Alert archive / Wyoming / Blizzard Warnings in 2021

Blizzard Warning 1, NWS Cheyenne, WY

January 17, 2021Albany County, Carbon County, Wyoming

NWS Cheyenne, WY issued this blizzard warning at Jan 17, 2021, 9:32 AM MST for Albany County, Carbon County, Wyoming. It took effect at Jan 17, 2021, 2:00 PM MST. It was in force for 18 hr. 5 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
Jan 17, 2021, 9:32 AM MST (16:32 UTC)
In effect from
Jan 17, 2021, 2:00 PM MST
Expired
Jan 18, 2021, 8:06 AM MST
In force
18 hr
Issued by
NWS Cheyenne, WY

Counties Albany County, WY, Carbon County, WY

The radar

The Cheyenne radar (KCYS), 140 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 16:30 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
Jan 18, 5:26 AM MSTSNOW 7.214.5 Ssw Arlington, WYSAND LAKE SNOTEL.
Jan 18, 5:36 AM MSTSNOW 10.512 Wnw Centennial, WYMEDICINE BOW SNOTEL. 0.7 INCH SWE.
Jan 18, 5:44 AM MSTSNOW 10.812.5 W Centennial, WYNORTH FRENCH CREEK SNOTEL. 0.9 INCHES SWE.
Jan 18, 5:51 AM MSTSNOW 415 Ssw Encampment, WYWHISKEY PARK SNOTEL.
Jan 18, 6:52 AM MSTSNOW 1.99.6 Wsw Rock River, WY

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

The nearest sounding before it

Riverton, WY (KRIW), launched 12:00Z, 4.5 hours before the alert went out and 230 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Riverton, WY at 12:00Z on 2021-01-17Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Riverton, WY at 12:00Z on 2021-01-17The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 123 square meters per square second.1939587897117Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
1904 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
83 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
123 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
377 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

020 
WWUS45 KCYS 171632
WSWCYS

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
Issued by National Weather Service Riverton WY
932 AM MST Sun Jan 17 2021

...SNOWFALL AND BLOWING SNOW IMPACTS THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH
MONDAY...

.Period of highest concern is this evening through Monday morning
when heavier snow showers will combine with strong winds for 
blowing snow impacts including slick road conditions and near
whiteout conditions.

WYZ110-181215-
/O.UPG.KCYS.WW.Y.0003.210117T1800Z-210119T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KCYS.BZ.W.0001.210117T2100Z-210119T0000Z/
North Snowy Range Foothills-
Including the cities of Arlington and Elk Mountain
932 AM MST Sun Jan 17 2021

...BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 5 PM
MST MONDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations of
  2 to 4 inches. Winds gusting as high as 60 mph.

* WHERE...Arlington and Elk Mountain along I-80 between Laramie 
  and Rawlins

* WHEN...From 2 PM this afternoon to 5 PM MST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Dangerous travel conditions. Blowing snow will cause
  whiteout conditions. Treacherous road conditions will occur.
 
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Outdoor recreation will be life threatening
  to those caught unprepared for severe winter conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must
travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded,
stay with your vehicle. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

WYZ112-114-181215-
/O.CON.KCYS.WW.Y.0003.210117T1800Z-210119T0000Z/
Sierra Madre Range-Snowy Range-
Including the cities of Centennial and Albany
932 AM MST Sun Jan 17 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST
MONDAY...

* WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow accumulations
  of 6 to 8 inches across the Sierra Madres and Snowy Mountain
  Ranges. Winds will gust as high as 50 mph, especially this 
  evening through Monday morning. This is also the window of 
  opportunity for snow squalls to develop. Winds decrease Monday 
  afternoon with gusts to 30 mph.

* WHERE...Snowy and Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges.

* WHEN...From 11 AM Today to 5 PM MST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Patchy blowing snow
  could significantly reduce visibility, becoming near whiteout at
  times. Slick road conditions are also anticipated. The hazardous
  conditions will impact travel.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Outdoor recreation will be life threatening
  to those caught unprepared for severe winter conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

WFO RIW/21
3 follow-up statements
295 
WWUS45 KCYS 172100
WSWCYS

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
Issued by National Weather Service Riverton WY
200 PM MST Sun Jan 17 2021

...SNOWFALL AND BLOWING SNOW IMPACTS THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH
MONDAY...

.Significant snow and blowing snow will impact the Sierra Madre
Range, Snowy Range, and the northern Snowy Range Foothills. The
greatest concern will be from this evening through Monday morning.
Whiteout conditions are expected at times.

WYZ110-181300-
/O.CON.KCYS.BZ.W.0001.000000T0000Z-210119T0000Z/
North Snowy Range Foothills-
Including the cities of Arlington and Elk Mountain
200 PM MST Sun Jan 17 2021

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST MONDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions with whiteout conditions expected at
  times. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches. Winds gusting
  as high as 60 mph.

* WHERE...Arlington and Elk Mountain along I-80 between Laramie 
  and Rawlins.

* WHEN...Now until 5 PM MST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Dangerous travel conditions. Blowing snow will cause 
  whiteout conditions. Treacherous road conditions will occur.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Outdoor recreation will be life 
  threatening to those caught unprepared for severe winter 
  conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must
travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded,
stay with your vehicle.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

WYZ112-114-181300-
/O.CON.KCYS.WW.Y.0003.000000T0000Z-210119T0000Z/
Sierra Madre Range-Snowy Range-
Including the cities of Centennial and Albany
200 PM MST Sun Jan 17 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST
MONDAY...

* WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow accumulations
  of 5 to 8 inches across the Sierra Madres and Snowy Mountain 
  Ranges. Winds will gust as high as 50 mph, especially this 
  evening through Monday morning. This is also the window of 
  opportunity for snow squalls to develop. Winds decrease Monday 
  afternoon with gusts to 30 mph.

* WHERE...Snowy and Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges.

* WHEN...Now until 5 PM MST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow
  could significantly reduce visibility, becoming near whiteout 
  at times. Slick road conditions are also anticipated. The 
  hazardous conditions will impact travel.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Outdoor recreation will be life 
  threatening to those caught unprepared for severe winter 
  conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

WFO RIW/21
066 
WWUS45 KCYS 181019
WSWCYS

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
Issued by National Weather Service Riverton WY
319 AM MST Mon Jan 18 2021

...SNOWFALL AND BLOWING SNOW IMPACTS THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON...

.Significant snow and blowing snow will impact the Sierra Madre
Range, Snowy Range, and the northern Snowy Range Foothills. The
greatest concern will be through this morning. Whiteout 
conditions are expected at times.

WYZ110-190000-
/O.CON.KCYS.BZ.W.0001.000000T0000Z-210119T0000Z/
North Snowy Range Foothills-
Including the cities of Arlington and Elk Mountain
319 AM MST Mon Jan 18 2021

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions with whiteout conditions expected at
  times. Additional accumulations of 1 to 2 inches expected. Winds
  gusting as high as 60 mph. Winds will decrease this afternoon,
  gusting to 35 mph.

* WHERE...Arlington and Elk Mountain along I-80 between Laramie 
  and Rawlins.

* WHEN...Now until 5 PM MST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Dangerous travel conditions. Blowing snow will cause 
  whiteout conditions. Treacherous road conditions will occur.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Outdoor recreation will be life 
  threatening to those caught unprepared for severe winter 
  conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must
travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded,
stay with your vehicle.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

WYZ112-114-190000-
/O.CON.KCYS.WW.Y.0003.000000T0000Z-210119T0000Z/
Sierra Madre Range-Snowy Range-
Including the cities of Centennial and Albany
319 AM MST Mon Jan 18 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Additional accumulations
  of 2 to 3 inches across the Sierra Madres and Snowy Mountain
  Ranges. Winds will gust as high as 50 mph, especially this
  evening through this morning. This is also the window of
  opportunity for snow squalls to develop. Winds decrease this 
  afternoon with gusts to 30 mph.

* WHERE...Snowy and Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges.

* WHEN...Now until 5 PM MST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility, becoming near 
  whiteout at times. Slick road conditions are also anticipated. 
  The hazardous conditions will impact travel.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Outdoor recreation will be life 
  threatening to those caught unprepared for severe winter 
  conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$
154 
WWUS45 KCYS 181506
WSWCYS

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
Issued by National Weather Service Riverton WY
806 AM MST Mon Jan 18 2021

...SNOWFALL AND BLOWING SNOW IMPACTS THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON...

.Snow and blowing snow will continue to impact the Sierra Madre 
Range, Snowy Range, and the northern Snowy Range Foothills. The 
greatest concern will be through this morning. Whiteout conditions
are expected at times creating hazardous travel.

WYZ110-182300-
/O.CAN.KCYS.BZ.W.0001.000000T0000Z-210119T0000Z/
/O.EXA.KCYS.WW.Y.0003.000000T0000Z-210119T0000Z/
North Snowy Range Foothills-
Including the cities of Arlington and Elk Mountain
806 AM MST Mon Jan 18 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON...
...BLIZZARD WARNING IS CANCELLED...

* WHAT...Light snow, patchy blowing snow, areas of fog and slick
  road conditions. Additional snow accumulations up to one inch.

* WHERE...Arlington and Elk Mountain along I-80 between Laramie
  and Rawlins.

* WHEN...Until 5 PM MST this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility, becoming near 
  whiteout at times. Slick road conditions are also anticipated. 
  The hazardous conditions will impact travel.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Outdoor recreation will be life 
  threatening to those caught unprepared for severe winter 
  conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Travel only if necessary. If you must travel, have a winter 
survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your 
vehicle.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

WYZ112-114-182300-
/O.CON.KCYS.WW.Y.0003.000000T0000Z-210119T0000Z/
Sierra Madre Range-Snowy Range-
Including the cities of Centennial and Albany
806 AM MST Mon Jan 18 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Additional accumulations
  of 1 to 2 inches across the Sierra Madres and Snowy Mountain
  ranges. Winds will decrease, but gusts around 30 mph are still likely.

* WHERE...Snowy and Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges.

* WHEN...Now until 5 PM MST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow
  could significantly reduce visibility. Slick road conditions 
  are also anticipated. The hazardous conditions will impact 
  travel.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Outdoor recreation will be life 
  threatening to those caught unprepared for severe winter 
  conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

The office that day

Everything else NWS Cheyenne, WY issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Jan 17, 9:39 AM MSTHigh Wind WarningCYSAlbany, Carbon, Laramie19 hr

Nearby

Blizzard Warnings in Wyoming, 2021Every blizzard warning in 2021

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.