milepost 12.8. Following a temporary patch, the road was briefly reopened before this latest mudslide occurred, prompting a second closure for assessment and potentially further repairs.

While initial reports suggest additional movement in the roadway post-patch, a comprehensive investigation will determine the extent of the damage and whether it’s safe for travel. Crews are closely monitoring the situation and considering the possibility of extending the closure beyond the cleanup phase.

For those interested in staying informed about road conditions across Wyoming, signing up for 511 Notify alerts is recommended to receive timely updates on closures and repairs.