Snow finally closes passes

WYO 130 over the Snowy Range between Saratoga and Laramie closed on Friday afternoon, breaking a quarter-century record for the latest date to swing the gates.

The previous record was Dec. 5.

The following day, WYO 70 over Battle Pass between Encampment and Baggs closed.

The roads were closed due to high wind and snow over the weekend.

Both highways could reopen this year if conditions permit, according to Ross Doman, spokesman for the Wyoming Department of Transportation.

Both mountain highways are closed annually in late autumn when low traffic, combined with snow accumulations, make plowing operations impractical.