High Wind — Wind River Mountains East, Wyoming

2021-12-11 · Wind River Mountains East, Wyoming

Event narrative

A maximum wind gust of 81 mph was reported at the Red Canyon wind sensor along Wyoming Highway 28. The combination of high wind and blowing snow led to the closure of the highway for several hours.

Wider weather episode

A trough moving across Wyoming, strong mid-level winds, and a potent jet combined to produce high wind across much of central Wyoming. The highest recorded wind was west of Clark where a maximum wind gust of 118 mph occurred. Wind gusts of 88 mph were observed around Casper destroying a horse barn at the fairgrounds. Wind gusts of hurricane force also occurred in the Green Mountains and Wind River Range. The high winds led to road closures at times as well as a ban on high-profile vehicles on many roads.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 996350. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.