Moon Pass now open

WALLACE – The Silver Valley’s shortest route to the St. Joe region of Shoshone County is now officially open.

According to Shoshone County public works director Jim Cason, Moon Pass was originally scheduled to be open for public use on Thursday, but thanks to some extra hard work from road crews, the green light was given on Tuesday.

“We pulled close to 7 feet of snow off of that this year,” he said.

In addition to the harsh elements keeping the rural pass from opening earlier, crews have had to constantly repair road damage caused by illegal recreators who ignored barriers and signage placed by work crews.

After replacing the barriers several times, only to have them moved again, Cason asked for help.

“I got Fish & Game and the Sheriff’s Office watching it. We actually issued some tickets for ripping them out,” he said. “The damage put us three weeks behind because they take their four-wheelers and Jeeps up there and tear the road up.”

One individual will even be facing repercussions for cutting an IDFG lock to access a trail.

The “Idaho ATV Touring” Facebook page, which posts almost daily updates on Moon Pass conditions, has also acknowledged damage to the road from the south side as well.

“Burnouts and doughnuts...on the Avery side of the pass is delaying the opener. The road must be fully graded, smooth and dry!”

Cason stresses that while the pass is now open, the road is still very soft due to excess moisture and the lack of hot weather to dry things out. Those driving the pass with travel trailers should be especially cautious.

“That’s a Forest Service road maintained by the county. We do it for the convenience of the citizens, USFS, IDFG, and county officials.

For nearly daily updates on the pass, visit the “Idaho ATV Touring” Facebook page.