Thunderstorm Wind — Washakie, Wyoming

2015-07-27 · near Nowood, Washakie, Wyoming

Event narrative

Weak convection and a strong pressure gradient combined to produce a peak wind gust of 76 mph shortly before 1500MST at the Split Rock Creek RAWS.

Wider weather episode

An abnormally strong upper level low and strong winds aloft moved across western Wyoming on the afternoon of Monday, July 27. In addition, a tight pressure gradient generated high wind both ahead of and just behind the passage of a vigorous cold front. The most severe storm of the day tracked northeast across Big Horn County producing large hail and strong wind. Wind gusts of 60 to 76 mph also occurred with much weaker convection given favorable surface temperature-dew point spreads in combination with the pressure gradient. Ahead of the front, gradient winds were strong enough to topple trees, rip limbs, and cause damage in Riverton where a peak gust of 59mph was registered at 1503MST.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (43.5614, -107.3950)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 587964. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.