Blizzard — Niobrara County, Wyoming

2021-10-13 · Niobrara County, Wyoming

Event narrative

WYDOT mesonet station US20 - Van Tassell (WY60) measured wind gusts 35-45 MPH with whiteout conditions per local highway webcams. Public reported snow accumulations of 11 inches in Lusk.

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 986862. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.