The Beartooth Highway, the famous scenic byway in Montana and Wyoming, is closed due to a severe weather forecast. The highway was expected to receive up to three inches of snow within 24 hours, according to the Wyoming Department of Transport (WYDOT). The report also indicated that wind gusts could be up to 55 mph, posing a significant threat to vehicular traffic.
The Beartooth highway winds its way through some of North America’s most stunning vistas. The highway connects Cooke City, Montana, to Red Lodge, Montana, straddling the border with Wyoming near Yellowstone National Park over 69 miles. The road climbs to an impressive 10,947-foot-high point (3,337 m) over Beartooth Pass in Wyoming. Here, the road rises from 5,200 feet (1,580 meters) to 10,947 feet (3,337 meters) over the span of 12 miles (19 kilometers), making sudden weather changes common.
Yellowstone road crews will close the Beartooth Highway (U.S. 212) 0n June 29 at 5 p.m. from Long Lake to the Montana/Wyoming state border, according to the post. As of June 30, the highway is still closed for snow removal. The Beartooth Highway official Facebook page announced “The Beartooth Highway is CLOSED at the Montana/Wyoming state line due to extreme travel conditions. Even in summer, nearly 11,000 feet of elevation means winter can make an unexpected comeback!”
While there is currently no official reopening time scheduled, Yellowstone road crews are hard at work to get the highway reopened to vehicle traffic as soon as possible. Even midsummer closures to the road due to snow are not uncommon, but fortunately Yellowstone road crews are prepared to quickly and efficiently deal with even the most severe of storms. Travelers are urged to avoid relying solely on map applications for current road status. For real-time updates, motorists are asked to monitor the Montana Department of Transportation at 511mt.net or the Wyoming Department of Transportation at map.wyoroad.info.
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