Active Weather for the West, Warming in the East

The potential for heavy snow at higher elevations in the western U.S. will continue for many spots through the weekend. In the meantime, the eastern half of the continental U.S. will transition to above normal temperatures ahead of a pair of cold fronts next week that will bring readings back to closer to normal as we approach Thanksgiving Day. Read More >

Overview

Between February 11th and February 15th multiple winter storms impacted Wyoming bringing significant snow across the west, high winds, and multiple long duration road closures.

Some roads were closed and reopened several times through the entire event due to winter conditions, and multiple roads closures lasted 24 hours or more. Several car accidents were reported and more than one blow over occurred in the state with one happening in western/central Wyoming. This blow over occurred over South Pass in the Red Canyon area on 2/13; a sensor at that location measured a 91 mph wind gust which was a record for that site.
There was also a multi-vehicle accident in eastern Sweetwater County that closed Interstate 80 on 2/13.

The Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center issued an avalanche warning for Wednesday (2/13) night through Friday (2/15) afternoon. At least 7 avalanches are known to have happened, one of which briefly closed a local highway. 2 vehicles were reported damaged by these avalanches.

A total of 60 local, state, and federal agencies collaborated together ahead of and during this multi-day event.

Blow Over in Red Canyon on South Pass


Avalanche near Meadowbrook Apartments in Jackson blew the surface ice off of Flat Creek, throwing a chunk of the ice into this pickup truck.	Avalanche Aftermath on South Highway 89 near Lockhart Ranch	Prone avalanche slope on Nelson Knoll in Jackson. The slide on the hill's west face was triggered by a dog.

Wind
Snow
Photos

Wind:

Top wind reports from Tuesday night into Wednesday:

Snow:

Snow total maps for February 13th and 14th and 14th-16th. 20-30 inches of snow fell in many locations across the west.

Photos:


Pile UP on I-80 between Rock Springs Rawlins Photo Courtesy WYDOT	Pile UP on I-80 between Rock Springs Rawlins Photo Courtesy WYDOT	Pile UP on I-80 between Rock Springs Rawlins Photo Courtesy WYDOT	Pile UP on I-80 between Rock Springs Rawlins Photo Courtesy WYDOT


Avalanche near Meadowbrook Apartments in Jackson	Avalanche near Meadowbrook Apartments in Jackson	Avalanche near Meadowbrook Apartments in Jackson	Taco Bell chute slide (Photo courtesy Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center)


Avalanche on Teton Pass	Semi stuck in snow on the closed highway between Moose and Moran	Semi stuck in snow on the closed highway between Moose and Moran	Semi stuck in snow on the closed highway between Moose and Moran