Alert archive / Wyoming / High Wind Warnings in 2025

High Wind Warning 13, NWS Riverton, WY

December 8, 20254 counties in Wyoming

NWS Riverton, WY issued this high wind warning at Dec 8, 2025, 1:49 AM MST for 4 counties in Wyoming. It took effect at Dec 8, 2025, 8:00 PM MST. It was in force for 69 hr. 43 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
Dec 8, 2025, 1:49 AM MST (08:49 UTC)
In effect from
Dec 8, 2025, 8:00 PM MST
Expired
Dec 11, 2025, 5:00 PM MST
In force
69 hr
Issued by
NWS Riverton, WY

Counties Fremont County, WY, Lincoln County, WY, Natrona County, WY, Sweetwater County, WY

The radar

The Riverton/Lander radar (KRIW), 68 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 08:47 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
Dec 9, 11:11 AM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 586 Nw Mills, WYASOS station KCPR Casper Airport.
Dec 9, 11:38 AM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 618 Se Reliance, WYASOS station KRKS Rock Springs Airport.
Dec 9, 11:44 AM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 6916 Se Rock Springs, WYMesonet station SNOW4 Rock Springs 15 SE.
Dec 9, 11:50 AM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 677 N Bairoil, WYMesonet station CAMW4 Muddy Gap 7 SW.
Dec 9, 12:56 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 582 Sse Casper, WYMesonet station WY47 Casper 2.1 SW (WYDOT).
Dec 9, 1:10 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 604 S Casper, WYMesonet station PC393 Casper Mountain Rd.
Dec 9, 1:10 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 676 Se Casper, WYMesonet station PC392 Claude Creek.
Dec 9, 1:30 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 613 Sse Casper, WYMesonet station PC377 Scenic Dr.
Dec 9, 3:30 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 663 Sse Casper, WYMesonet station PC377 Scenic Dr.
Dec 10, 9:40 AM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 606 Se Casper, WYMesonet station PC392 Claude Creek.
Dec 10, 9:40 AM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 606 Se Casper, WYMesonet station PC392 Claude Creek.
Dec 10, 9:50 AM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 714 S Casper, WYMesonet station PC393 Casper Mountain Rd.
Dec 10, 9:50 AM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 714 S Casper, WYMesonet station PC393 Casper Mountain Rd.
Dec 10, 10:11 AM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 618 Se Reliance, WYASOS station KRKS Rock Springs Airport.
Dec 10, 10:11 AM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 618 Se Reliance, WYASOS station KRKS Rock Springs Airport.
Dec 10, 11:06 AM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 602 Sse Casper, WYMesonet station WY47 Casper 2.1 SW (WYDOT).
Dec 10, 11:06 AM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 602 Sse Casper, WYMesonet station WY47 Casper 2.1 SW (WYDOT).
Dec 10, 11:44 AM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 6716 Se Rock Springs, WYMesonet station SNOW4 Rock Springs 15 SE.
Dec 10, 11:44 AM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 6716 Se Rock Springs, WYMesonet station SNOW4 Rock Springs 15 SE.
Dec 10, 12:16 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 584 Se Evansville, WYMesonet station WY61 I25 - Hat Six.
Dec 10, 12:16 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 584 Se Evansville, WYMesonet station WY61 I25 - Hat Six.
Dec 10, 1:00 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND DMG1 Sse Rock Springs, WYDelayed report: Minor damage to roof of a building and major damage to a small shed when a large tree blew over due to approximately 30 mph sustained winds with 50 mph gusts.
Dec 10, 2:00 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 653 Sse Casper, WYMesonet station PC377 Scenic Dr.
Dec 10, 2:00 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 653 Sse Casper, WYMesonet station PC377 Scenic Dr.
Dec 10, 2:30 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 5813 Se Evansville, WYMesonet station PC459 Muddy Creek.
Dec 10, 2:30 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 5813 Se Evansville, WYMesonet station PC459 Muddy Creek.
Dec 10, 2:50 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 737 N Bairoil, WYMesonet station CAMW4 Muddy Gap 7 SW.
Dec 10, 2:50 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 737 N Bairoil, WYMesonet station CAMW4 Muddy Gap 7 SW.
Dec 10, 4:47 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 585 Nw Riverton, WYASOS station KRIW Riverton Airport.
Dec 10, 4:47 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 585 Nw Riverton, WYASOS station KRIW Riverton Airport.
Dec 10, 5:50 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 737 N Bairoil, WYMesonet station CAMW4 Muddy Gap 7 SW.
Dec 10, 5:50 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 737 N Bairoil, WYMesonet station CAMW4 Muddy Gap 7 SW.
Dec 10, 5:51 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 615 Nw Riverton, WYASOS station KRIW Riverton Airport.
Dec 10, 5:51 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 615 Nw Riverton, WYASOS station KRIW Riverton Airport.
Dec 10, 5:54 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 745 Nw Riverton, WYASOS station KRIW Riverton Airport.
Dec 10, 5:54 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 745 Nw Riverton, WYASOS station KRIW Riverton Airport.
Dec 11, 8:10 AM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 585 E Ervay, WYMesonet station RSNW4 Hiland 16 S.
Dec 11, 9:50 AM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 654 S Casper, WYMesonet station PC393 Casper Mountain Rd.
Dec 11, 10:06 AM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 682 Sse Casper, WYMesonet station WY47 Casper 2.1 SW (WYDOT).
Dec 11, 10:20 AM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 713 Sse Casper, WYMesonet station PC377 Scenic Dr.
Dec 11, 12:06 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 584 Se Evansville, WYMesonet station WY61 I25 - Hat Six.
Dec 11, 1:50 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 637 N Bairoil, WYMesonet station CAMW4 Muddy Gap 7 SW.
Dec 11, 3:50 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 597 N Bairoil, WYMesonet station CAMW4 Muddy Gap 7 SW.

