Riverton, WY – A winter weather advisory has been issued for several mountain ranges in Wyoming, with snow and high winds forecasted from Thursday morning through Friday evening. The National Weather Service warns of hazardous travel conditions, as accumulations vary across the Bighorn Mountains, Wind River Mountains, Owl Creek and Bridger Mountains, and the Green Mountains and Rattlesnake Range.
For the Bighorn Mountains, both West and Southeast, snow is expected to begin at 6 a.m. Thursday, with totals ranging from 5 to 10 inches. Areas above 10,000 feet may see up to a foot of snow, accompanied by north winds of 15 to 25 mph. Travel through Powder River and Granite Passes may become difficult due to slippery conditions and reduced visibility.
The Wind River Mountains, East and West, are forecasted to receive between 6 and 12 inches of snow, with localized amounts up to 14 inches in the southern range above 10,000 feet. Northerly winds could reach 35 mph on Friday, affecting travel over South Pass late Thursday night and into Friday morning.
The Owl Creek and Bridger Mountains, with snow starting early Friday at 3 a.m., are expected to see accumulations of 3 to 7 inches. Northerly winds of 20 to 35 mph may further complicate travel, especially through Wind River Canyon, where conditions could be particularly hazardous during the Friday morning commute.
The Green Mountains and Rattlesnake Range, including Jeffrey City, are under an advisory from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday. Snowfall totals are expected to be 4 to 8 inches in areas above 6,500 feet, with 2 to 4 inches possible elsewhere. Winds of 15 to 30 mph are forecasted, impacting travel on US 287 and WY 789.
Residents and travelers should check road conditions through the Wyoming Department of Transportation by calling 511 or visiting wyoroad.info.
