Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Cold Temperature Summary for December 31 2014

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RIVERTON WY
146 PM MST WED DEC 31 2014


...LOW TEMPERATURE REPORTS ACROSS WESTERN AND CENTRAL WYOMING OVER THE
LAST 24 HOURS ENDING AT 11 AM WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 31ST...

LOCATION                     TEMP      TIME/DATE

...WYOMING...
...LINCOLN...
AFTON AIRPORT (6220 FT)      -33 F     0715 AM 12/31
5 SSE LA BARGE (6530 FT)     -31 F     0500 AM 12/31
KEMMERER (6980 FT)           -30 F     0745 AM 12/31
1 NW AFTON (6211 FT)         -30 F     0730 AM 12/31
3 NW ETNA (5692 FT)          -30 F     0154 AM 12/31
6 S ALPINE (5676 FT)         -29 F     0500 AM 12/31
6 WNW GRANGER (6359 FT)      -29 F     0600 AM 12/31
COKEVILLE (6160 FT)          -26 F     0600 AM 12/31
BEDFORD - COOP (6425 FT)     -26 F     0700 AM 12/31
AFTON - COOP (6245 FT)       -25 F     0800 AM 12/31
THAYNE (5928 FT)             -24 F     0453 AM 12/31
ETNA (5823 FT)               -23 F     0458 AM 12/31
KEMMERER AIRPORT (7285 FT)   -22 F     0455 AM 12/31
3 E SAGE JUNCTION (6378 FT)  -22 F     0800 AM 12/31
AFTON (6267 FT)              -20 F     0459 AM 12/31
15 E COKEVILLE (7840 FT)     -16 F     1000 PM 12/30
6 ENE SMOOT (7600 FT)        -15 F     1200 AM 12/31
...BIG HORN... 3 W MANDERSON (4073 FT) -25 F 0700 AM 12/31 BASIN (3897 FT) -23 F 0800 AM 12/31 GREYBULL AIRPORT (3935 FT) -22 F 0453 AM 12/31 BASIN (3884 FT) -22 F 0759 AM 12/31 SHELL (4285 FT) -21 F 0541 AM 12/31 13 NE TEN SLEEP (8038 FT) -20 F 0935 PM 12/30 5 NW GRANITE PASS (9350 FT) -19 F 0100 AM 12/31 COWLEY AIRPORT (4090 FT) -17 F 0455 AM 12/31 ...FREMONT... JEFFREY CITY (6320 FT) -37 F 0700 AM 12/31 2 S RIVERTON (4901 FT) -36 F 0500 AM 12/31 HUDSON (5090 FT) -34 F 0630 AM 12/31 JEFFREY CITY (6374 FT) -33 F 0143 AM 12/31 LANDER (5320 FT) -32 F 0630 AM 12/31 RIVERTON (5372 FT) -31 F 0440 AM 12/31 17 NE DUBOIS (8400 FT) -30 F 0100 AM 12/31 LANDER AIRPORT (5586 FT) -27 F 0453 AM 12/31 DUBOIS (6980 FT) -25 F 1049 PM 12/30 ATLANTIC CITY - COOP (7714 F -25 F 0800 AM 12/31 BURRIS (6120 FT) -23 F 0730 AM 12/31 NORTH FORK POPO AGIE RIVER -23 F 0500 AM 12/31 RIVERTON AIRPORT (5525 FT) -23 F 0453 AM 12/31 BEAVER RIM (6784 FT) -22 F 0656 PM 12/30 13 W CROWHEART (9630 FT) -22 F 0100 AM 12/31 BOYSEN DAM (4760 FT) -21 F 0700 AM 12/31 CROWHEART (6099 FT) -20 F 1016 PM 12/30 BOYSEN RESERVOIR (4710 FT) -19 F 0445 AM 12/31 SOUTH PASS CITY (8540 FT) -15 F 0500 AM 12/31 RIVERTON FORECAST OFFICE -15 F 1200 AM 12/31 ...HOT SPRINGS... THERMOPOLIS 9 NE (4280 FT) -38 F 0700 AM 12/31 KIRBY (4328 FT) -29 F 0538 AM 12/31 1 WSW THERMOPOLIS (4426 FT) -26 F 0455 AM 12/31 ...JOHNSON... 18 WNW BUFFALO (8580 FT) -27 F 0500 AM 12/31 15 W BUFFALO (8720 FT) -23 F 0100 AM 12/31 BUFFALO (4635 FT) -22 F 0504 AM 12/31 POWDER RIVER PASS (9480 FT) -19 F 0100 AM 12/31 10 SW KAYCEE (4900 FT) -15 F 0500 AM 12/31 7 NE BUFFALO (4370 FT) -15 F 1155 PM 12/30 KAYCEE - COOP (4660 FT) -14 F 0700 AM 12/31 BUFFALO AIRPORT (4970 FT) -13 F 0453 AM 12/31 ...NATRONA... 