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 00:00Z, 8.8 hours before the alert went out and 71 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 00:00Z on 2025-12-08Temperature 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°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Riverton, WY at 00:00Z on 2025-12-08The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 88 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
1998 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
71 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
88 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
203 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

245 
WWUS75 KRIW 080849
NPWRIW

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Riverton WY
149 AM MST Mon Dec 8 2025

WYZ019-020-022-027>030-090000-
/O.UPG.KRIW.HW.A.0010.251209T0600Z-251211T1200Z/
/O.NEW.KRIW.HW.W.0013.251209T0600Z-251211T1200Z/
Green Mountains and Rattlesnake Range-Natrona County Lower
Elevations-Casper Mountain-South Lincoln County-Rock Springs and
Green River-Flaming Gorge-East Sweetwater County-
Including the cities of Green River, Wamsutter, Kemmerer, Casper,
Cokeville, Jeffrey City, and Rock Springs
149 AM MST Mon Dec 8 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM THIS EVENING TO 5 AM MST 
THURSDAY...

* WHAT...West winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph expected. 
  Gusts to 70 mph are possible in Sweetwater County.

* WHERE...Casper Mountain, Green Mountains and Rattlesnake Range, 
  Natrona County Lower Elevations, East Sweetwater County, Flaming 
  Gorge, Rock Springs and Green River, and South Lincoln County.

* WHEN...From 11 PM this evening to 5 AM MST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile 
  vehicles.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and 
avoid windows. Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. Use caution 
if you must drive.

&&

$$

For more information from the National Weather Service, visit 
https://weather.gov/riw/ .

Hattings
9 follow-up statements
477 
WWUS75 KRIW 081137
NPWRIW

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Riverton WY
437 AM MST Mon Dec 8 2025

WYZ019-020-022-027>030-090245-
/O.CON.KRIW.HW.W.0013.251209T0600Z-251211T1200Z/
Green Mountains and Rattlesnake Range-Natrona County Lower
Elevations-Casper Mountain-South Lincoln County-Rock Springs and
Green River-Flaming Gorge-East Sweetwater County-
Including the cities of Green River, Wamsutter, Kemmerer, Casper,
Cokeville, Jeffrey City, and Rock Springs
437 AM MST Mon Dec 8 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM THIS EVENING TO 5 
AM MST THURSDAY...

* WHAT...West winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph expected. 
  Gusts to 70 mph are possible in Sweetwater County.

* WHERE...Casper Mountain, Green Mountains and Rattlesnake Range, 
  Natrona County Lower Elevations, East Sweetwater County, Flaming 
  Gorge, Rock Springs and Green River, and South Lincoln County.

