Blizzard — Upper Snake River Plain, Idaho

2024-01-12 · Upper Snake River Plain, Idaho

Event narrative

The Ririe RWIS site met blizzard conditions with over 4 hours of visibility below 1/4 mile with wind gusts 50 to 60 mph. It had a peak gust of 61 mph at 500 AM MST. Gusts of 45 to 55 mph were common at other sites throughout the Snake River Plain. US Highway 26 was closed due to the winds and snow causing drifting snow. The following schools closed due to the snow, wind and blowing snow: Idaho Falls District 91, Bonneville Joint District 93, Sugar Salem District 322, and Ririe District 252.

Wider weather episode

A strong cold front moved through Idaho with snow, strong winds which caused blizzards in several zones and extensive travel problems. Many roads closed with wind gusts exceeding 50 mph in nearly all of southeast Idaho.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1160784. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.