21 W ALCOVA (5920 FT) -29 F 0715 AM 12/31 7 W ALCOVA (6342 FT) -25 F 0120 AM 12/31 2 SE HILAND (6134 FT) -22 F 0126 AM 12/31 POWDER RIVER (5695 FT) -20 F 0800 AM 12/31 PATHFINDER RESERVOIR (5858 F -19 F 0500 AM 12/31 CASPER - COOP (5100 FT) -19 F 0700 AM 12/31 CASPER AIRPORT (5320 FT) -16 F 1153 PM 12/30 MIDWEST (4860 FT) -13 F 0700 AM 12/31 ...PARK... LAMAR RANGER STATION (6555 F -37 F 0800 AM 12/31 1 SW CANYON (8090 FT) -30 F 0100 AM 12/31 TOWER FALLS (6266 FT) -29 F 0945 AM 12/31 EAST ENTRANCE YELLOWSTONE NP -28 F 0800 AM 12/31 6 SW MEETEETSE (6238 FT) -27 F 0710 AM 12/31 BEARTOOTH LAKE (9275 FT) -27 F 0100 AM 12/31 17 SW MEETEETSE (7950 FT) -25 F 0100 AM 12/31 PAHASKA (6696 FT) -23 F 0700 AM 12/31 18 SW CODY (8760 FT) -22 F 0100 AM 12/31 PAHASKA (6800 FT) -19 F 0500 AM 12/31 MAMMOTH AT YELLOWSTONE NP -18 F 0800 AM 12/31 3 NE CLARK (4090 FT) -17 F 0800 AM 12/31 BUFFALO BILL RESERVOIR -16 F 0500 AM 12/31 3 W POWELL (4505 FT) -16 F 0658 AM 12/31 CODY AIRPORT (5100 FT) -15 F 0455 AM 12/31 MEETEETSE (5797 FT) -15 F 0908 PM 12/30 POWELL AIRPORT (5050 FT) -13 F 0455 PM 12/30 WAPITI - COOP (5640 FT) -12 F 0700 AM 12/31 ...SUBLETTE... DANIEL FISH HATCHERY - COOP -48 F 0800 AM 12/31 BONDURANT (6650 FT) -42 F 0145 AM 12/31 2 NW BONDURANT (6726 FT) -37 F 0751 AM 12/31 9 E BIG PINEY (6803 FT) -35 F 0445 AM 12/31 BONDURANT (6687 FT) -35 F 0600 PM 12/30 BOULDER REARING STATION - CO -35 F 0800 AM 12/31 BIG PINEY AIRPORT (6974 FT) -35 F 0453 AM 12/31 PINEDALE AIRPORT (7085 FT) -33 F 0455 AM 12/31 PINEDALE (7195 FT) -32 F 1000 PM 12/30 14 N FARSON (6780 FT) -30 F 0600 AM 12/31 8 SE BONDURANT (7797 FT) -30 F 0801 PM 12/30 4 S BIG PINEY (6854 FT) -30 F 0700 AM 12/31 MARBLETON (6896 FT) -30 F 0757 AM 12/31 SNIDER BASIN (8060 FT) -29 F 0100 AM 12/31 6 WNW CORA (7462 FT) -25 F 1003 PM 12/30 1 NE PINEDALE (7382 FT) -25 F 0640 PM 12/30 PINEDALE (7310 FT) -23 F 0500 AM 12/31 ...SWEETWATER... 7 WSW ROCK SPRINGS (6238 FT) -30 F 0550 AM 12/31 FARSON (6594 FT) -30 F 0425 AM 12/31 FARSON - COOP (6675 FT) -29 F 0700 AM 12/31 1 E RED DESERT (6722 FT) -28 F 0900 AM 12/31 5 E ROCK SPRINGS (6369 FT) -27 F 0735 AM 12/31 2 W WAMSUTTER (6729 FT) -25 F 0800 AM 12/31 GREEN RIVER (6060 FT) -25 F 0800 AM 12/31 3 ENE GRANGER (6254 FT) -25 F 0800 AM 12/31 20 ENE OPAL (6556 FT) -25 F 0531 AM 12/31 7 WNW GREEN RIVER (6387 FT) -25 F 0532 AM 12/31 13 E WAMSUTTER (7052 FT) -21 F 1000 PM 12/30 ROCK SPRINGS AIRPORT (6760 F -21 F 1054 AM 12/31 10 E WAMSUTTER (7062 FT) -19 F 0100 AM 12/31 FONTENELLE RESERVOIR -19 F 1000 PM 12/30 WAMSUTTER - COOP (6725 FT) -15 F 0700 PM 12/30 FLAMING GORGE - BUCKBOARD -15 F 0745 AM 12/31 ...TETON... SNAKE RIVER RANGER STATION -31 F 0700 AM 12/31 DARWIN RANCH - COOP (8160 FT -31 F 0700 PM 12/30 10 N BONDURANT (6770 FT) -31 F 0600 AM 12/31 SOUTH ENTRANCE YNP (6920 FT) -30 F 0800 AM 12/31 WY MOOSE 1 NNE (6466 FT) -29 F 0800 AM 12/31 OLD FAITHFUL (7320 FT) -29 F 0445 AM 12/31 2 SW TETON VILLAGE (6221 FT) -29 F 0654 AM 12/31 MOOSE - COOP (6445 FT) -28 F 0800 AM 12/31 YELLOWSTONE LAKE (7835 FT) -27 F 1156 PM 12/30 JACKSON HOLE AIRPORT (6445 F -27 F 0455 AM 12/31 OLD FAITHFUL (7350 FT) -25 F 0445 AM 12/31 JACKSON - COOP (6210 FT) -25 F 0800 AM 12/31 MORAN JUNCTION (6749 FT) -24 F 0741 AM 12/31 SNAKE RIVER AT JACKSON LAKE -23 F 0500 AM 12/31 JACKSON (6240 FT) -23 F 0445 AM 12/31 HOBACK JUNCTION (5928 FT) -22 F 0547 AM 12/31 TOGWOTEE PASS (9850 FT) -21 F 0100 AM 12/31 JACKSON (6247 FT) -20 F 0607 AM 12/31 ...WASHAKIE... TENSLEEP (4680 FT) -34 F 0700 AM 12/31 WORLAND (4042 FT) -31 F 0624 AM 12/31 WORLAND AIRPORT (4245 FT) -31 F 1053 AM 12/31 WORLAND (4052 FT) -27 F 1209 AM 12/31 TEN SLEEP (4470 FT) -24 F 0617 AM 12/31

