Jackson, Wyo. – Backcountry routes and mountain passes across western Wyoming could become impassable starting at 5 a.m. Tuesday as up to 3 feet of snow and wind gusts as high as 70 mph hammer the high country through Wednesday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Riverton, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 5 a.m. Tuesday until 5 p.m. Wednesday for the Teton and Gros Ventre mountains, the Salt River and Wyoming ranges, the Absaroka Mountains, Yellowstone National Park and the Wind River Mountains West. Snow totals of 16 to 24 inches are expected in the Tetons, with locally higher amounts approaching 36 inches. The Absarokas could see 15 to 25 inches on the western slopes, while Yellowstone’s Pitchstone Plateau may pick up 12 to 20 inches. Winds will frequently gust 35 to 45 mph, increasing to 60 to 70 mph in the Absarokas on Wednesday.
South Pass in the Wind River Range faces gusts up to 60 mph and accumulating snow, creating dangerous crosswinds and near-zero visibility at times. In Yellowstone, Mammoth and Lamar Valley will see lighter totals of 1 to 4 inches, but central and southwest sections could measure more than a foot.
Wyoming DOT urges travelers to check wyoroad.info before heading into mountain corridors. Officials recommend delaying backcountry trips and carrying emergency supplies. The warning runs through 5 p.m. Wednesday, with additional wind headlines possible as the system strengthens midweek.
