Winter Storm — North Big Horn Basin, Wyoming

2017-01-10 to 2017-01-11 · North Big Horn Basin, Wyoming

Event narrative

Heavy snow fell in a narrow band around the Lovell area. A foot of new snow was common with the highest amount of 19.1 inches. Amounts dropped off rapidly further south with less than three inches reported around Greybull.

Wider weather episode

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.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 669787. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.