Yellowstone National Park, WY – A significant winter storm could impact large portions of western and central Wyoming beginning late Tuesday night, prompting a Winter Storm Watch issued Monday for Yellowstone National Park and surrounding mountain ranges.
According to the National Weather Service in Riverton, heavy snow and powerful winds are expected from late Tuesday night through Wednesday evening. Snow accumulations of 6 to 10 inches above 8,000 feet are possible, with near 12 inches at the highest elevations. Lower elevations may also see impactful snowfall, particularly during the storm’s peak.
Forecasters say the heaviest snow is expected between 1 a.m. and noon Wednesday, when snowfall rates and winds will combine to significantly reduce visibility. Westerly winds are forecast to gust between 40 and 60 mph, with isolated gusts reaching 75 mph, especially along eastern mountain slopes of the Absaroka and Wind River ranges.
The watch includes Yellowstone National Park, the Absaroka Mountains, Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains, Wind River Mountains, and the Salt River and Wyoming ranges. Communities and landmarks including Lake, Mammoth, and Old Faithful fall within the affected area.
Travel impacts are expected to be severe. According to the National Weather Service, conditions could become very difficult to nearly impossible along mountain passes such as Teton Pass, Togwotee Pass, and South Pass, where blowing snow and whiteout conditions are possible.
Officials warn that rapidly changing conditions may catch travelers off guard, particularly overnight and during the Wednesday morning travel window. Backcountry travel and high-profile vehicles are especially discouraged during the height of the storm.
Residents and visitors are urged to monitor updated forecasts and be prepared for potential upgrades to warnings as confidence increases. Travelers should consider adjusting plans and carrying winter survival supplies if travel is unavoidable.
