![File image: Fort Collins, CO, USA - April 19, 2021: Toyota 4Runner SUV (2016 Trail model) in a heavy springtime snowstorm in the Poudre River Canyon in Colorado Rocky Mountains, [insert] an NWS map showing the impacted areas](/cdn-cgi/image/onerror=redirect,width=640,height=640,format=webp/https://storage.googleapis.com/uploads.mongoosehq.com/url/media/124508080/d75e6cec15f7102faa5b20d2e020a5df127b96972493988e615ba223f3f44b45)
Overview
- NWS warnings that took effect Wednesday remain in place through Friday for high terrain across Oregon, Washington, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and parts of Alaska.
- Forecasters expect 1 to 2 feet at the highest peaks in southern Montana and 9 to 18 inches in Wyoming’s Wind River, Teton, and Gros Ventre ranges as 45 to 60 mph gusts cut visibility.
- Mountain passes such as Teton, Togwotee, South Pass, Santiam, and Willamette could see whiteouts, and officials urge drivers to delay trips or carry chains and winter gear.
- Lower valleys will see rain changing to wet snow with little buildup, while freeze alerts warn that subfreezing nights could kill crops and burst unprotected pipes.
- Precipitation should taper by Friday evening as a ridge builds, with highs rebounding into the 60s to 80s through early next week and another system possible by midweek.