The first Friday in May isn’t a national holiday, but it sure feels like one in Park County as the East Gate to Yellowstone National Park finally swings open for the new season (weather permitting).

Park officials always say ‘weather permitting’ in early season announcements, but this year there is real concern as snow keeps piling up. The forecast Friday for Pahaska Tepee could delay the party.

More than 6 inches of fresh snow was forecasted in the days leading to the opening day celebration, with temporary road closures in the park announced on Tuesday, and a chance of snow showers persisting though early next week according to the National Weather Service.

Many areas of the park are still experiencing winter conditions, and snow and ice may cover sections of road, according to Public Affairs Officer Linda Veress. A delayed opening is possible due to expected winter conditions.

Of course, this isn’t really new to area park enthusiasts. Last year’s opening day was kind of a dud, with heavy snow dominating the story line as well.

Powell’s Stacy Boisseau has guided a group to the front of the line every opening day for the past five years. They arrive earlier each year for the tradition of the supervisor swinging the gates open on the first Friday in May, trying to extend their record.

When the sun finally came up over the peaks near the East Gate on opening day last year, Boisseau and her daughters Kiya and Hailey McIntosh looked behind them and were shocked to only see a few vehicles waiting in line. By 7 a.m. there were only a handful of cars in line.

“It was the shortest I've ever seen it,” Boisseau said. “By the time the sun comes up, I can usually see dozens [of vehicles] in line behind us.”

Opening week is usually a great time to be in the park as bears, wolves and other wildlife species typically stay at lower elevations in the park due to the snow. Once the snow clears, crews will quickly be gearing up for two major construction projects that visitors should consider.

“It’s important that visitors plan accordingly for these delays located along the park’s southern and northern road corridors,” according to Public Affairs Officer Morgan Warthin.

Roadwork

Work on the Lewis River Bridge, located about 10 miles north of the South Entrance on the South Entrance Road and the Yellowstone River Bridge, near Tower Junction along the Northeast Entrance Road will cause major traffic delays.

Expect up to 20-minute delays at the Lewis River Bridge while roads are open to wheeled vehicles through late October. Nearby pullouts and the trail to Lewis River Falls will be closed during construction.

This project began in 2022 and is expected to conclude this coming fall. It includes the removal and replacement of the Lewis River Bridge. The existing bridge is being removed and a new bridge is being constructed immediately downstream. The project includes improvements additional parking and viewing opportunities.

Construction at the Yellowstone River Bridge is expected to last through the 2026 season. Expect up to 30-minute delays and hiking trails in the area may temporarily close during the duration of the project.

This project began in 2023 and includes the replacement of the structurally deficient Yellowstone River Bridge, which was built in 1961. A new 1,285-foot-long, 175-foot-high steel girder bridge upstream will replace the existing 604-foot-long bridge to preserve year-round access to/from the Northeast Entrance and communities of Silver Gate and Cooke City, Montana. New pullouts, paved parking areas, and a dedicated route across the new bridge will increase access to trails, fishing and viewpoints, park officials said. The Yellowstone River Picnic Area will also be enlarged to accommodate increased visitor use.

Temporary delays or closures can happen at any time on park roads. For more information, call 307-344-2117 for daily recordings. You can also receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone by texting “82190” to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions).