Mountain passes close for season

The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) announced the official closure of Wyoming Highway (WYO) 130 and WYO 70 over the weekend.

WYO 130, also known as the Snowy Range Scenic Byway, originally closed on November 10 due to drifting and blowing snow. According to the press release from WYDOT, dated November 14, crews in Saratoga and Laramie decided that upcoming weather forecasts and current road conditions warranted the seasonal closure.

The Snowy Range Scenic Byway, which comprises 12 miles of WYO 130, tops out at more than 10,800 feet in elevation and is closed each year when lack of travel and deep snow accumulations make plowing the section of road impractical.

Last year, WYO 130 first closed on October 20 due to wintry conditions and was officially closed on October 29. WYO 130 closed on November 3 in 2018, November 20 in 2017, November 28 in 2016, November 11 in 2015, November 4 in 2013 and December 7 in 2012.

WYO 70 through Battle Pass closed Friday due to strong winds along with drifting and blowing snow. Crews in Saratoga and Baggs decided the added wintry weather the area received overnight, including heavy snow and strong winds, warranted the start of the seasonal closure.

Battle Pass, which connects the Upper North Platte River Valley with the Little Snake River Valley, extends from Mile Marker 27 to Mile Marker 50 and crossed the Continental Divide at 9,955 feet in elevation between Encampment and Savery.

Last year, WYO 70 closed on December 2. WYO 70 closed on November 23 in 2018, December 23 in 2017, November 28 in 2016, December 14 in 2015, November 24 in 2014, December 4 in 2013 and December 8 in 2012.

The last time WYO 130 and WYO 70 closed at the same time was four years ago, when they both closed on November 28.

Both highways will remain closed throughout the season until WYDOT crews can work to clear the accumulated snow in the spring.