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Spring Snowstorm Boosts Moisture Content in Western and Central Wyoming

March 27, 2003 -  A spring snow storm brought much needed moisture to western and central Wyoming on March 26 and 27.  Snow Water Equivalents (SWE) across many Wyoming Basins were above 90% of average as of Thursday morning, March 27.  Current snow water equivalent information can be obtained at the WFO Riverton Drought Monitor and Assessment Links web page.

        The heavy snow was the result of an upper level disturbance that dropped south from Montana, slid across Wyoming along the east slopes of the Wind River Mountains, and toward Cheyenne before exiting into the Nebraska Panhandle.  This storm track created a favorable upslope flow pattern for areas east of the Continental Divide.  Favored upslope locations, including Lander and Meeteetse received around one foot of snow.  Snowfall across other lower elevation sites generally ranged from four to ten inches.  The heaviest snowfall occurred in the Teton Range of western Wyoming where 24 to 30 inches of snow was reported.  Gusty winds of 20 to 30 mph were common during the early stages of the event.  The combination of wind and snow closed many state highways around the
WFO Riverton County Warning Area Tuesday morning.  Snow drifts of 2 to 3 feet in height were common throughout the Wind River Basin and in Natrona county.

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