As the winter’s snow begins to melt, there’s an increased risk of rock falls throughout northwest Wyoming, and one notorious spot in the Wind River Canyon is already causing problems.
There’s always a risk of falling rocks in the Wind River Canyon. However, the transition from the cold of winter to summer heat tends to be the most perilous time for drivers.
W.Y.D.O.T. reported a rock fall in the canyon on Sunday, March 26. This exact spot – milepost 114.2, two miles south of the tunnels – is notorious enough to have its own name among W.Y.D.O.T. staff: Junior’s Slide.
“Junior’s Slide” dumped a significant amount of rock across both lanes of US20/WY789 on Dam Hill at the south end of Wind River Canyon near Boysen Dam on Sunday.
W.Y.D.O.T. was able to clear both travel lanes with a plow truck. A loader moved another 30-40 yards of material off the highway shoulder. No closures were associated with this slide.
Courtesy WYDOT
A successful cleanup is no guarantee of safety. Unstable rock remains on the slope and W.Y.D.O.T. is monitoring the site.
Motorists are encouraged to use caution at this location and throughout Wind River Canyon — Slow Down, and Watch for Falling Rock!