* WHEN...From 11 PM this evening to 5 AM MST Thursday. The strongest 
  wind will occur during the daytime hours with a lull in the wind 
  possible on Tuesday night.

* IMPACTS...Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile 
  vehicles.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and 
avoid windows. Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. Use caution 
if you must drive.

&&

$$

For more information from the National Weather Service, visit 
https://weather.gov/riw/ .

Hattings
369 
WWUS75 KRIW 081954
NPWRIW

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Riverton WY
1254 PM MST Mon Dec 8 2025

WYZ016-091300-
/O.EXB.KRIW.HW.W.0013.251209T0300Z-251209T2100Z/
Upper Wind River Basin-
Including the cities of Dubois
1254 PM MST Mon Dec 8 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM THIS EVENING TO 2 PM MST 
TUESDAY...

* WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph expected.

* WHERE...Upper Wind River Basin, including Dubois. 

* WHEN...From 8 PM this evening to 2 PM MST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile 
  vehicles.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use caution if you must drive. Secure loose objects. 

&&

$$

WYZ019-020-022-027>030-091300-
/O.CON.KRIW.HW.W.0013.251209T0600Z-251211T1200Z/
Green Mountains and Rattlesnake Range-Natrona County Lower
Elevations-Casper Mountain-South Lincoln County-Rock Springs and
Green River-Flaming Gorge-East Sweetwater County-
Including the cities of Kemmerer, Cokeville, Green River, Casper,
Wamsutter, Rock Springs, and Jeffrey City
1254 PM MST Mon Dec 8 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM THIS EVENING TO 5 
AM MST THURSDAY...

* WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph expected. 
  Localized gusts up to 70 to 75 mph possible.

* WHERE...Casper Mountain, Green Mountains and Rattlesnake Range, 
  Natrona County Lower Elevations, Sweetwater County and South 
  Lincoln County. Strongest winds are expected along South Pass and 
  higher peaks of the Green Mountains and Rattlesnake Range.

* WHEN...From 11 PM this evening to 5 AM MST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile 
  vehicles.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use caution if you must drive. Secure loose objects. 

&&

$$

For more information from the National Weather Service, visit 
https://weather.gov/riw/ .

Hensley
902 
WWUS75 KRIW 091559
NPWRIW

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Riverton WY
859 AM MST Tue Dec 9 2025

WYZ016-092100-
/O.CON.KRIW.HW.W.0013.000000T0000Z-251209T2100Z/
Upper Wind River Basin-
Including the cities of Dubois
859 AM MST Tue Dec 9 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 PM MST THIS 
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...West winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph.

* WHERE...Upper Wind River Basin, including Dubois. 

* WHEN...Until 2 PM MST this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile 
  vehicles.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use caution if you must drive. Secure loose objects. 

&&

$$

WYZ019-020-022-027>030-092100-
/O.CON.KRIW.HW.W.0013.000000T0000Z-251211T1200Z/
Green Mountains and Rattlesnake Range-Natrona County Lower
Elevations-Casper Mountain-South Lincoln County-Rock Springs and
Green River-Flaming Gorge-East Sweetwater County-
Including the cities of Casper, Green River, Jeffrey City,
Cokeville, Kemmerer, Wamsutter, and Rock Springs
859 AM MST Tue Dec 9 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST THURSDAY...

* WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph expected. 
  Localized gusts up to 70 to 75 mph possible.

* WHERE...Casper Mountain, Green Mountains and Rattlesnake Range, 
  Natrona County Lower Elevations, Sweetwater County and South 
  Lincoln County. Strongest winds are expected along South Pass and 
  higher peaks of the Green Mountains and Rattlesnake Range.

* WHEN...Through 5 AM MST Thursday. The strongest wind will occur 
  during the daytime hours with a lull in the wind possible on 
  Tuesday night.

* IMPACTS...Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile 
  vehicles.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use caution if you must drive. Secure loose objects. 

&&

$$

For more information from the National Weather Service, visit 
https://weather.gov/riw/ .

Dziewaltowski
473 
WWUS75 KRIW 092106
NPWRIW

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Riverton WY
206 PM MST Tue Dec 9 2025

WYZ016-092215-
/O.EXP.KRIW.HW.W.0013.000000T0000Z-251209T2100Z/
Upper Wind River Basin-
Including the cities of Dubois
206 PM MST Tue Dec 9 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING HAS EXPIRED...

