Jackson Hole travel discouraged

The Wyoming Department of Transportation has issued a “no unnecessary travel advisory” for Teton County and is recommending residents and travelers plan ahead. WYDOT is also encouraging people to stay home tonight and tomorrow. Several natural snow slides overnight, made it impossible to reopen Teton Pass Wednesday morning. Several snow accumulation issues and slides are also affecting both the Snake River Canyon and Hoback Canyon for periods of time. “We are expecting more rain–rain on new snow–which is a perfect recipe for avalanches,” WYDOT Avalanche Technician Jamie Yount said. “We have been chasing this all night. There is only so much we can do.” In addition to high avalanche danger, the National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the area. Hazardous winds are also expected. Yount said WYDOT crews would continue to fight the weather, but he warned that extended highway closures are anticipated. “We are highly recommending people do not travel this evening and throughout tomorrow. With the dangers of avalanches, flooding and poor driving conditions, it’s just safer to stay home. Don’t risk it,” Yount said.