textproduct: Western and Central Wyoming

KEY MESSAGES

- Light snow will continue through the afternoon across central and southern Wyoming leading to slick roads and limited visibility in spots, including along I-80. Isolated snow showers will also develop over the mountains through sunset.

- Gusty winds are expected for most locations on Saturday, with light snow chances across the Tetons and Yellowstone National Park.

- Warmer temperatures and widespread strong winds are expected through much of the upcoming week. This will lead to periods of elevated to critical fire weather conditions.

UPDATE

Issued at 131 PM MST Fri Mar 6 2026

The last stand of the current system is ongoing early this afternoon with areas of lighter snow mainly east of the Divide. Additional snow showers are expected to develop through the afternoon given the weak instability behind the cold front; this activity will be fairly isolated with the best chances over the western mountains. We will allow the remaining Winter Weather Advisories to continue for now given that current radar and webcam imagery is still showing snowfall and areas of limited visibility. Snow will taper off this evening and end everywhere by midnight with skies clearing overnight.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 105 AM MST Fri Mar 6 2026

Light snow continues across much of the area early this morning, as the main trough of this storm system moves over the region. The associated upper low is not as discernible on satellite, but remnant circulations look to be reorganizing over southwestern portions of the state. Northerly flow will remain in place in the wake of the cold front, which crossed the Divide around 06Z. Locations that are prone to northerly winds will have the higher snowfall amounts this morning (which will not be much) such as, the Owl Creek/Bridger Mountains, the east slopes of the Wind River Mountains (specifically near Sinks Canyon and Red Canyon/South Pass), and the north face of Casper Mountain. Additional snow showers will develop off the mountains this afternoon, as northerly flow aloft becomes stronger due to a strong ridge building in from the west. There will be enough instability for these showers to form, however, the main impact will be visibility as accumulations will be limited to up to an inch. Locations like waltman/Hiland in Natrona County and South Pass will be impacted by these showers, as well as across Interstate 80 and US-191 south of Rock Springs toward Flaming Gorge. Northerly winds with gusts of 25 to 35 mph will continue through the day across areas east of the Divide and the eastern half of Sweetwater County. Temperatures will be more seasonal today, ranging from the upper 30s into the 40s for much of the area. The snow showers and wind will end early in the evening, as drier air makes its way into the area behind the exiting storm.

Northwest flow aloft will be in place Saturday, as the aforementioned strong ridge over the EPAC begins to fold over the PACNW. While conditions will remain dry, west wind gusts of 25 to 35 mph will return across southern portions and the Wind Corridor (Rock Springs to southern Johnson County). Slightly higher wind gusts up to 45 mph will occur near Cody and the Upper Wind River Basin. The latter winds could reach the Riverton area late in the afternoon. Above normal temperatures will return as a result of these winds, especially east of the Divide.

The ridge begins to flatten Sunday, as the PFJ strengthens to a 150kt jet max and makes its way over southern British Columbia. The right front quadrant of the jet will be over far northwestern portions during the day, which could result in high winds. A High Wind Watch may be needed for the Cody Foothills, as the NAM shows a strong downsloping signature developing between 09Z and 12Z Sunday. This is marked by a tight 700mb temperature gradient along the east slopes of the Absaroka and Wind River Mountains, ranging from 5C to minus 6C over the mountains. The Upper Wind River Basin zone (impacting Dubois and Crowheart) could be impacted as well. Will let the day shift take a look and possibly issue when the current Winter Weather Advisories expire. Otherwise, similar conditions from Saturday will return Sunday. Gusty west to northwest winds will return to much of the same areas with above normal temperatures. Areas east of the Divide will be in the 60s, with a few locations in Johnson County approaching 70F.

Winds are not expected to be as strong over the Cody Foothills and Upper Wind River Basin Monday (but gusty winds will continue to be widespread), as a cold front approaches northern portions of the state from MT. A more zonal flow pattern will be in place by this time with the PFJ extending from the PACNW to the Great Lakes, putting it over the northern half of the Cowboy State. Light snow will be possible over northwestern portions due to orographic flow and limited Pacific moisture, but accumulations look to be minor at this time. Temperatures will continue to be well above normal for early March. Light snow will be possible Monday night into Tuesday, as the cold front makes its way southward. The front looks to become stationary along the Owl Creek/Bridger Mountains and southern Johnson County around midday Tuesday, keeping northern portions having the best chances for light snow. Temperatures will remain near seasonal levels as a result of the front, while central and southern portions remain above normal. The PFJ will be further south, with the stronger winds occurring over central and southern portions. West to northwest winds, with gusts of 35 to 45 mph look to be widespread over these areas. Additionally, elevated to critical fire weather conditions will also coincide with these areas, as RH values look to drop below 20 percent. Depending on how much snow falls this morning (although it is not looking promising), Red Flag Warnings may be needed for the Wind River Basin and Natrona County (at least).

Warmer conditions return Wednesday, as a ridge quickly rebuilds over the Great Basin. Windy conditions look to return as well. This trend of widespread windy conditions, and possibly high winds in more wind prone locations, look to continue through the rest of the week. Another strong cold front impacts northern portions of the CWA Friday, possibly reaching the Divide Friday night and retreating northward again during the day Saturday.

AVIATION /00Z TAFS THROUGH 00Z SUNDAY/

Issued at 355 PM MST Fri Mar 6 2026

Winds decrease this evening, as do clouds, with a mostly clear to clear sky by sunrise Saturday. A few snow showers are possible around KRKS to start the period, which could bring sudden visibility drops.

The other main concern is fog, given recent precipitation. Current thoughts are on patchy for for the Green River Basin, which could impact KBPI, KPNA, and KRKS. Confidence is low in the extent of fog, which may be too far north of KRKS to bring impacts.

Please see the Aviation Weather Center and/or CWSU ZDV and ZLC for the latest information on icing and turbulence forecasts.

RIW WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

Winter Weather Advisory until 5 PM MST this afternoon for WYZ014-015-028>030.