Winter Storm — Northeast Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming

2020-02-02 to 2020-02-03 · Northeast Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming

Event narrative

Snowfall of 15+ inches was reported. An avalanche occurred across Red Grade Road. The avalanche occurred approximately a half-mile above the springs in the burn area. No injuries were reported. However, six cabin owners were stranded until the debris was cleared off the road. In addition, one cabin owner reported 30-36 inches of snow during the event.

Wider weather episode

After temperatures in the 60s on the 1st, a strong cold front moved across the forecast area on the 2nd. A moist, northeasterly upslope flow developed behind the front. This upslope flow, combined with an upper level disturbance moving within an unstable northwest flow aloft, resulted in heavy snow across portions of the Billings Forecast Area. The heaviest snow occurred along the Beartooth/Absaroka and Big Horn Mountain Foothills.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 871271. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.