Snowy Range Pass Now Open for Summer Travel

The seasonally closed section of Wyoming 130 through the Snowy Range has officially reopened for the summer, the Wyoming Department of Transportation announced Thursday.

According to a news release, crews from Laramie and Saratoga, with some help from Casper and Cheyenne crews, started work on the 12-mile stretch of the scenic byway in mid-May with a target reopening date of Memorial Day weekend.

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WYDOT says multiple rotary plows, snowcats, and other heavy equipment were used to clear snowdrifts as tall as 15 feet.

'Snowstorms Can Still Happen'

Although the mountain pass is now open to traffic, WYDOT says travelers should stay alert, as severe weather is still possible.

"Spring snowstorms can still happen at higher elevations," said WYDOT District 1 Area Maintenance Supervisor Eric Anderson.

"Conditions may be impassable overnight," he added. "Travelers should take their time and be aware there may still be road hazards.”

Wyoming 130, which tops out at 10,800 feet, is one of several high-elevation mountain roads in Wyoming that closes annually in late fall when relatively low traffic and deep snow accumulations render plowing operations impractical.

Last year, the scenic byway closed for the winter season on Nov. 19.