Battle Pass closes for winter

The winter weather which closed down much of Interstate 80 this past weekend also closed down the second of two seasonal passes in the Platte Valley.

On December 10, the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) announced the closure of Wyoming Highway 70 over Battle Pass for the winter season. According to the press release from WYDOT, crews in Baggs and Saratoga made the decision based on weather forecasts and road conditions at the time.

The section of Wyoming Highway 70 which connects the Platte Valley and the Little Snake River Valley had initially closed on Thursday from Mile Marker 27 to Mile Marker 50 due to strong winds as well as drifting and blowing snow.

Last year, Wyoming Highway 70 closed on November 14. Previously, Wyoming Highway 70 closed on December 2 in 2019, on November 23 in 2018, on December 23 in 2017, on November 28 in 2016, on December 14 in 2015, on November 24 in 2014, on December 4 in 2013 and on December 8 in 2012.

Wyoming Highway 70 will remain closed until WYDOT crews can work to clear the accumulated snow in the spring.