Winter Storm Warning now in effect
3 to 10 inches snow possible in Upper Green River Valley
by National Weather Service
December 27, 2011
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Riverton has replaced the Winter Storm Watch with a Winter Storm Warning for Pinedale and the Upper Green River Valley area. The NWS advises that the Warning is in effect from 11:00 AM Wednesday, Dec. 28 until 5:00 PM Thursday. The Warning is for heavy snowfall and blowing snow.
Light snow will develop Wednesday morning across the northern third of the Wind River Mountains and the Upper Green River Basin foothills. Snow is then expected to gradually break out across the rest of the Wind River Mountains and Upper Green foothills, but remain generally light. Heavier snow is expected Wednesday night and Thursday morning. Snow is expected to become lighter Thursday afternoon.
Mountain snowfall is anticipated to range from 8 to 16 inches across the north to 4 to 8 inches across South Pass. Snowfall of 6 to 10 inches is possible in Bondurant valley with lesser amounts of 3 to 6 inches around Pinedale.
Westerly wind of 20 to 35 mph will be common in the mountains with visibility frequently below one-half mile. Wind speeds below 15 mph are anticipated in the valleys.
Travel may be significantly hampered along US 189/191 over rim divide between Bondurant and Pinedale, and over South Pass at the south end of the Wind River Range. The worst road conditions for South Pass are expected to occur late Wednesday night into the day Thursday.
A Winter Storm Warning for heavy snow means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Significant amounts of snow are forecast that will make travel dangerous. Only travel in an emergency. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
The latest road conditions provided by the Wyoming Department of Transportation are available by calling 5-1-1 or on the internet at wyoroad.info.
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