Winter Storm in Wind River Mountains West, Wyoming

Very heavy snow fell across the western slope of the Wind River Range. The highest total observed was 38 inches of the Kendall Ranger Station SNOTEL. The heavy snow combined with strong winds to close South Pass for several hours as well.

A series of front and upper level disturbances combined with a prolonged and deep flow of Pacific moisture to bring a prolonged period of snow to much of western and northern Wyoming. Total snowfall eclipsed 4 feet in portions of the Tetons as well as the Salt and Wyoming Range. Even in the western Valleys, totals of over a foot were commonplace with some areas receiving over 2 feet. This combined with strong winds that gusted to hurricane force at times in the mountains resulted in road closures and avalanches. Heavy snow also fell across northern Wyoming where a foot or more of new snow fell across northern portions of Big Horn and Park counties. Meanwhile, the passage of fronts brought strong winds to portions of Park, Fremont and Natrona Counties where wind gusts past 70 mph were recorded at times.