Winter Storm — Sheridan Foothills, Wyoming

2021-02-05 to 2021-02-07 · Sheridan Foothills, Wyoming

Event narrative

Snowfall of 5 inches occurred across the area. In addition, I-90 was closed due to severe driving conditions.

Wider weather episode

The seasons first, widespread winter storm occurred across most of the Billings Forecast Area from February 5th through February 7th. This was also the first and only arctic airmass of the season that impacted the Billings Forecast Area.

An arctic front blasted through the area on the 5th. Following the front, a moist Pacific flow aloft moved over this arctic airmass which resulted in a prolonged period of heavy snow. After the snow ended and skies cleared, overnight lows of -20F to -40F were common. Many areas stayed below zero for 7 consecutive days.

Major impacts occurred with this storm as warm roads initially melted the snow. These wet roads then quickly froze resulting in icy and hazardous driving conditions. As a result, many accidents occurred across the area. In addition to the snow, strong winds resulted in blowing and drifting snow, as well as significantly reduced visibilities. I-90 from the Montana border south to Buffalo, Wyoming was closed due to severe driving conditions. Sheridan reported half mile visibilities in snow with wind gusts to 38 mph at times.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 942225. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.