Teton County Commissioners declare state of emergency
Teton County, Wyoming Commissioners have declared a state of emergency through Monday, February 13. The declaration includes Teton Village, neighboring subdivisions, and private lands impacted by a power outage.
The area affected includes electric customers serviced by the Crystal Springs substation. That includes the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, John Dodge, Shooting Star, Bar B Bar, Ellen Creek, Lake Creek Ranches, Poker Flats and others in the vicinity.
The declaration provides a unifying statement recognizing the large-scale and wide-ranging community efforts to address significant winter storm conditions. The storm created a variety of issues including power outages, anticipated flooding, heavy snowfall, increased risk of avalanche and ongoing transportation problems.
There is not an official evacuation order in place for Teton Village or neighboring subdivisions. Many hotels, however, have chosen to close, and many residents are also choosing to find other accommodations.
Teton County Emergency Management Coordinator Rich Ochs said, “the declaration allows the commissioners to potentially modify county policies, if necessary. It provides recognition regarding how everybody has been working together, neighbor helping a neighbor.”
And, Ochs said it could ultimately help with insurance claims “and it just gives responders and utility crews the time and space they need to get this fixed.”
He said the closure of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort creates a ripple effect of consequences throughout the community. But, Ochs stressed that the rest of Jackson Hole remains open for business.
A temporary declaration was passed Wednesday night. A special public meeting to reconsider and formally adopt the declaration is scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday.
The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce is fielding calls to assist with alternative lodging and accommodations.
Teton County has established a website to answer frequently asked questions. You can find it here.
