High Wind — Green Mountains & Rattlesnake Range, Wyoming

2023-02-21 · Green Mountains & Rattlesnake Range, Wyoming

Event narrative

Hurricane force wind gusts occurred in the higher elevations, with gusts to 84 mph at Fales Rock and 78 mph at Camp Creek. Wind gusted past 58 mph in the lower elevations as well, bringing the closure of US 287 for many hours.

Wider weather episode

A tightening pressure gradient ahead of a strong low pressure system and strong mid-level winds mixing to the surface brought high winds to much of the Green Mountains and Natrona County. The highest wind gust reported was 84 mph at the Fales Rock RAWS site. Winds gusted over hurricane force in the wind prone areas south and east of Casper, with gusts of 83 and 80 mph reported along Hat Six Road and Wyoming boulevard, respectively. The strong wind brought blowing and drifting snow that resulted in road closures. The strong wind was followed by a snow storm that brought blizzard conditions at times. Please see the Winter Storm for details on that system.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1082946. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.