Last Day of 2014-Cold!!!

As expected ideal conditions resulted in one of the coldest nights in Star Valley in almost 2 years. The last time it was as cold was on January 14 2013.

Typically the Auburn area is the coldest part of the valley  and this morning was no exception.  My truck thermometer dipped to -35 around sunrise.


And the nearby cattle were evidence of how cold it was.


The coldest reported in Western Wyoming  was Daniel with -48 followed by Bondurant which bottomed out at -42F.

Following is a list of observed minimums across Star Valley this morning:

Afton                     -33
Double L Ranch    -31
Smoot                    -26
Thayne ES             -25
Etna ES                  -24
Alpine                    -18
Star Valley Ranch  -16

Here is a map across the area where temperatures dipped below -25F

Minimums below -20F December 31 2014

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

How Cold Is It?

Subzero temperatures dominate most all of Wyoming this Tuesday Morning.  Following are minimums reported in Star Valley as of 8am.

Double L Ranch -27

Afton airport       -24

Bedford               -19

Smoot                  -18

Thayne ES           -18

Etna ES                -15

Star Valley Ranch  -6

Alpine                     -3

Because of east winds down the Snake River Canyon mixing the cold air, Alpine was about the only station not dropping much below zero, however the 10-15 mph east winds dropped the wind chills to about -20!

Coldest reported thus far in Western Wyoming has been at Bondurant with -38.

Following is a map of some of the coldest temperatures reported this morning.

Minimums less than -20F Tuesday December 30 2014

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Sub Zero Temperatures on the Way

Subzero cold is on the way to much of western Wyoming including Star Valley. In the wake of the current storm, skies should clear late Friday into Saturday.  This will allow temperatures to plummet by Saturday morning. Below zero readings should be common with the typically coldest valley locations possibly to 10 below.

However a major adjustment to the jet stream pattern across the Pacific Ocean is expected to lead to even colder temperatures by next week. 

The following 500 mb charts graphically illustrate the expected change.

Noon Dec 25 2014


Noon Dec 27 2014

Noon Dec 29  2014

This large high pressure ridge off the west coast will allow very cold air to pour south from Canada into the Western States including western Wyoming.

By mid day Saturday the models depict the cold air over Canada heading south toward the western States.




By noon Monday  a cold polar high pressure is spreading the airmass south into the area.




By Tuesday night bitter cold has engulfed all of Wyoming and surrounding states


As of now it appears that by Wednesday morning if not before the mercury will dip to 10 to 20 below zero  in many areas of western Wyoming and possibly 30 below in the typically coldest locations.

Preliminary Snow Totals

Christmas Morning at Star Valley Ranch



PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RIVERTON WY
144 PM MST THU DEC 25 2014


A POTENT WINTER STORM HAS BROUGHT WINTRY CONDITIONS JUST IN TIME FOR
CHRISTMAS. SNOW BEGAN LAST NIGHT WEST OF THE DIVIDE...WHILE EAST OF
THE DIVIDE...SNOW BEGAN A FEW HOURS BEFORE SUNRISE. BREEZY WINDS
HAS ACCOMPANIED THE SNOWFALL...WHICH HAS REDUCED VISIBILITIES AND
CREATED DRIFTS OF SNOW. BELOW ARE THE FIRST OF THE PRELIMINARY
SNOWFALL REPORTS ACROSS CENTRAL AND WESTERN WYOMING. SOME REPORTS
WERE FROM LAST NIGHT OR EARLY THIS MORNING BEFORE 8AM..SO SOME
LOCATIONS MAY NOT MATCH UP.