The high wind warning for the upper Wind River Basin has been 
allowed to expire this afternoon. Winds in the Dubois area have 
returned to typical 15 to 20 mph winds speeds with gusts 25 to 30 
mph after peaking during the overnight hours.

$$

WYZ019-020-022-027>030-101215-
/O.CON.KRIW.HW.W.0013.000000T0000Z-251211T1200Z/
Green Mountains and Rattlesnake Range-Natrona County Lower
Elevations-Casper Mountain-South Lincoln County-Rock Springs and
Green River-Flaming Gorge-East Sweetwater County-
Including the cities of Jeffrey City, Cokeville, Kemmerer,
Casper, Green River, Wamsutter, and Rock Springs
206 PM MST Tue Dec 9 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST THURSDAY...

* WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph expected. 
  Localized gusts up to 70 to 75 mph possible.

* WHERE...Casper Mountain, Green Mountains and Rattlesnake Range, 
  Natrona County Lower Elevations, Sweetwater County and South 
  Lincoln County. Strongest winds are expected along South Pass and 
  higher peaks of the Green Mountains and Rattlesnake Range.

* WHEN...Through 5 AM MST Thursday. The strongest wind will occur 
  during the daytime hours with a lull in the wind possible on 
  Tuesday night.

* IMPACTS...Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile 
  vehicles.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use caution if you must drive. Secure loose objects. 

&&

$$

For more information from the National Weather Service, visit 
https://weather.gov/riw/ .

McDonald
797 
WWUS75 KRIW 092336
NPWRIW

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Riverton WY
436 PM MST Tue Dec 9 2025

WYZ019-020-022-027>030-101400-
/O.CON.KRIW.HW.W.0013.000000T0000Z-251211T1200Z/
Green Mountains and Rattlesnake Range-Natrona County Lower
Elevations-Casper Mountain-South Lincoln County-Rock Springs and
Green River-Flaming Gorge-East Sweetwater County-
Including the cities of Cokeville, Jeffrey City, Rock Springs,
Wamsutter, Casper, Green River, and Kemmerer
436 PM MST Tue Dec 9 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST THURSDAY...

* WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 to 75 mph 
  possible.

* WHERE...Casper Mountain, Green Mountains and Rattlesnake Range, 
  Natrona County Lower Elevations, Sweetwater County and South 
  Lincoln County. Strongest winds are expected along South Pass and 
  higher peaks of the Green Mountains and Rattlesnake Range.

* WHEN...Through 5 AM MST Thursday, strongest during daytime hours 
  Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile 
  vehicles.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use caution if you must drive. Secure loose objects. 

&&

$$

For more information from the National Weather Service, visit 
https://weather.gov/riw/ .

Lowe
039 
WWUS75 KRIW 101033
NPWRIW

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Riverton WY
333 AM MST Wed Dec 10 2025

WYZ019-020-022-027>030-110300-
/O.CON.KRIW.HW.W.0013.000000T0000Z-251211T1200Z/
Green Mountains and Rattlesnake Range-Natrona County Lower
Elevations-Casper Mountain-South Lincoln County-Rock Springs and
Green River-Flaming Gorge-East Sweetwater County-
Including the cities of Rock Springs, Wamsutter, Casper, Green
River, Kemmerer, Cokeville, and Jeffrey City
333 AM MST Wed Dec 10 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST THURSDAY...

* WHAT...West winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts 50 to 60 mph possible. 

* WHERE...Casper Mountain, Green Mountains and Rattlesnake Range, 
  Natrona County Lower Elevations, East Sweetwater County, Flaming 
  Gorge, Rock Springs and Green River, and South Lincoln County.

* WHEN...Through 5 AM MST Thursday, strongest during daytime hours 
  Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile 
  vehicles.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use caution if you must drive. Secure loose objects. 

&&

$$

For more information from the National Weather Service, visit 
https://weather.gov/riw/ .

Straub
635 
WWUS75 KRIW 101911
NPWRIW

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Riverton WY
1211 PM MST Wed Dec 10 2025

WYZ027-102015-
/O.CAN.KRIW.HW.W.0013.000000T0000Z-251211T1200Z/
South Lincoln County-
Including the cities of Cokeville and Kemmerer
1211 PM MST Wed Dec 10 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING IS CANCELLED...

