Wyoming's Teton Pass Road Collapses in Landslide: Catastrophic Failure

Jackson, Wyoming – A significant section of the Teton Pass highway, a crucial mountain pass connecting Jackson, Wyoming, to Victor, Idaho, has collapsed following a catastrophic landslide. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, has resulted in the indefinite closure of the road, posing severe challenges for commuters, tourists, and the local economy.

The Collapse

The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) reported that the collapse happened at milepost 12.8 on the Teton Pass. Aerial photos and drone footage reveal a gaping chasm where the road once stood, with deep cracks and a large section of pavement completely missing.

The road had already been closed to traffic prior to the collapse due to a significant crack that had emerged on Thursday. This crack, spanning both lanes, had resulted in a vertical drop of approximately eight inches in certain areas, making the roadway unsafe. Despite a temporary patch and the resumption of traffic, a mudslide a few miles away on Friday morning necessitated another closure. Efforts to construct a detour around the damage were ultimately unsuccessful as the landslide continued to move, obliterating the entire roadway.

Impact on the Community

The closure of Teton Pass is a significant blow to the region, particularly as the summer tourism season begins. Jackson Hole, a popular destination for tourists and a gateway to Grand Teton National Park, relies heavily on this route. Travel and tourism are Wyoming’s second-largest industry, with Teton County alone seeing roughly $1.7 billion in travel-related spending in 2022.

Governor Mark Gordon acknowledged the severe impact of the closure on Teton County residents, regional commuters, and the local economy. "At this point, we do not have an estimated timeline for the road to reopen," Gordon said. "I recognize the impacts this closure has on Teton County residents, regional commuters, and the local economy, and we are in direct communication with local officials. We will continue to provide updates on the road status as additional information becomes available."

Alternate Routes and Challenges

The closure forces commuters and travelers to take an alternate route that adds more than 60 miles to their journey, significantly increasing travel time. Stephanie Harsha, a spokesperson for WYDOT, noted that this detour adds "quite a bit to any commute," making it a substantial inconvenience for those who work in Jackson but live in Idaho.

The Jackson Hole Travel and Tourism Board confirmed that businesses in the city, as well as Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, would remain open. However, the closure is expected to impact the 40% of Teton County's workforce who commute from Idaho. The board urged patience and understanding from visitors and locals as they navigate longer wait times and potential interruptions in services.

Response and Future Plans

WYDOT engineers, surveyors, and geologists have been mobilized to assess the damage and develop a long-term plan to rebuild the roadway. Darin Westby, the director of WYDOT, expressed gratitude for the efforts of WYDOT staff to ensure public safety during this evolving situation. "We understand this highway is a lifeline for commuters, deliveries, medical care access, and tourism, especially with limited alternatives and the summer season upon us," Westby said. "Our teams worked tirelessly to maintain highway viability, but catastrophic failure could not be avoided."

Governor Gordon has signed an executive order declaring an emergency, which will facilitate the state's access to additional resources from the Federal Highway Administration to initiate repair work. "I am grateful for the efforts of WYDOT staff to protect public safety during this developing situation, and I am thankful no one was injured during this incident," Gordon stated.

Environmental Factors

National Weather Service meteorologists have attributed the landslide to a combination of spring rainfall and significant snowmelt, which have caused river flooding and landslides throughout the region. Temperatures of 10-20 degrees above normal have accelerated the melting of ice and snow, filling rivers and drainage tributaries. "It's very common to have high-level snow still, and now that the upper levels are seeing the warmup, it's melting, which will continue through the summer," an NWS meteorologist explained.

Conclusion

The collapse of Teton Pass is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities of mountain roadways to natural events. As WYDOT and state officials work to restore this critical link, the community must brace for the extended disruptions and challenges ahead. The resilience and cooperation of residents, commuters, and businesses will be crucial in navigating this difficult period.