Winter Storm Warning: Up to 15 Inches of Snow Hits Western Mountain States Before Memorial Day Weekend
A significant late-season winter storm is impacting the western mountain states, with forecasts predicting up to 15 inches of snow in some areas. This unexpected snowfall, occurring just before the Memorial Day weekend, has prompted the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories for several high-elevation regions. The adverse weather conditions are raising concerns about travel safety and could potentially delay the much-anticipated reopening of the Beartooth Highway, a critical access route to Yellowstone National Park, for the holiday weekend.
The NWS Billings office has specifically issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains, effective until Thursday evening at 6 p.m. MDT. Residents and travelers in this area can expect substantial snowfall, ranging from 8 to 15 inches. Additionally, a Winter Weather Advisory is in place for the Pryor and Northern Bighorns until 9 p.m. MDT on Thursday, with projections of 5 to 10 inches of snow. These alerts confirm earlier signals from the Weather Prediction Center, highlighting the severity of the impending weather system.
The Beartooth Highway (US 212), renowned as the second-highest paved road in the United States, typically reopens for the summer season around Memorial Day after its annual winter closure. However, the NWS bulletin explicitly warns that the current heavy snowfall over Beartooth Pass may impede this scheduled opening. The Weather Prediction Center's latest forecasts indicate continued heavy snow through Friday morning, meaning fresh accumulation could persist right up to the expected opening window. Travelers planning to use this scenic route to Yellowstone for the holiday weekend are strongly advised to monitor road conditions through the Montana DOT's 511 system before embarking on their journeys.
Further impacting travel, US 14 through Burgess Junction in Wyoming, which connects Sheridan and Cody, is also under an advisory. This area, with Burgess Junction situated at 8,300 feet, is expected to receive 5 to 10 inches of fresh snow, accompanied by strong northerly winds gusting up to 30 mph. These conditions will likely lead to reduced visibility and significant snowdrifts, making for treacherous driving on what is typically a busy late-spring tourist corridor. Similar conditions are anticipated for US 14A through Lovell, which falls within the same advisory zone.
Given the challenging and potentially dangerous conditions, drivers are urged to exercise extreme caution. It is imperative to check current road conditions via state Department of Transportation websites before traveling, especially on routes like US 14 over Burgess Junction. The use of Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) tires is recommended for mountain conditions above 8,000 feet, as summer tires are inadequate for fresh snow at high altitudes. Additionally, drivers should be aware of potential cold-soak tire pressure drops at higher elevations and ensure their tires are properly inflated. Cell phone coverage is limited in these remote mountain ranges, making it crucial to be prepared for self-sufficiency in the event of a breakdown. High-profile vehicles, RVs, and trailers should consider delaying crossings until winds subside. Planning and preparation are key to navigating these unseasonal winter conditions safely.