Wyoming Department of Transportation snow plow crews encountered only an inch or so of snow through Sylvan Pass while a spring blizzard blanketed much of the state.
The National Park Service planned to delay the opening of roads into Yellowstone by two weeks in response to across-the-board federal budget cuts, known as "sequestration." However, business leaders in the Cody area to the east and in Jackson Hole to the south raised money to hire WYDOT crews from the state of Wyoming.
The crews work 10-hour shifts Mondays through Thursdays to open the roads on time and help businesses avoid losses in the millions of dollars from decreased tourism.
The crews on Monday encountered 12 to 20 inches of new snow in the area between the East Gate and the top of Sylvan Pass. They were able to reach the top of Sylvan Pass and advance two-tenths of a mile, WYDOT spokesman Cody Beers said.
By the end of Monday's work day, crews had advanced a total of 7.2 miles into Yellowstone.
"They'll probably make their two miles today," Beers said Tuesday afternoon.
As of Tuesday, the crews were about 21 miles from the Fishing Bridge, where the original plan was to meet the National Park Service plows.
Meanwhile, winds up to 70 mph spawned by the spring blizzard uprooted trees in Rock Springs and Green River.
The gales blew out windows at the Western Wyoming Community College swimming pool in Rock Springs. They also downed sheds at the college and toppled the field goal stand at Rock Springs High School, said John Green, Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce public relations representative.
Sgt. Steve Reekers of the Rock Springs Police Department said the unusual wind from the east bounced metal storage sheds down city streets. He said he knew of no injuries from the storm.
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