Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming – Travel across the Bighorn Mountains could become nearly impassable over the next several hours as heavy snow and 60 mph wind gusts hammer high elevations through 5 p.m. Wednesday, creating whiteout conditions near Powder River Pass.
According to the National Weather Service in Riverton, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for the Bighorn Mountains West and Southeast zones until 5 p.m. MST this afternoon. Forecasters expect an additional 4 to 6 inches of snow from Powder River Pass northward, with the highest elevations picking up as much as 9 inches before the system tapers off.
Strong west to northwest winds will gust up to 60 mph through the afternoon, blowing and drifting snow across U.S. Highway 16 and surrounding mountain routes. Visibility could drop below a quarter mile at times, especially along exposed ridgelines and open stretches near the pass.
The Wyoming Department of Transportation warns that rapidly changing road conditions are likely. Drivers should slow down, carry winter survival gear, and check the latest road reports at wyoroad.info before heading into the mountains.
Snow and wind are expected to gradually ease after 5 p.m., but slick and snow-packed roads may linger into the evening. Additional advisories could be issued if bands of heavier snow redevelop.
