Winter Weather — Upper North Platte River Basin, Wyoming

2021-10-12 · Upper North Platte River Basin, Wyoming

Event narrative

Snow accumulation of 4 to 5 inches reported around Saratoga. CoCoRaHS observer in Saratoga measured 5 inches of snow accumulation.

Wider weather episode

Strong mid-October low brought heavy snow, strong winds, and blizzard conditions to southeast Wyoming. Areas west of the Laramie Range received 4 to 10 inches of snowfall with areas in the Snowy and Sierra Madres mountains receiving higher amounts. Precipitation remained light across Laramie County with around an inch of snowfall, but wind gusts approached 65 MPH. Farther north, heavier snowfall was observed with around 10 inches of snowfall mixed with strong winds resulting in whiteout blizzard conditions, especially in Converse and Niobrara Counties. Interstate 25 north of Wheatland was closed for around 12 hours due to winter conditions.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 985697. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.