A late‑season winter storm is bringing heavy snow, strong winds and dangerous travel conditions across parts of the western and northern United States, with forecasters warning that mountain passes and higher elevations could become treacherous through Friday.
Multiple winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories are in effect from the Rockies into the northern Plains and Alaska, according to the National Weather Service (NWS), with some areas facing snowfall totals approaching a foot and sharply reduced visibility.
Wyoming
The most severe conditions are unfolding across northwest and central Wyoming, where the NWS in Riverton has issued multiple winter storm warnings for mountain regions.
Warnings remain in effect until 6 a.m. MDT Friday for Yellowstone National Park, the Absaroka Mountains, and the Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains, where additional snow accumulations could reach 6 inches along the highest peaks, accompanied by winds gusting up to 35 mph.
Forecasters warned that travel could be “very difficult,” particularly across Teton Pass and Togwotee Pass, as blowing snow and strong winds sharply reduce visibility.
Farther south, a winter storm warning remains in effect through Friday evening for the Wind River Mountains, where up to 5 inches of additional snow is expected along the highest elevations. Travel impacts are likely along South Pass, with gusty winds worsening conditions.
Beyond the warning areas, widespread winter weather advisories cover much of central and eastern Wyoming, including Casper Mountain, the Bighorn Mountains, and parts of Johnson and Natrona counties, where snow totals of 3 to 8 inches are possible and snow squalls may briefly create near‑whiteout conditions.
Montana And Northern Wyoming
Across southern Montana and adjacent parts of Wyoming, the NWS in Billings has issued winter weather advisories through early Friday morning.
The Pryor and Northern Bighorn Mountains and the Sheridan foothills are expected to see additional light snow, but forecasters warned that blowing snow, freezing conditions and slick roads could make travel difficult, especially along Highway 14 and higher‑elevation routes.
Wet and slushy roads may refreeze overnight, increasing the risk of icy conditions.
Colorado
In Colorado, the NWS offices in Denver and Pueblo issued winter weather advisories for large portions of the state’s high country and mountain foothills on Friday.
Between 2 and 9 inches of snow is expected across the Rocky Mountains, Summit County, the Mosquito Range, the Indian Peaks, and parts of Rocky Mountain National Park, with winds gusting as high as 45 mph.
Forecasters said hazardous conditions could affect the Friday morning and evening commutes, particularly over mountain passes such as Berthoud Pass, Eisenhower Tunnel and Cameron Pass.
Lower elevations, including parts of the Front Range foothills, could also see slippery roads as snow and gusty winds move through.
North Dakota And Minnesota
Farther north, the NWS offices in Bismarck and Grand Forks issued winter weather advisories covering parts of North Dakota and northwest Minnesota through Friday morning.
The region is expected to see a mix of snow, sleet and light ice, with snow accumulations generally ranging from 1 to 4 inches, and localized higher amounts possible.
Forecasters warned that blowing snow and low visibility could create hazardous driving conditions, particularly during the early Friday morning commute.
Alaska
In Alaska, the NWS in Fairbanks said snow will continue through Saturday afternoon across the Eastern Alaska Range south of Trims Camp.
Total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches are expected, with higher terrain potentially receiving up to 18 inches.
Travel along portions of the Richardson Highway could become difficult, with visibility occasionally dropping below one mile during periods of gusty winds.
Freeze Warnings Add To Late‑Season Hazards
In addition to snow, freeze warnings are in effect across wide portions of the West, including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Nevada, California and Wyoming, according to multiple NWS offices.
Forecasters warned that sub‑freezing temperatures, in some areas dropping into the teens and low 20s, could kill sensitive vegetation and damage unprotected outdoor plumbing, compounding hazards as the storm system moves east.