LOCATION                             SNOWFALL
LINCOLN COUNTY...
 ALPINE...                           12 INCHES.
 5 NNE THAYNE...                    9.5 INCHES.
 STAR VALLEY RANCH...                 8 INCHES.
 BLIND BULL SUMMIT...                 8 INCHES.
 2 SE THAYNE...                       8 INCHES.
 WILLOW CREEK SNOTEL...               6 INCHES.
 BLIND BULL SUMMIT SNOTEL...          5 INCHES.
 5 SSE SMOOT...                       4 INCHES.
 COTTONWOOD CREEK SNOTEL...           4 INCHES.
 COMMISSARY RIDGE...                  4 INCHES.
 SPRING CREEK DIVIDE SNOTEL...        4 INCHES.
 BOX Y RANCH...                       4 INCHES.
 INDIAN CREEK SNOTEL...               3 INCHES.
 SALT RIVER SUMMIT SNOTEL...          3 INCHES.
 AFTON...                           2.3 INCHES.
 KELLEY RANGER STATION SNOTEL...      2 INCHES.
 HAMS FORK SNOTEL...                  1 INCH.
BIG HORN COUNTY... BALD MOUNTAIN SNOTEL... 6 INCHES. BONE SPRINGS DIVIDE SNOTEL... 5 INCHES. SHELL CREEK SNOTEL... 3 INCHES. 2 SSW LOVELL... 2 INCHES. FREMONT COUNTY... HOBBS PARK SNOTEL... 10 INCHES. 6 SW LANDER... 9 INCHES. BROOKS LAKE... 8 INCHES. DEER PARK SNOTEL... 8 INCHES. SOUTH PASS SNOTEL... 8 INCHES. 3 SW LANDER... 6.5 INCHES. BURROUGHS CREEK SNOTEL... 6 INCHES. LANDER... 5.4 INCHES. LANDER AIRPORT... 5.4 INCHES. TOWNSEND CREEK SNOTEL... 5 INCHES. 1 SW LANDER... 4.7 INCHES. LITTLE WARM SNOTEL... 4 INCHES. ST. LAWRENCE ALT SNOTEL... 4 INCHES. LANDER... 3.2 INCHES. ATLANTIC CITY... 3.1 INCHES. COLD SPRINGS SNOTEL... 3 INCHES. RIVERTON... 2.6 INCHES. BOYSEN DAM... 2 INCHES. CASTLE CREEK SNOTEL... 2 INCHES. 9 SSE LANDER... 0.8 INCHES. 6 SE LANDER... 0.7 INCHES. 7 WNW LANDER... 0.6 INCHES. LANDER... 0.3 INCHES. BURRIS... 0.1 INCHES. HOT SPRINGS COUNTY... THERMOPOLIS... 5.5 INCHES. OWL CREEK SNOTEL... 3 INCHES. 9 NE THERMOPOLIS... 1.7 INCHES. JOHNSON COUNTY... HANSEN SAWMILL SNOTEL... 4 INCHES. CLOUD PEAK RESERVOIR SNOTEL... 4 INCHES. SOLDIER PARK SNOTEL... 4 INCHES. LITTLE GOOSE SNOTEL... 4 INCHES. 7 NE BUFFALO... 3.8 INCHES. 4 SSW BUFFALO... 3.5 INCHES. BUFFALO... 2.1 INCHES. BEAR TRAP MEADOW SNOTEL... 2 INCHES. 17 NNW KAYCEE... 1.5 INCHES.
NATRONA COUNTY...
 2 SW CASPER...                     4.5 INCHES.
 CASPER MOUNTAIN SNOTEL...            4 INCHES.
 POWDER RIVER...                    2.5 INCHES.
 GRAVE SPRING SNOTEL...               2 INCHES.
 RENO HILL SNOTEL...                  2 INCHES.
 CASPER...                          1.5 INCHES.
 11 ESE CASPER...                   1.2 INCHES.
 CASPER AIRPORT...                  1.2 INCHES.
 PARADISE VALLEY...                   1 INCH.
  10 WSW CASPER...                    1 INCH.
 CASPER...                            1 INCH.
 4 WSW CASPER...                    0.9 INCHES.
 11 WSW CASPER...                   0.5 INCHES.

PARK COUNTY...
 PAHASKA...                          12 INCHES.
 MARQUETTE SNOTEL...                  9 INCHES.
 BLACKWATER SNOTEL...                 6 INCHES.
 KIRWIN SNOTEL...                     5 INCHES.
 5 ESE CODY...                        5 INCHES.
 TIMBER CREEK SNOTEL...               4 INCHES.
 EVENING STAR SNOTEL...               4 INCHES.
 26 SW CODY...                      3.8 INCHES.
 2 WSW CODY...                        3 INCHES.
 3 NE SUNSHINE...                   2.8 INCHES.
 4 SE CODY...                       2.5 INCHES.
 CODY...                            2.2 INCHES.
 4 ENE POWELL...                    2.2 INCHES.
 WOLVERINE SNOTEL...                  2 INCHES.
 3 W WAPITI...                        2 INCHES.
 CODY...                            1.6 INCHES.
 1 W POWELL...                      0.3 INCHES.

