Jackson, WY – A powerful winter storm is continuing to impact Jackson and surrounding western Wyoming mountains Wednesday, bringing heavy snow, extreme winds, and dangerous travel conditions across higher elevations.
According to the National Weather Service in Riverton, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 11 p.m. Wednesday for the mountains of central, northwest, and west-central Wyoming. Impacted areas include Yellowstone National Park, the Teton, Gros Ventre, Absaroka, Wind River, and Wyoming ranges.
Snowfall totals of 6 to 12 inches are expected above 8,000 feet, with the highest elevations likely to receive more than 16 inches. Forecasters say the heaviest snow will fall between 5 a.m. and noon Wednesday, when snowfall rates may exceed 1 inch per hour and could briefly reach 2 inches per hour.
Wind will be a major factor with this storm. Widespread westerly winds are gusting between 50 and 70 mph, with isolated gusts approaching 80 mph on eastern mountain slopes, including parts of the Absaroka and Wind River ranges. These winds are expected to produce blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility.
Travel is expected to be very difficult, especially along mountain passes such as Teton Pass, Togwotee Pass, and South Pass. The National Weather Service warns that rapidly changing conditions could make travel dangerous or impossible at times.
Officials urge drivers to avoid unnecessary mountain travel and carry emergency supplies if travel cannot be postponed. Conditions are expected to gradually improve late Wednesday night as snowfall tapers off and winds slowly weaken.
