WYDOT project to protect Jackson from avalanche

AIS Construction has won a $2.3 million Wyoming Department of Transportation contract to install new snow structures on the hillside south of Jackson this summer. WYDOT’s Teton County Resident Engineer Bob Hammond said the project is aimed at mitigating avalanche threats to the area by installing snow structures to anchor the snow on the steep hillside and prevent it from sliding.

During the project, residents will see helicopters in the area helping move equipment up the hill. Concrete barriers and other precautions will be taken to prevent any falling rock from reaching the road during the project construction.

Hammond said the snow structures will replace snow sails that were not as effective as originally expected. In addition, he said the sails were also difficult and costly to maintain.