SUBLETTE COUNTY...
 LOOMIS PARK SNOTEL...                7 INCHES.
 POCKET CREEK SNOTEL...               7 INCHES.
 LARSEN CREEK SNOTEL...               6 INCHES.
 15 WNW DANIEL...                     6 INCHES.
 KENDALL RANGER STATION SNOTEL...     6 INCHES.
 ELKHART PARK G.S. SNOTEL...          6 INCHES.
 NEW FORK LAKE SNOTEL...              6 INCHES.
 BIG SANDY OPENING SNOTEL...          6 INCHES.
 GUNSITE PASS SNOTEL...               4 INCHES.
 14 NW PINEDALE...                    4 INCHES.
 TRIPLE PEAK SNOTEL...                4 INCHES.
 EAST RIM DIVIDE SNOTEL...            4 INCHES.
 PINEDALE...                        3.8 INCHES.
 SNIDER BASIN SNOTEL...               3 INCHES.
 DANIEL FISH HATCHERY...              3 INCHES.
 BOULDER REARING STATION...           1 INCH.
 BONDURANT...                       0.9 INCHES.

SWEETWATER COUNTY...
 3 NW GREEN RIVER...                  4 INCHES.
 5 N FARSON...                      0.6 INCHES.
 GREEN RIVER...                     0.2 INCHES.

TETON COUNTY...
 SNOW KING...                        12 INCHES.
 JACKSON HOLE - RENDEZVOUS BOWL...   12 INCHES.
 JACKSON HOLE - RAYMER...            12 INCHES.
 2 NE TETON VILLAGE...             11.5 INCHES.
 3 SSW WILSON...                     11 INCHES.
 PHILLIPS BENCH SNOTEL...            10 INCHES.
 SNAKE RIVER STN SNOTEL...           10 INCHES.
 JACKSON HOLE - MID MOUNTAIN...      10 INCHES.
 GRASSY LAKE SNOTEL...                9 INCHES.
 JACKSON HOLE - BASE...               8 INCHES.
 GROS VENTRE SUMMIT SNOTEL...         8 INCHES.
 GRAND TARGHEE SNOTEL...              8 INCHES.
 12 NE JACKSON...                   7.5 INCHES.
 GRANITE CREEK SNOTEL...              7 INCHES.
 MOOSE...                             7 INCHES.
 GRAND TARGHEE - CHIEF JOSEPH...      6 INCHES.
 TOGWOTEE PASS SNOTEL...              6 INCHES.
 BASE CAMP SNOTEL...                  6 INCHES.
 4 SW JACKSON...                    4.4 INCHES.
 TOGWOTEE MOUNTAIN LODGE...           3 INCHES.

WASHAKIE COUNTY...
 16 SSE TEN SLEEP...                2.5 INCHES.
 5 NNW TEN SLEEP...                 2.3 INCHES.
 WINCHESTER...                        2 INCHES.
 POWDER RIVER PASS SNOTEL...          2 INCHES.
 8 SW WORLAND...                      2 INCHES.
 TEN SLEEP...                       1.8 INCHES.
 MIDDLE POWDER SNOTEL...              1 INCH.

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK...
 OLD FAITHFUL RANGER STATION...      10 INCHES.
 LEWIS LAKE DIVIDE SNOTEL...         10 INCHES.
 LAMAR RANGER STATION...              8 INCHES.
 YELLOWSTONE EAST ENTRANCE...         8 INCHES.
 THUMB DIVIDE SNOTEL...               7 INCHES.
 SYLVAN LAKE SNOTEL...                6 INCHES.
 TWO OCEAN PLATEAU SNOTEL...          5 INCHES.
 PARKER PEAK SNOTEL...                5 INCHES.
 CANYON SNOTEL...                     4 INCHES.
 SYLVAN ROAD SNOTEL...                4 INCHES.

$$

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Christmas Snowstorm on the Way

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RIVERTON WY
245 AM MST WED DEC 24 2014

...SIGNIFICANT SNOWSTORM LIKELY FOR THIS EVENING THROUGH CHRISTMAS
DAY...

.A STORM SYSTEM WILL MOVE TOWARD NORTHERN UTAH ON CHRISTMAS DAY
BEFORE STALLING OUT. SNOW WILL DEVELOP IN THE NORTHWEST LATER THIS
AFTERNOON...IN THE FAR SOUTHWEST AND NORTH EARLY ON CHRISTMAS DAY
WITH ALL OF CENTRAL WYOMING SNOWING BY AROUND SUNRISE OR A LITTLE
BEFORE. SNOW MAY BE HEAVY AT TIMES ON CHRISTMAS DAY WITH AREAS OF
STRONG WIND AND BLOWING SNOW.

WYZ001-002-012>014-023-024-242300-
/O.CON.KRIW.WW.Y.0043.141224T2200Z-141225T1900Z/
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK-ABSAROKA MOUNTAINS-
TETON AND GROS VENTRE MOUNTAINS-JACKSON HOLE-
WIND RIVER MOUNTAINS WEST-STAR VALLEY-
SALT RIVER AND WYOMING RANGES-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...LAKE...MAMMOTH...OLD FAITHFUL...
JACKSON...AFTON...ALPINE...STAR VALLEY RANCH...THAYNE
245 AM MST WED DEC 24 2014

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM THIS
AFTERNOON TO NOON MST THURSDAY...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM THIS
AFTERNOON TO NOON MST THURSDAY.

