Jackson, Wyo. – Snow is piling up at rates of up to 2 inches per hour across northwest Wyoming this afternoon, quickly turning mountain highways and backcountry routes treacherous through Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Riverton, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 5 p.m. Wednesday for Yellowstone National Park, the Absaroka Mountains, Tetons, Gros Ventre, Salt River, Wyoming and Wind River ranges. Additional snowfall of 12 to 22 inches is expected in many mountain zones, with locally 3 feet possible in the Tetons and more than 2 feet over the Pitchstone Plateau in southwest Yellowstone. Winds will frequently gust 35 to 45 mph, increasing to 60 to 70 mph along exposed ridges and passes Wednesday.
Travel over Teton Pass and South Pass could become very difficult, with blowing snow sharply reducing visibility. Yellowstone’s central basin may see 4 to 8 inches, while Mammoth and Lamar Valley pick up lighter amounts near 3 inches.
Backcountry travel is strongly discouraged. Anyone who must drive should carry extra food, water and winter survival gear, and check wyoroad.info for the latest closures.
Heavy snow and strong winds continue through Wednesday afternoon, with additional restrictions possible as conditions evolve.
