Beartooth Pass is Closing Temporarily on September 17

Locals know that by this time of year, every day that Beartooth Pass remains open is a gift. Fall is knocking on Montana's door, and the scenic byway south of Red Lodge will temporarily close at 1 PM today (9/17/24) due to an incoming storm, per the WY DOT.

A windy, wet weather event will blow into the region Tuesday evening through Wednesday. The National Weather Service in Billings shared the potential for scattered powerful thunderstorms, including hail, gust winds, and heavy rainfall in some areas.

Read More: The Jalopy in the Red Lodge Woods

At 10,000 feet, that rain will be heavy, wet snow.

Conditions at the apex of Beartooth Pass can change dramatically with short notice, even during the summer months. By mid to late September, the odds of snow increase dramatically.

On September 13th, Beartooth Pass was temporarily closed after Park County (Wyoming) Sherrif's office had to rescue a stranded motorist who became stuck when snow and ice built up on the highway on the Wyoming side. The pass reopened the following day.

The 9/17 closure is touted as "temporary" by the Wyoming Department of Transportation; the road will likely open again in a day or two. If you've been planning a late summer trip over Beartooth Pass, we'd advise not waiting much longer past this weekend. It's just a matter of time (typically mid-October) until the pass is shut down until spring.

Looking for an exciting part-time job this winter?

The Montana Department of Transportation is currently hiring part-time snow plow operators in the following regions: Butte, Anaconda, Divide, Wisdom, Whitehall, and Lima. You find more information HERE.