* SUMMARY AND TIMING...SNOW WILL BEGIN LATER THIS AFTERNOON AND
  CONTINUE THROUGH THE NIGHT BEFORE ENDING ON CHRISTMAS DAY.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS...6 TO 12 INCHES IN THE MOUNTAINS...3 TO 6
  INCHES IN THE LOWER ELEVATIONS...WITH LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS.

* WIND AND VISIBILITY...WEST TO SOUTHWEST 15 TO 25 MPH BECOMING
  NORTHEAST ON CHRISTMAS DAY. VISIBILITY MAY BE REDUCED TO UNDER
  ONE MILE IN SNOW OR BLOWING SNOW.

* IMPACTS...ROADS WILL BECOME SLICK AND SNOW COVERED. TRAVELERS
  SHOULD EXPECT SLOWER TRAVEL AND LIMITED VISIBILITY AT TIMES.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW AND BLOWING
SNOW WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SLIPPERY
ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.

THE LATEST ROAD CONDITIONS PROVIDED BY THE WYOMING DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION ARE AVAILABLE BY CALLING 5-1-1 OR ON THE INTERNET
AT WYOROAD.INFO.

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Winter Storm Warning Star Valley

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RIVERTON WY
207 PM MST SAT DEC 20 2014

...WINTER STORM ACROSS WESTERN WYOMING THIS WEEKEND...

.A MOIST PACIFIC SYSTEM WILL MOVE THROUGH WESTERN WYOMING THIS
WEEKEND...SPREADING SNOWFALL ACROSS THE WESTERN MOUNTAINS AND
VALLEYS. SNOWFALL MAY BE HEAVY AT TIMES...ESPECIALLY SUNDAY
MORNING THROUGH THE EVENING. THIS STORM WILL BRING SIGNIFICANT
SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS ACROSS THE WESTERN MOUNTAINS AND VALLEYS
BEFORE WEAKENING MONDAY MORNING.


STAR VALLEY-SALT RIVER AND WYOMING RANGES-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...AFTON...ALPINE...STAR VALLEY RANCH...
THAYNE

207 PM MST SAT DEC 20 2014

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO
8 AM MST MONDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN RIVERTON HAS ISSUED A WINTER
STORM WARNING FOR SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 5
PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 8 AM MST MONDAY. THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS NO
LONGER IN EFFECT.

* SUMMARY AND TIMING...SNOWFALL WILL INCREASE ACROSS LINCOLN
  COUNTY THIS EVENING. PERIODS OF HEAVY SNOW WITH BLOWING SNOW IS
  EXPECTED SUNDAY ACROSS THE AREA BEFORE WEAKENING ON MONDAY
  MORNING.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS...THE VALLEY LOCATIONS MAY SEE 6 TO 10 INCHES
  OF SNOWFALL WITH THIS STORM WITH THE HIGHER ACCUMULATIONS
  EXPECTED AROUND STAR VALLEY RANCH. MOUNTAIN LOCATIONS COULD SEE
  12 TO 20 INCHES... WITH LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS UP TO 24 INCHES.

* WIND AND VISIBILITY...WIND WILL BE STRONGEST OVER THE MOUNTAIN
  PASSES WITH WEST WIND OF 25 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS OVER 45 MPH.
  THE LOWER ELEVATIONS WILL SEE SOUTHWEST WIND INCREASING TO 15 TO
  25 MPH ON SUNDAY WITH GUSTS TO 35 MPH IN OPEN AREAS. THE WIND
  AND SNOWFALL WILL LIMIT THE VISIBILITY TO UNDER A QUARTER MILE AT
  TIMES.

* IMPACTS...THE COMBINATION OF SNOWFALL AND WIND WILL HAVE AN
  ADVERSE IMPACT ON TRAVELERS ACROSS THE AREA. SIGNIFICANT
  SNOWFALL ACROSS THE VALLEYS WILL CREATE HAZARDOUS DRIVING
  CONDITIONS DUE TO SNOW PACKED ROADWAYS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER
CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING.  SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF
SNOW ARE FORECAST THAT WILL MAKE TRAVEL DANGEROUS. ONLY TRAVEL IN
AN EMERGENCY. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL...KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT...
FOOD...AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.

THE LATEST ROAD CONDITIONS PROVIDED BY THE WYOMING DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION ARE AVAILABLE BY CALLING 5-1-1 OR ON THE INTERNET
AT WYOROAD.INFO.

Snow Possibly Heavy in Star Valley Tonight and Sunday

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RIVERTON WY
308 AM MST SAT DEC 20 2014

...SIGNIFICANT SNOWFALL STILL POSSIBLE THIS WEEKEND...

