Winter Storm — Wind River Mountains West, Wyoming

2017-02-06 to 2017-02-07 · Wind River Mountains West, Wyoming

Event narrative

Heavy snow occurred in much of the western slopes of the Tetons. The maximum snowfall amount was 20 inches at the Kendall Ranger Station. A combination of snow and strong wind closed South Pass for several hours as well.

Wider weather episode

A combination of a strong Pacific trough and cold front, an ample supply of moisture combined to bring very heavy snow to much of western Wyoming. The highest amounts fell in the Tetons where almost 3 feet of new snow occurred at the Jackson Hole Ski resort. Heavy snow also fell in the Salt and Wyoming Range where 32 inches of snow occurred at the Indian Creek SNOTEL. Other heavy snowfall amounts included 25 inches at Deer Creek in the Wind River Range, 18 inches at Two Oceans Plateau in Yellowstone, 16 inches near Wilson, and 8 inches in Cody Alpine. The heavy snow combined with gusty winds to produce very low visibility and avalanches that shut down many roads including Teton Pass, Hoback Junction and South Pass. In Jackson, the heavy snow load caused the collapse of the roof onto the Sears Department Store. In addition, strong winds occurred on the evening of the 7th. These strong winds combined with heavy wet snow to down 17 power poles along Highway 390. This led to a power outage that lasted through the 11th. In addition, Jackson Hole Ski Resort was shut down for several days due to the power loss. Meanwhile, strong wind occurred east of the Divide and across southern Wyoming. The maximum wind gusts included 96 mph at Camp Creek in the Green and Rattlesnake Range, 72 mph near Lander and 65 mph along Outer Drive south of Casper.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 675113. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.