Winter Storm — Southwest Big Horn Basin, Wyoming

2013-04-08 to 2013-04-09 · Southwest Big Horn Basin, Wyoming

Event narrative

There were several reports of 6 to 16 inches of snow around Thermopolis.

Wider weather episode

A vigorous spring storm brought heavy snow and strong wind to much of central and southern Wyoming. Many areas recorded over a foot of snow. The highest snowfall amounts were recorded along the east slope of the Wind River Range and the Lander Foothills where amounts over 18 inches were common. A maximum snowfall total of 28.5 inches was recorded 3 miles southwest of Lander. Other hard hit areas included Casper and much of Natrona County where 12 to 18 inches of snow was observed; around Riverton where 6 to 12 inches was common; and near Thermopolis where up to 16 inches of snow was recorded. In addition, the storm brought damaging winds to southern Wyoming, particularly Sweetwater County. Wind gusts to 71 mph where recorded at the Rock Springs-Sweetwater County Airport. Wind damage was recorded in Green River where several trees where downed and a window was blown in at Western Wyoming Community College in Rock Springs. At Flaming Gorge Reservoir, a couple of docks were damaged at the Buckboard Marina.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 437269. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.