.A MOIST PACIFIC SYSTEM WILL MOVE THROUGH THE INTERMOUNTAIN WEST
THIS WEEKEND...SPREADING SNOWFALL ACROSS THE WESTERN MOUNTAINS
AND VALLEYS. SNOWFALL MAY BE HEAVY AT TIMES...ESPECIALLY SUNDAY
MORNING THROUGH THE EVENING. THIS SYSTEM MAY BRING SIGNIFICANT
SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS ACROSS THE WESTERN MOUNTAINS AND VALLEYS
BEFORE WEAKENING MONDAY MORNING.

WYZ001-012-013-023-024-210000-
/O.CON.KRIW.WS.A.0014.141221T0300Z-141222T1500Z/
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK-TETON AND GROS VENTRE MOUNTAINS-
JACKSON HOLE-STAR VALLEY-SALT RIVER AND WYOMING RANGES-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...LAKE...MAMMOTH...OLD FAITHFUL...
JACKSON...AFTON...ALPINE...STAR VALLEY RANCH...THAYNE
308 AM MST SAT DEC 20 2014

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THIS EVENING THROUGH
MONDAY MORNING...

A WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THIS EVENING THROUGH
MONDAY MORNING.

* SUMMARY AND TIMING...SNOWFALL WILL MOVE INTO WESTERN WYOMING
  THIS EVENING...AND MAY BECOME HEAVY ON SUNDAY ACROSS THE AREA
  BEFORE WEAKENING ON MONDAY MORNING.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS...THE VALLEY LOCATIONS MAY SEE 6 TO 10
  INCHES OF SNOWFALL WITH THIS SYSTEM WITH THE HIGHER
  ACCUMULATIONS EXPECTED ACROSS THE NORTHERN PORTION OF THE
  JACKSON VALLEY. MOUNTAIN LOCATIONS COULD SEE 12 TO 16 INCHES...
   WITH LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS UP TO 24 INCHES.

* WIND AND VISIBILITY...WIND WILL BE STRONGEST OVER THE HIGHER
  ELEVATIONS...AND MAY IMPACT MOUNTAIN PASSES WITH WEST WIND OF
  25 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS OVER 50 MPH. EVEN THE LOWER ELEVATIONS
  WILL SEE SOUTHWEST WIND INCREASING TO 15 TO 25 MPH ON SUNDAY
  WITH GUSTS TO 35 MPH IN OPEN AREAS. THE WIND AND SNOWFALL WILL
  LIMIT THE VISIBILITY TO UNDER ONE HALF MILE AT TIMES.

* IMPACTS...THE COMBINATION OF SNOWFALL AND WIND OVER THE HIGHER
  ELEVATIONS WOULD HAVE AN ADVERSE IMPACT ON TRAVELERS ACROSS
  THE AREA. SIGNIFICANT SNOWFALL ACROSS THE VALLEYS WILL CREATE
  HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS DUE TO SNOW PACKED ROADWAYS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

REMEMBER...A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS CONDITIONS ARE FAVORABLE
FOR HAZARDOUS WINTER WEATHER IN AND CLOSE TO THE WATCH AREA.

THE LATEST ROAD CONDITIONS PROVIDED BY THE WYOMING DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION ARE AVAILABLE BY CALLING 5-1-1 OR ON THE INTERNET
AT WYOROAD.INFO.

Friday, December 19, 2014

Winter Storm Watch Issued for Star Valley this weekend.

 Winter Storm Watch valid until December 22 8:00am MST
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RIVERTON WY
256 AM MST FRI DEC 19 2014

...SIGNIFICANT SNOWFALL POSSIBLE THIS WEEKEND...

.A MOIST PACIFIC SYSTEM WILL MOVE THROUGH THE INTERMOUNTAIN WEST
THIS WEEKEND...SPREADING SNOWFALL ACROSS THE WESTERN MOUNTAINS AND
VALLEYS. SNOWFALL MAY BE HEAVY AT TIMES...ESPECIALLY SUNDAY
AFTERNOON AND EVENING. THIS SYSTEM MAY BRING SIGNIFICANT SNOWFALL
ACCUMULATIONS ACROSS THE WESTERN MOUNTAINS AND VALLEYS BEFORE
WEAKENING MONDAY MORNING.

WYZ001-012-013-023-024-200000-
/O.NEW.KRIW.WS.A.0014.141221T0300Z-141222T1500Z/
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK-TETON AND GROS VENTRE MOUNTAINS-
JACKSON HOLE-STAR VALLEY-SALT RIVER AND WYOMING RANGES-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...LAKE...MAMMOTH...OLD FAITHFUL...
JACKSON...AFTON...ALPINE...STAR VALLEY RANCH...THAYNE
256 AM MST FRI DEC 19 2014

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH
MONDAY MORNING...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN RIVERTON HAS ISSUED A WINTER
STORM WATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH
MONDAY MORNING.

