Thompson Pass closed for the year

WALLACE –– The Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office has announced that Thompson Pass is officially closed for the season.  

Thompson Pass Road, which connects Murray/Shoshone County to Thompson Falls/Sanders County, Mont., closes each year on the first Monday after Thanksgiving. 

According to Shoshone County Public Works Director Jessica Stutzke, signage is posted to remind drivers of the closure.  

Moon Pass, south of Wallace, is still open, although Stutzke is unsure for how much longer. Moon Pass provides seasonal access into the southern region of Shoshone County without having to traverse Highway 3 through St. Maries.

“The signs have been installed on each end of the pass that state that the roadway is not maintained for winter travel,” Stutzke said. “There is currently approximately two feet of snow at the summit.  To be clear, we do not plow or sand any portion of this roadway.” 

According to Stutzke, Moon Pass usually stays open to accommodate recreational activities and hunters, but once the pass is closed, people need to follow the rules.  

“We have not officially closed Moon Pass yet because once it is closed, anyone traveling with a motor vehicle can be cited for traveling on a closed roadway,” Stutzke said.  

Both passes are usually reopened by early May, but until then, drivers looking to make it to Thompson Falls will have to utilize either Highway 135 from St. Regis to Highway 200, or Highway 200 from Sandpoint. For Silver Valley to St. Joe region drivers, the only route is Highway 3 to St. Maries. 

Contact the Shoshone County Public Works Department at 208-753-5475 with any questions or comments.