Winter Storm in North Laramie Range, Wyoming

Multiple SNOTEL observations in the northern Laramie Range recorded estimated snowfall totals of 15+ inches. A maximum total of 19.2 inches was observed at the Laprele Creek SNOTEL (19 miles ENE of Shirley Basin) at an elevation of 8390 feet.

A strong low pressure system brought widespread snow and blowing snow to portions of southeast Wyoming, mainly along and west of the Laramie Range. Total snowfall accumulations of 3 to 6 inches were common for the lower elevations, with isolated maximum amounts of 6 to 10 inches over higher terrain. In the mountains, 1 to 2 feet of snow fell across the Snowy, Sierra Madre, and northern Laramie Ranges at elevations above 8000 feet. Dangerous winter conditions resulted in the closure of Interstate 80 between Laramie and Rawlins from the evening of 10/12 into the early morning hours on 10/13.