Snow Event Has Not Finished Wyoming’s Elk Fire

This week's snow event had a big impact on a couple of Wyoming fires that were beyond control.

The Elk Fire in the northern Bighorn Mountains and the Pack Train Fire through Togwotee Pass.

A snowstorm in the mountains over a week ago helped calm these fires to the point that we are almost done with them.

But like the monster in a Halloween horror movie - it has not killed them.

The following details have been posted by the U.S. Forest Service.

Forest Closure Reduction announced; East section of Red Grade Road 26 will be re-open Saturday, November 2nd at 7am.

The Elk Fire Forest closure has been reduced to a smaller footprint.

If you plan to visit the Forest, please be prepared for winter-like conditions.

If you are leaving ruts in the road or trail, you are causing resource damage and should not continue.

Visit another day when conditions are better, and your use does not damage the route or your vehicle.

Trail access in the Story, WY area, including South Piney Trail 626 and Story-Penrose Trail 033, is open immediately.

Red Grade Road 26 from the eastern Forest boundary to its junction with Big Goose Road 296 near Big Goose Ranger Station will open on Saturday, November 2, 2024.

Red Grade Road west of Big Goose Road 296 will remain closed for the near future while heavy equipment operators continue working to create an indirect fireline.

Also, Black Mountain Road 16 remains closed between Red Grade Road and Highway 14 due to heavy equipment operations.

Most Forest System Lands north of Highway 14 and west of Black Mountain Road 16 are now open to entry.

There are still temporary closures on Tongue River Canyon Trail 002, Dry Fork Trail 004, Lake Creek Trail 006, Freezeout Trail 008, Miller Creek Trail 077, Smith Creek Trail 085, Dry Fork Cow Camp Trail 201, and West Pass Trail 428. Road closures continue on Forest System Roads 149, 180, 181, and 182.

These routes will be closed until post-fire hazards caused by the elk fire are able to be assessed and treatments can be implemented.