Much of northwest Wyoming is under a blanket of heavy rain, prompting Flood Watches in Park, Hot Springs, Big Horn, and Washakie Counties. But with so much precipitation and chiller temperatures, is snow possible?
According to the National Weather Service Office in Riverton, yes – but only up high. And nothing’s sticking around.
Temperatures are low enough in some of the region’s mountainous areas – the Wind River Range and sections of the Absaroka and Big Horn Ranges – that can and will start falling. The Wind River Range might see an additional six inches of snow between Thursday and Friday.
Fortunately, most of the snow is expected to be above “pass elevation,” meaning there should be no snow impact on the high-elevation roads like the Togwotee & Granite Passes – even at night. Plus, ground temperatures are too warm for snow accumulation.
While no snow is expected in the lower elevations, the storms are no less intense. Communities in the Bighorn Basin can expected up to two inches of precipiation before the current weather pattern moves on.
The Flood Watch remains in effect until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 16. Temperatures will be somewhat summery – high 70s and low 80s – with a chance of more rain throughout the weekend.
