Sudden movement raises alarm in Wyoming slide area

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A slow-moving landslide in the Wyoming resort town of Jackson has suddenly sped up, buckling a road and a Walgreens parking lot and threatening to destroy several unoccupied homes and businesses.

Town spokeswoman Roxanne Robinson said today it could be only a matter of time before the 100-foot-wide hillside comes down.

Jackson officials have stopped trying to stabilize the hill for safety reasons.

For weeks, the ground had been moving about an inch a day. New movement overnight has bulged a downhill road and parking lot. Rocks and dirt are falling down the hill and the shifting earth has pushed a town equipment building 15 feet.

Four houses and two apartment buildings are under an evacuation order. Four businesses, including the Walgreens, also are at risk.