Winter weather warnings are in effect across multiple states as a powerful system is expected to bring high winds and significant snowfall from overnight Saturday into Sunday — and, in some areas, into next week — according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Drivers in the hardest-hit regions are being cautioned that “travel could be very difficult to impossible” at times.
What to know
The most severe impacts are expected in California, Washington, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.
California
Yosemite National Park (outside the valley) is under an NWS winter storm warning through Friday afternoon. Forecasts call for up to 8 feet of snow and winds up to 50 mph over the next few days, with the heaviest snowfall expected on Tuesday.
Washington
Snowfall totals of 12 to 22 inches are forecast for parts of the Cascades in Whatcom and Skagit Counties from Sunday morning into early Monday.
Wyoming and Montana
From Sunday into Monday afternoon, several mountain regions could see intense snowfall and dangerous blowing snow:
- The Salt River Range, Wyoming Range, Absaroka Mountains, and Yellowstone National Park may receive up to 30 inches of snow above 8,000 feet.
- The Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains could see up to 40 inches, along with 40 to 50 mph winds that may cut visibility to less than a quarter mile in blowing snow.
The Wind River Mountains (east and west) could also get up to 40 inches, and forecasters warn winds may reach 70 mph, especially near South Pass and Red Canyon Sunday afternoon into the evening.
Meanwhile, the Beartooth and Crazy Mountains could pick up up to 3 feet of snow — mainly on south- and west-facing slopes — with winds around 40 mph through Monday afternoon. The NWS cautioned that “avalanche danger will continue.”
Idaho
Snow is expected from early Sunday through mid-morning Monday across the Big Lost Highlands, Copper Basin, Frank Church Wilderness, Sawtooth, Stanley Basin, and the Sun Valley Region.
Forecast totals include:
- 3 to 6 inches along valley floors
- 8 to 18 inches at higher elevations above 7,000 feet
What people are saying
The NWS advises anyone who must travel to: “Keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Call 511.”
In Montana, the NWS warned: “Recreation in the high country will be impacted by heavy accumulating snow and blowing snow.”
What happens next
The NWS is urging residents and travelers to use extra caution during morning and evening commutes — and to reconsider travel in some locations. The timing could complicate plans leading up to Christmas, as many people prepare to visit family and friends.
