Blizzard — Southwest Carbon, Wyoming

1997-04-04 to 1997-04-06 · Southwest Carbon, Wyoming

Wider weather episode

Strong winds combined with snow amounts of generally 8 to 12 inches to create widespread blizzard conditions in southeast Wyoming and the Nebraska panhandle. By 845 PM April 4 all roads had been closed in and out of Cheyenne except for Interstate 25. Closed and impassable roads became the norm from the evening of April 4 through April 6 due to blowing and drifting snow. Many automobile accidents occurred as a result of the treacherous conditions, and many power lines were downed due to the weight of snow. Many livestock were killed by the snow and accompanying cold temperatures because the storm occurred in the calving season. The highest snow amount was 12 inches at Albin and Lusk, and sustained winds were generally 40 to 50 MPH through the event.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5592381. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.