Jackson, Wyo. eclipse preps means big changes for airport

As ready as they can be is the message from the Teton County Wyoming Emergency Manager as they prepare to see a human invasion.

The total solar eclipse will make a path through central Idaho, into eastern Idaho before heading into Wyoming.

No matter where you are in its path – expect crowds.

In the shadow of the Tetons, Jackson, Wyoming is bracing for a lot of extra people.

Rich Ochs, Teton County Wyoming Emergency Management Director said, “Be prepared for the crowds.”

greatamericaneclipse.com estimates an extra 21-thousand people will be in the Jackson area for the August 21st event.

That’s the total population of the county.

Ochs said, “Stock up on your groceries and your gas the week before. We don’t think we are at a point where we will run out but would you go to the store on July 4th in Jackson? Probably not.”

While there probably won’t be an issue at the grocery store when that many people come to town for one day, there’s sure to be an issue.

Ochs and his team and many others have spent the better part of the last year preparing for the eclipse.

Everything from staffing the firehouse to bringing in extra officers. it’s all apart of the plan. The big fear, a wildfire.

The eclipse rolls in right in the middle of wildfire season, and Ochs says the danger is “considerable.”

“We are doing everything we can to prevent but if we have to react, we will have some extra resources here,” Ochs said.

That prevention starts with education.

Informing the locals and out of state visitors of the fire danger. Hot temperatures, dry conditions, all it takes is a spark.

“We are going to have extra fire resources here,” said Ochs. “The elk refugee is actually bringing in extra wild land fire resources just to stage in the area.”

If fire breaks out or you need emergency services, the county has broken the valley into zones, assigning first responders to those areas. The problem for them could be getting to the scene.

More people means more traffic.

“Be prepared for traffic. that is probably the number one question that we get is what are you going to do about the traffic,” said Ochs. “I don’t know what to do about it on a good day. We’re definitely not going to fix it during the eclipse.”

To help with the problem, county employees will act as crossing guards at some of the busier intersections, allowing larger crowds to cross at once and keep traffic flowing.

Traffic patterns in town won’t change, but Ochs says you can expect some changes to roads throughout Grand Teton National Park.

Traffic landing at the only airport in a national park — the Jackson Hole Airport — is going to be increased as well.

Grand Teton is considered the prime spot for catching a glimpse of the eclipse in the country.

Jim Elwood, the Jackson Hole Airport Executive Director said, “we have been in active work on this for the better part of a year, intensely over the last six months or so. The reservation system for ramp space is really designed to moderate the amount of activity that comes through the airport at that time.”

Getting into the airport will take some extra work as well.

Crews are closing off the main entrance from Highway 89 to everyone except employees and those with a boarding pass.

“August is already a really busy time for the Jackson Hole Airport, and we are trying to accommodate what will likely be extra activity level that day.”

The goal of it all, whether at the airpotrt or in town is to make the most of the once in a life time event.

“We want folks to have a great experience and that is what all of our planning has been driven toward,” said Elwood.

“This is going to be a fun event. This is a once in a lifetime event,” said Ochs.

The emergency preparedness plan will be in effect the Thursday before the eclipse through the Tuesday afternoon Ochs said.