Blizzard — East Laramie County, Wyoming

2022-12-13 to 2022-12-14 · East Laramie County, Wyoming

Event narrative

Received report from Laramie County Fire District 5 of one-quarter visibility in falling and blowing snow for the majority of the day on the 13th. WYDOT mesonet station Gun Barrel (KGUN) along US Highway 85 reported wind gusts 35 to 40 mph with one-quarter mile visibility on the 13th. Visibility between one-quarter mile and 2 miles continued through the 14th with blowing snow due to strong winds gusting 35 to 40 mph. Public reported via social media 8 inches of snowfall in Pine Bluffs. Additionally, US Highway 85 was closed through Laramie County for an extended period of time.

Wider weather episode

Widespread winter storm with strong winds across the area led to blizzard conditions developing along and east of Interstate 25 in southeast Wyoming. Winds were not as strong farther west across Carbon and Albany in Wyoming but heavy snow was observed with accumulations over 12 inches in many spots. These conditions led to extended road closures of Interstates 25 and 80.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1060565. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.