Winter Storm in Lower Snake River Plain, Idaho

A strong frontal system brought a variety of winter weather to all of southeastern Idaho including heavy snow and strong winds. The storm produced some heavy snowfall in the mountains with 6 to 12 inches reported by SNOTEL sites. Some other amounts were 8 inches at Pomerelle ski resort, 7 inches in Stanley, 7 inches at Island Park, 7 inches in Ketchum. Winds of 25 to 50 mph were common behind the passage of the cold front with gusts of 59 mph at Craters of the Moon and 58 mph at Minidoka. Several highways were closed on the morning of the 8th due to the wind and low visibilities. Interstate 84 was closed from Burley to the Utah border. Highway 26 was closed from just outside of Idaho Falls to the Wyoming border. Highway 32 from Ashton to Tetonia was closed as well as Highway 33 from Newdale to Tetonia. Although snow amounts were light in the Snake River Plain, less than 2 inches, the high winds caused reduced visibilities with extensive drifting causing icy roads. 75 accidents occurred in the Pocatello area. Icy roads were blamed for two fatal traffic accidents involving a 25 year old man on interstate 15 near Inkom and a 16 year old girl on interstate 15 near Blackfoot.