Local passes closed for winter
Courtesy photo Rescue crews assist a driver who recently got stuck on Moon Pass.
WALLACE — Frosty Greenfield, Shoshone County Public Works director, has announced that both Thompson Pass and Moon Pass are closed for the winter season.
Shoshone County does not perform winter maintenance or plowing on Thompson or Moon Pass during the months of the closure.
“We appreciate everyone’s cooperation by not attempting to utilize Thompson Pass and Moon Pass during the winter months as the high snow level accumulation on the passes becomes forbidding to travelers,” Greenwood stated.
Already this year the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office has had to rescue multiple individuals off of Moon Pass and issued their own stern warning about traversing the remote areas.
“We have rescued four separate individuals from the moon pass area in the last three weeks,” read a press release from the SCSO. “Just want to remind everyone when traveling in these remote areas to be prepared with the appropriate gear and food for overnight stays. Moon Pass has been closed to motor vehicle traffic for the winter on both the Wallace and Avery side.”
Folks who risk the roads during this time of the year can be fined for driving on a closed road as well as also be charged for the rescue itself.
According to Greenfield, Moon Pass usually is reopened by Mother’s Day, while Thompson Pass is both weather dependent and dependent upon when the Montana side is ready to be reopened.
Please contact Shoshone County Public Works Department with any questions or comments at (208) 753-5475.