Blizzard — Flaming Gorge, Wyoming

2008-02-13 to 2008-02-14 · Flaming Gorge, Wyoming

Wider weather episode

Slow-moving low pressure over eastern Utah spun moisture across the south half of Wyoming during the evening of Wednesday, February 13 and the morning of February 14. At the same time, a cold front pushed south across the state bringing sub-freezing temperatures that aided snow production. Gusty east to northeast wind developed in response to a tight pressure gradient between high pressure behind the cold front and low pressure over Utah. The result was a vigorous winter storm that greatly impacted Sweetwater County and neighboring locations.

Snowfall of five to nine inches was commonly observed across Sweetwater County and adjacent south Lincoln County. The strong wind combined with the snow to generate snow drifts of three to six feet in height. Some reports from around Rock Springs indicated drifts up to eight feet tall. Sustained wind speeds of 38 to 48 mph with a peak gust of 62 mph were recorded at the Rock Springs-Sweetwater County airport for over 12 hours. The blizzard caused the closure of Interstate 80 from Rock Springs to the Carbon County line. Vehicles were trapped and some residents at Point of Rocks were unable to get out their front door. U.S. Highway 191 north and south of Rock Springs was also closed.

Favored upslope locations in Fremont and Natrona counties were also affected by the snow and wind. Snowfall of 12 to 18 inches occurred in the east slopes of the Wind River Range and on Casper Mountain. Drifts on Casper Mountain were up to four feet tall.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 70411. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.