The Jackson Hole landslide on Budge Drive has been receiving quite a bit of regional and national press. In early April cracks on a hillside began to appear causing alarm for local residents. The landslide is NOT devouring our town as many publications might have you think. In mid-April as snows thawed and the hillside became more saturated, the slide did begin to accelarate. In a few days time a home was ripped in half and the Walgreens parking lot buckled and rose well over six feet. There are a few homes and businesses which are in danger. The home just above Walgreens in the accompanying photos has been extensively damaged. To most it looks as if Walgreens may take the brunt of the slide should the land let loose. The Hillside Building, which is home to Sidewinder’s Tavern and a hand full of other businesses, has shown some cracking and movement.
There has been a lot of sensationalism in the press following our slide. It is safe to visit Jackson Hole, we are not being devoured. I have had a few inquiries, the slide shouldn’t affect anyone’s stay or put anyone in danger. There is monitoring of the site 24 hrs a day. You can view the landslide site in real time. Homes have been evacuated that were in danger. Businesses have closed that are in the immediate vicinity as well. In total the crown of the slide has dropped over 10′ from its original height. The Town of Jackson has been diligent regarding public safety. The town is currently attempting to slow/stop the slide by adding a large amount of fill to the toe of the slide in an effort to counterweight it downward rotation.
