BILLINGS
Beartooth Pass will be closed until at least Saturday while crews repair damage caused by a small avalanche that trapped eight sightseers near the Wyoming border, according to the s tate Depar tment of Transportation. The group was vacationing in the area Tuesday when the avalanche struck at about 5:30 p. m. just north of Vista Point blocking their return to Red Lodge. The slide did not hit the vehicle and no one was injured. But the avalanche took down trees and rocks and damaged 500 feet of guardrail that will have to be replaced before the road can reopen. Jim Lynch, director of the state DOT, said avalanche danger would be monitored daily until the pass reopens. The road connects Red Lodge to Cooke City and is the n o r t h e a s t e n t r a n c e to Yellowstone National Park. At almost 11,000 feet in elevation, the pass is a popular draw for tourists. Information from: Billings Gazette, http://www.billingsgazette. com. (AP)
