Yellowstone To Get Strong Winds, Snow Jackpot On Thursday

Yellowstone National Park is supposed to get hammered with snow and wind on Thursday. Very gusty winds combined with nearly a foot of snow will make for dangerous conditions in the park and the surrounding areas. High elevations are expecting the most snow.

The main concern is the southern mountains into Yellowstone National Park. Places like West Yellowstone could be greatly affected by Thursday's weather. High winds can reduce visibility very quickly, making travel dangerous. The current SNOTEL forecast for West says:

"Winds could gust as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. 1" of snow accumulation expected by tomorrow (Thursday), with up to 10" over the next 5 days." The West Yellowstone area receives 150 inches of snowfall annually, with an average peak snowpack of 87 inches in April.

• A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 11 PM THURSDAY.
• WHAT...Snow expected.
• Total snow accumulations of 6 to 10 inches in the southwestern mountains, 2 to 4 inches in northern portions.
• Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.
• WHERE...Yellowstone National Park.
• WHEN...From 3 AM to 11 PM Thursday.
• IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult.
• PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling.
• For winter road conditions from the Wyoming Department of Transportation, visit Wyoming Road Information

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As of now, the area's snowpack is about 81% of normal, so more spring storms such as this are a welcome thing. Outdoor enthusiasts just need to be aware that conditions on Thursday will be brutal at times. Much snow is expected in Yellowstone in a short amount of time.