Forecast winds are not expected to meet criteria. However, gusty 
winds of 35 to 45 may still be possible at times.

$$

WYZ019-020-022-028>030-111200-
/O.CON.KRIW.HW.W.0013.000000T0000Z-251211T1200Z/
Green Mountains and Rattlesnake Range-Natrona County Lower
Elevations-Casper Mountain-Rock Springs and Green River-Flaming
Gorge-East Sweetwater County-
Including the cities of Casper, Rock Springs, Jeffrey City,
Wamsutter, and Green River
1211 PM MST Wed Dec 10 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. Brief 
  isolated gusts of 60 mph or more cannot be ruled out at times 
  especially in wind prone locations.

* WHERE...Casper Mountain, Green Mountains and Rattlesnake Range, 
  Natrona County Lower Elevations, East Sweetwater County, Flaming 
  Gorge, and Rock Springs and Green River.

* WHEN...Until 5 AM MST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile 
  vehicles.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use caution if you must drive.

&&

$$

For more information from the National Weather Service, visit 
https://weather.gov/riw/ .

Dziewaltowski
008 
WWUS75 KRIW 111140
NPWRIW

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Riverton WY
440 AM MST Thu Dec 11 2025

WYZ028-029-111245-
/O.EXP.KRIW.HW.W.0013.000000T0000Z-251211T1200Z/
Rock Springs and Green River-Flaming Gorge-
Including the cities of Green River and Rock Springs
440 AM MST Thu Dec 11 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 5 AM MST EARLY THIS MORNING...

$$

WYZ019-020-022-030-120000-
/O.EXT.KRIW.HW.W.0013.000000T0000Z-251212T0000Z/
Green Mountains and Rattlesnake Range-Natrona County Lower
Elevations-Casper Mountain-East Sweetwater County-
Including the cities of Casper, Wamsutter, and Jeffrey City
440 AM MST Thu Dec 11 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph.

* WHERE...Casper Mountain, Green Mountains and Rattlesnake Range, 
  Natrona County Lower Elevations, and East Sweetwater County.

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

* IMPACTS...Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile 
  vehicles.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use caution if you must drive.

&&

$$

For more information from the National Weather Service, visit 
https://weather.gov/riw/ .

TL
616 
WWUS75 KRIW 112356
NPWRIW

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Riverton WY
456 PM MST Thu Dec 11 2025

WYZ019-020-022-030-120100-
/O.EXP.KRIW.HW.W.0013.000000T0000Z-251212T0000Z/
Green Mountains and Rattlesnake Range-Natrona County Lower
Elevations-Casper Mountain-East Sweetwater County-
Including the cities of Casper, Wamsutter, and Jeffrey City
456 PM MST Thu Dec 11 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 5 PM MST THIS AFTERNOON...

The threat has ended but wind gusts up to 40 to 50 mph still likely 
the rest of the evening before continuing to diminish overnight.

$$

For more information from the National Weather Service, visit 
https://weather.gov/riw/ .

Lowe

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this high wind warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Riverton, WY wrote its last area forecast discussion before this high wind warning went out at Dec 7, 9:31 PM MST, 4 hours 18 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • Snowfall rates have begun to increase across the western mountains leading to moderate accumulations overnight, especially in the Tetons. Winter travel conditions are possible over mountain passes.
  • Wind will be elevated through much of the upcoming week. The strongest wind is expected Monday night through Wednesday night across the Wind Corridor from southwestern Wyoming through Natrona County.
  • An active pattern will keep near-continuous snow chances for the western mountains through the week. Generally above-normal temperatures are expected elsewhere.
Area forecast discussion, Dec 7, 9:31 PM MST, 4 hours 18 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Riverton WY
931 PM MST Sun Dec 7 2025

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Snowfall rates have begun to increase across the western
  mountains leading to moderate accumulations overnight,
  especially in the Tetons. Winter travel conditions are
  possible over mountain passes.

- Wind will be elevated through much of the upcoming week. The strongest
  wind is expected Monday night through Wednesday night across
  the Wind Corridor from southwestern Wyoming through Natrona
  County.

