UPDATE: Highway 14/16/20 near the East Gate to Yellowstone National Park has reopened after a mudslide temporarily closed the road on Tuesday.
A mudslide has forced the closure of the East Gate to Yellowstone National Park following sustained rains Tuesday afternoon, with road crews working to clear the highway in an effort to restore access to the park.
It may take up to two days to clear Highway 14/16/20 of a mudslide that spans up to two miles, according to information released late Tuesday by the Cody Country Chamber of Commerce.
Heavy winter snow, a wet spring and rainfall Tuesday likely contributed to the mudslide, located approximately six miles east of the East Entrance to Yellowstone.
Cody Chamber Executive Director Scott Balyo said in an email that the road may be opened sometime Wednesday, but could also take until Thursday to clear.
The park’s Northeast Gate remains open, and Cody, Wyo. area visitors can access Yellowstone via the Chief Joseph Highway, Balyo said. Visitors are encouraged to call 3o7-587-2777 for road updates or travel advice.
Additional information on the closure was not immediately available.