Winter Weather in Uinta, Wyoming

Wyoming Highway Patrol in addition to other law enforcement and first responders reported that a multi-vehicle accident occurred on I-80 near Evanston at mile marker 18 at approximately 3:00 PM 2/18/26. The crashes are said to have happened more or less simultaneously, involving 32 vehicles (20 semi trucks, 12 passenger vehicles), which blocked and closed both the westbound and eastbound lanes. The interstate was closed from mile marker 6 to mile marker 34, lasting from roughly 3:28 PM until 4:00 AM the following morning. As a result of the collisions, 2 fatalities were confirmed, as were 22 injuries, 3 of which required helicopter transportation to Utah emergency facilities. Additionally, a tractor trailer carrying livestock suffered severe enough impact to kill 6 of the cattle inside. Around the time of the pileup a nearby mesonet sensor was observing conditions including gusts in excess of 30 mph and visibility around one quarter of a mile, likely due to blowing snow. Wyoming Highway Patrol suspects excessive speed for the ongoing poor winter weather conditions to be a likely cause.

A strong and moist trough pushed inland during the middle portion of February, leading to several days of impactful weather. On 2/18/26 in particular, the combination of precipitating snow and winds with blowing snow resulted in periods of very limited visibility and roadway hazards.