Single parking spot reserved on Teton Pass for WYDOT, law enforcement for safety reasons - Jackson Hole News&Guide
Parking on the summit of Teton Pass is as coveted as the fluffy, pristine powder surrounding it, so officials know that taking away even one spot will add to the pinch.
But after discussion among Wyoming Department of Transportation officials, law enforcement and emergency service providers, it was decided to dedicate a parking spot on the pass to “Authorized Vehicles Only,” according to WYDOT Avalanche Forecaster Brenden Cronin.
The parking spot will be dedicated to vehicles for WYDOT avalanche forecasters, WYDOT telecommunications, Wyoming Highway Patrol, and additional law enforcement agencies as needed, he said.
The decision wasn’t taken lightly, Cronin told the News&Guide, as the discussion about dedicating such a parking spot has been ongoing for more than a decade.
Plain and simple, Cronin said, it comes down to the ability of officials to have guaranteed access in order to quickly respond to various situations and create the safest possible situation on the pass for the thousands of people who access it daily. The spot was chosen strategically to provide quick access for not only avalanche forecasters, but also communications personnel, emergency responders and others.
Cronin acknowledged there may be backlash about the dedicated parking space but stressed that “we’re not the big, bad wolf here ... we’re asking for one spot.”
“That pullout is managed by WYDOT. That’s state highway property,” he added. “That’s not a trailhead for backcountry skiing or mountain biking, though it has become one. But I do have faith in the community and faith in people to understand that, hey, we’re asking for one spot.”
Cronin also pointed out that parking has been expanded at the downhill parking area, where Jersey barriers were removed to provide more space, and at the Coal Creek pullout, which was pushed out to make room for more parking.
“We’re not trying to ruin people’s day,” Cronin said. “The Forest Service isn’t exactly building more trailheads, so [we’re doing] our best to try to make these places a little bigger and help people out.”
At the end of the day, the decision to dedicate one parking space on the pass was made with safety in mind. Cronin and other avalanche forecasters, for example, need to be able to quickly assess risk “when it’s 3:30 in the afternoon and it’s blowing sideways.”
“If I can’t answer the questions in front of me and I’m at all concerned, it’s easier to just close the road, right,” Cronin said. “That way I know I’m keeping people safe.
“Yes, I’m adversely affecting their day, their commute. But if the road’s closed, then I’m really decreasing the probability of somebody actually getting hurt or killed.”
Cronin said he will present and discuss the issue of the parking spot, as well as avalanche mitigation infrastructure, at the virtual event at the Skinny Skis BTAC Avalanche Night at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. The event is a fundraiser for the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center and Teton County Search and Rescue.
People interested in attending the online event can register at JHAvalancheFoundation.org/events.
“But I do have faith in the community and faith in people to understand that, hey, we’re asking for one spot.” — Brenden Cronin WYDOT Avalanche Forecaster
source: https://www.jhnewsandguide.com/news/town_county/single-parking-spot-reserved-on-teton-pass-for-wydot-law-enforcement-for-safety-reasons/article_e505955d-05ab-5d82-9f7e-aa3c56bc7504.html
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