Winter Storm — Owl Creek & Bridger Mountains, Wyoming

2003-03-17 to 2003-03-19 · Owl Creek & Bridger Mountains, Wyoming

Wider weather episode

A nearly stationary low pressure system over southeast Colorado pumped moisture north from the Gulf Of Mexico into central Wyoming. As the low deepened on March 17th and 18th, north to northeast winds resulted in upslope flow across much of central Wyoming. The combination of upslope flow and an abundant supply of Gulf moisture produced a significant snowstorm across central Wyoming. Snowfall of 1 to 2 feet fell in Casper and in the Eastern Wind River Mountains. The heaviest snowfall was 3 to 4 feet on Casper Mountain. Snow amounts elsewhere ranged from 4 to 10 inches. A gusty north to northeast wind of 20 to 40 mph prevailed through much of the event. The combination of wind and snow closed many state highways and portions of Interstates 25, 80 and 90 by late March 17th. Snow drifts of 4 to 8 feet were common across much of Natrona County.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5342955. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.