The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued heavy snowfall warnings across parts of several Western states, from today through to Monday, with some areas of Wyoming expected to get up to 18 inches of snow and wind gusts of up to 60mph.
Why It Matters
This heavy snowfall is likely to affect roads—particularly bridges, overpasses, and mountain roads—which are expected to become slippery and dangerous. The NWS has warned drivers to use extra caution and if they must travel, drive slowly and keep a flashlight, food, and water in their vehicles, in case of emergencies.
What To Know
The NWS has issued heavy snow warnings for the following regions:
Yellowstone National Park: Although Mammoth should only get 1 to 3 inches of snow, the rest of the national park is expected to get between 6 and 12 inches. Residents and visitors should be aware that, in particular, the Southern Entrance—which provides access to the park via the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway—could see up to 15 inches. Winds of up to 45mph are also expected, which could create blizzard conditions, leading to snowdrifts and blocked roads.
Absaroka Mountains: The NWS has forecasted between 6 and 12 inches of snow in areas above 9,000 ft, with winds as high as 60 mph, which could make travel difficult and dangerous.
Wind River Mountains East and Wind River Mountains West: As expected, the higher regions will see the most snow. Areas above 10,000 ft are expected to get between 12 to 18 inches, areas between 9,000 ft and 10,000 ft could get between 6 to 12 inches, and anything below 9 ft should get less than 6 inches. In particular, the Union Pass (a high pass in the northwest that connects the Wind River Range to the Gros Ventre Range) could get up to 8 inches, and the South Pass (a lower pass at the southeastern edge of the Wind River Range) could get up to 4 inches. Wind gusts are expected to be as high as 60mph, which could exacerbate the situation across the entire region, so drivers are urged to use caution and only travel if necessary.
Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains: The amount of snow in this area is expected to reach up to 18 inches, with winds gusting as high as 40 mph. Residents and visitors should be extra careful when traveling across the Teton and Togwotee Passes.
The Salt River and Wyoming Ranges: According to the NWS, areas above 8,000 ft could see between 6 and 14 inches of snow, with lower regions getting less.
What People Are Saying
NWS Riverton said on X: “Heavy snow today to Monday over the western mountains. There is a Winter Storm Warning and a Winter Weather Advisory in effect. Expect gusty winds through Monday up to 40 to 50 mph, with locally higher winds possible.
News and media company, Odrimedia, said on X: “A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, effective from October 26 at 1:28 AM MDT until October 27 at 6:00 PM MDT…Wind Forecast Meteorologists are predicting heavy snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches.”
What Happens Next
Winter Storm Warning Issued As 18 Inches of Snow to Hit
