Winter Storm — Lost River Valleys, Idaho

2020-02-02 to 2020-02-03 · Lost River Valleys, Idaho

Event narrative

Snow and very strong winds caused very difficult driving conditions and the Butte County School District 111 closed on February 3rd as did the Mackay School District 182. Chilly Barton Flat received 5.4 inches of snow with 2 inches at the Mackay Ranger Station. Wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph caused the extensive blowing snow.

Wider weather episode

A strong Pacific storm system with it's associated cold front brought a combination of heavy snow and strong winds. The heavy snow was mainly limited to the Lower Snake River Plain where 6 to 9 inches of snow were widespread along the interstate 86 corridor from American Falls to Pocatello. In areas where snow was lighter, it was nonetheless accompanied by strong winds with gusts of 40 to 50 mph which caused many road and school closures.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 876878. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.