- An active pattern will keep near-continuous snow chances for
  the western mountains through the week. Generally above-normal
  temperatures are expected elsewhere.

&&

.UPDATE...
Issued at 117 PM MST Sun Dec 7 2025

Snow is beginning to pick up again across western Wyoming as the
next wave arrives. The only change made to the forecast this
afternoon was a little more snow accumulation for the Tetons given
latest model guidance. The heaviest snow will fall this evening
through the pre-dawn hours before rates drop off by sunrise. Further
ahead, we will likely be issuing a High Wind Watch shortly for the
extended period of strong wind starting Monday night as noted
below.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 335 AM MST Sun Dec 7 2025

I have wanted to be a meteorologist since I was in 1st grade (thank
you Blizzard of 1978 in Massachusetts). However, at times I gave
thought at what other careers I would have liked. One of them was
engineering, more specifically mechanical engineering. And this
relates to the forecast. Any engineer or even mechanic can tell you,
one of the problems with moving parts if that, the more you have,
the more problems that can occur. And this is the problem with the
forecast this early morning, this forecast has more moving parts
than a Rube Goldberg machine, making the bust potential higher than
normal and details difficult to hash out, especially further out.

As for now, we still have a few showers over the area, especially
over Togwotee Pass, where it seems to snow every time someone
sneezes. But, most areas are in a lull right now. This won't last
though, as the next wave approaches from the west. This one looks to
largely impact the western mountains. The most impacted area will be
the Tetons, where most locations have at least a 2 out of 3 chance
of 6 inches or more of new snow though tonight. With this, we have
issued a Winter Weather Advisory starting at 11 am today, although
the steadiest snow would be tonight when the trough axis moves
through. Other locations have generally have less than a 1 in 2
chance. Southwestern Yellowstone has a greater than 1 in 2 chance
of 6 inches as well, but seeing how the park is closed right now
and the only impact would be to wildlife, no highlights here. As
for East of the Divide, things look relatively uneventful, just
some breezes in the usual locations as downsloping flow occurs.
Temperatures here will average 5 to 10 degrees above normal.

Monday also looks relatively quiet as we will again be in between
systems, with only with only some orographic snow showers in western
Wyoming. However, wind will be increasing as the pressure gradient
really begins to tighten. And this may be the greatest concern for
the middle of the week, especially in central and southern Wyoming.
We will tackle these two concerns separately.

We will start with wind. Some of the telltale 50 knot winds at 700
millibars begin to show up as early as Monday night across the
favored southwesterly, prefrontal locations, like Rock Springs,
Casper and in the lee of the Absarokas. Many of these locations have
at least a 3 out of 4 chance of wind gusts past 50 mph starting
later Monday night, and some have a 1 in 2 chance of wind gusts past
60 mph. I would say there is at least a 1 in 2 chance of some sort
of High Wind Watch being needed starting at this time. Tuesday also
looks like a blustery day as the next system moves toward the area.

The time of concern may be Tuesday night through Wednesday night.
Most modeling shows an 130 knot jet dropping across Wyoming, with
the southern half of the state in the favored right front quadrant
of the jet, enhancing downward momentum. This is when the 700
millibar winds really peak as well, with the GFS showing these winds
as high as 80 knots. Extended MOS guidance shows sustained winds
over 40 knots Wednesday and Wednesday night. In the probabilistic
realm of the ensembles, much of the southern third of the state as
at least a 3 in 5 chance of wind gusts past 60 mph with even some
areas near Green River having a 1 in 2 chance of wind gusts over 70
mph. So, even for this normally windy area, this could be a notable
period of high wind, mainly for how long it could last (into
Thursday as well). As was said earlier, expect some wind highlights
sometime today or at the latest Monday morning for this period
before the wind finally decreased Friday. One mention of caution
though, the models, especially the GFS, can be a bit bullish on
wind this far out, so this is not 100 percent. However, chances
are fairly high of some sort of high wind during this period.

