Powell, Wyo. – Travelers crossing the Bighorn and Absaroka Mountains should prepare for hazardous conditions Monday, as heavy snow and strong winds threaten road safety from sunrise to sunset.
According to the National Weather Service in Riverton, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the Bighorn Mountains West, Bighorn Mountains Southeast, and Absaroka Mountains from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday. Snowfall is expected to total 6 to 12 inches north of Powder River Pass, with 4 to 8 inches likely elsewhere, especially near the Montana border. Wind gusts may reach 45 mph across exposed ridges and passes, reducing visibility and creating blowing drifts.
Drivers should expect treacherous travel on Powder River and Granite Passes, where snow-packed roads and whiteout conditions are possible. WYDOT warns that high-profile vehicles may face especially tough conditions and recommends limiting non-essential mountain travel. Residents and recreationists in Cody, Lovell, and Ten Sleep should charge devices, keep emergency supplies in vehicles, and check wyoroad.info for real-time updates.
This system marks one of the season’s heavier late-April storms for northwest Wyoming, echoing similar spring events in 2021 and 2017. The advisory is set to expire at 6 p.m. Monday, but further alerts may be issued if conditions worsen. Warnings remain in effect until the storm exits the region Monday evening.
