Teton Pass to close Thursday morning for avalanche gun test

Note: An earlier version of this story from The Associated Press stated the pass would close Wednesday. The story has been corrected.

Teton Pass will be closed from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday while the Wyoming Department of Transportation tests a new avalanche gun.

The Jackson Hole News and Guide reports that WYDOT recently leased an M101 Howitzer from the U.S. military, which can send projectiles through the air up to 7 miles. The exercise will involve live fire, but should not result in snow or land movement that could extend the closure.

Department of transportation workers will be stationed at popular trailheads and parking areas. Phillips Bench, the Teton Pass summit and the Coal Creek campground will be closed until 11:30 a.m. There will be no public access allowed at Phillips Bench, Teton Pass Summit, and Coal Creek from 5 to 11:30 a.m., the Wyoming Department of Transportation said.

According to a department of transportation spokesman, the closure has such short notice because avalanche technicians needed to wait for clear weather to schedule the training.

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Information from: Jackson Hole (Wyo.) News And Guide, http://www.jhnewsandguide.com