Now for the snowy part of the system. This is where there are more
moving parts and uncertainty increases significantly. There is still
a fairly large spread in guidance. For one, the aforementioned snow
looks to be more dynamically forced with the jet energy. This leads
to a more banded snow that is hard to nail down 24 hours out and
especially so 4 to 5 days out. Many of the western mountains have at
least a 1 in 2 chance of a foot or more of new snow, with some
orographic enhancement from the westerly flow. Some additional
highlights look fairly likely there (at least a 1 in 2 chance)
starting Tuesday night. The uncertainty increases exponentially East
of the Divide. The deterministic models have a lot of different
solutions in regards to timing, as much as a 24 hour difference.
Placement of the heaviest snow is also uncertain. The greatest
chance of greater than 3 inches of snow for the 48 hours ending
Friday morning would be across northern Wyoming. The reasoning for
this would be the area is in the left front quadrant of the jet,
which will enhance upper level divergence. But pinpointing where
this is almost impossible this far out. So, it looks like a rather
active period of weather across western and central Wyoming for the
second week of December.

As for temperatures, it looks rather mild ahead of the front,
especially Tuesday and Wednesday when strong downsloping flow  may
bring highs in the 50s East of the Divide. Things cool off behind
the front Thursday. However, with the Pacific origin of the air,
temperatures would only fall back to seasonal normals, with no
Arctic air expected over the next week.

&&

.AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z TUESDAY/...
Issued at 930 PM MST Sun Dec 7 2025

All TAF sites VFR except JAC with ongoing light snow limiting to
MVFR ceilings and visibility through about 14Z before lifting
after sunrise. Mid and upper level clouds otherwise ahead of the
next system that will increase winds at most locations up to 18
to 25kts after 17-19Z. The strongest mixing will be for CPR/RKS
seeing gusts up to 30kts, with all sites diminishing some after
00Z and sunset Monday evening but remaining elevated and breezy
overnight into Tuesday morning. Snow chances increase once again
after 00Z with JAC, likely not on station carrying VCSH, but
obscuring the Tetons before it makes its way up the valley
after the end of the period.

Please see the Aviation Weather Center and/or CWSU ZDV and ZLC for
the latest information on icing and turbulence forecasts.

&&

.RIW WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Winter Weather Advisory until 5 AM MST Monday for WYZ012.

High Wind Watch from Monday evening through late Wednesday
night for WYZ019-020-022-027>030.

&&

UPDATE...Myers
DISCUSSION...Hattings
AVIATION...Lowe
Hazardous weather outlook, Dec 7, 3:48 AM MST, 22 hours 1 minute before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Riverton WY
348 AM MST Sun Dec 7 2025

WYZ001>020-022>030-081400-
Yellowstone National Park-Absaroka Mountains-Cody Foothills-
North Bighorn Basin-Southwest Bighorn Basin-
Southeast Bighorn Basin-Owl Creek and Bridger Mountains-
Bighorn Mountains West-Bighorn Mountains Southeast-
Northeast Johnson County-Southeast Johnson County-
Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains-Jackson Hole-
Wind River Mountains West-Wind River Mountains East-
Upper Wind River Basin-Wind River Basin-Lander Foothills-
Green Mountains and Rattlesnake Range-
Natrona County Lower Elevations-Casper Mountain-Star Valley-
Salt River and Wyoming Ranges-Upper Green River Basin Foothills-
Upper Green River Basin-South Lincoln County-
Rock Springs and Green River-Flaming Gorge-East Sweetwater County-
348 AM MST Sun Dec 7 2025

...Winter Weather Advisories for the Tetons from 11 am today
through 5 am Monday morning...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Western and Central Wyoming.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight.

Light to moderate snow returning to the western mountains,
steadiest and heaviest after sunset.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday.

Monday night through Friday...Several periods of snow likely for
the western mountains. Snow possible East of the Divide starting
Wednesday but details on amounts and timing are still highly
uncertain.

Tuesday through Thursday...Strong to high wind likely across
central and southern Wyoming.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures.

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Dec 8, 2:02 AM MSTWinter Storm WatchRIWFremont, Lincoln, Sublette, Teton11 hr
Dec 8, 2:02 AM MSTWinter Storm WarningRIWFremont, Hot Springs, Lincoln, Park, Sublette, Teton58 hr
Dec 8, 1:21 PM MSTWinter Weather AdvisoryRIWBig Horn, Fremont, Johnson, Lincoln, Natrona, Sublette and 1 more52 hr

Nearby

High Wind Warnings in Wyoming, 2025Every high wind warning in 2025

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.