* SUMMARY AND TIMING...SNOWFALL WILL MOVE INTO WESTERN WYOMING
  SATURDAY EVENING...AND MAY BECOME HEAVY ON SUNDAY ACROSS THE
  AREA BEFORE WEAKENING ON MONDAY MORNING.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS...THE VALLEY LOCATIONS MAY SEE 5 TO 10 INCHES
  OF SNOWFALL WITH THIS SYSTEM WITH THE HIGHER ACCUMULATIONS
  EXPECTED ACROSS THE NORTHERN PORTION OF THE JACKSON VALLEY.
  MOUNTAIN LOCATIONS COULD SEE 12 TO 16 INCHES...WITH LOCALLY
  HIGHER AMOUNTS TO 24 INCHES.

* WIND AND VISIBILITY...WIND WILL BE STRONGEST OVER THE HIGHER
  ELEVATIONS...AND MAY IMPACT MOUNTAIN PASSES WITH WEST WIND OF 25
  TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS OVER 50 MPH. EVEN THE LOWER ELEVATIONS WILL
  SEE SOUTHWEST WIND INCREASING TO 15 TO 25 MPH ON SUNDAY WITH
  GUSTS TO 35 MPH IN OPEN AREAS. THE WIND AND SNOWFALL WILL LIMIT
  THE VISIBILITY TO UNDER ONE HALF MILE AT TIMES.

* IMPACTS...THE COMBINATION OF SNOWFALL AND WIND OVER THE HIGHER
  ELEVATIONS WOULD HAVE AN ADVERSE IMPACT ON TRAVELERS ACROSS THE
  AREA. SIGNIFICANT SNOWFALL ACROSS THE VALLEYS WILL CREATE
  HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS DUE TO SNOW PACKED ROADWAYS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

REMEMBER...A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS CONDITIONS ARE FAVORABLE
FOR HAZARDOUS WINTER WEATHER IN AND CLOSE TO THE WATCH AREA.

THE LATEST ROAD CONDITIONS PROVIDED BY THE WYOMING DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION ARE AVAILABLE BY CALLING 5-1-1 OR ON THE INTERNET
AT WYOROAD.INFO.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

November 2014 World Weather

Christopher  Burt,  Weather Historian has posted a blog on this past Novembers World Weather.  Some amazing events occurred  and provides some interesting reading for any weather junky!  This includes the dramatic changes that occurred at Casper Wyoming.


November 2014 Global Weather Extremes Summary

By: Christopher C. Burt , 11:54 PM GMT on December 18, 2014
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November 2014 Global Weather Extremes Summary

November was globally the 7th warmest such on record according to NOAA and 8th according to NASA (see Jeff Master’s blog for more about this). It was a cold month in the U.S. with some phenomenal lake-effect snowstorms. A powerful storm, dubbed a ‘Medicane’ formed in the Mediterranean Sea. Deadly floods occurred in Morocco, Italy, and Switzerland. It was the warmest November on record for Australia, Italy, Austria and much of Southeast Asia.

Below are some of the month’s highlights.

NORTH AMERICA

It was the coldest November since 2000 for the contiguous U.S. (and 16th coldest on record) thanks to an exceptional arctic outbreak in the middle of the month. In Casper, Wyoming the temperature fell to -27°F (-32.8°C) on November 12th, its coldest on record for November. Amazingly, this was a drop of some -99°F (55°C) between November 1st, when the temperature peaked at 72°F (22.2°C) tying the record for warmest November temperature ever observed in the city to November 12th when the monthly record low occurred. 



The temperature in Casper, Wyoming fell from a November record high (actually a tie for such) on November 1st to a November monthly record low by November 12th. Table from NWS-Riverton.

The cold air was mostly confined to the eastern two-thirds of the nation and was most persistent in the Southeast where several sites (Macon in Georgia, Mobile in Alabama, and Gainesville in Florida) endured their coldest or 2nd coldest November on record. Early season snowfall accompanied the cold in the region with Columbus, South Carolina recording its earliest snowfall on record (just a trace officially—although over one inch fell in the suburbs) on November 3rd. This early snowfall occurred one week after a daily record high of 87°F (30.6°C) was observed on October 26th!. Following the cold wave, unusually mild air surged north across the eastern U.S. and Canada where the town of Saint Anicet, Quebec (just southwest of Montreal) reached 21.3°C (70.3°F) on November 24th.

In contrast to most of the country, California had its 8th warmest November on record and remains on track for its warmest year ever observed (since 1895). It was also exceptionally mild in Alaska where King Salmon had its warmest November on record (since 1916). McGrath reached 50°F (10°C) on November 12th, a new November monthly record and smashing the previous latest 50°-reading-on-record by 21 days, the previous latest being on October 22nd. One of the most intense extra-tropical storms on record churned through the Bering Sea on November 7-8 when a buoy off the coast of Siberia measured a pressure reading of 929.8 mb. The estimated actual minimum pressure of the storm was said to be as low as 924 mb (27.29”), which would be close to, if not actually, the lowest such ever observed for an extra-tropical storm in the Pacific Ocean.





State-by-state temperature ranking (top map) and precipitation ranking (bottom map) for November. For a wide swath of central and southeastern U.S. it was one of the top 10 coldest Novembers on record.Maps from NCDC.

One of the most remarkable features of the month was the tremendous lake-effect snowfall in Wisconsin, Michigan, and New York State. Gile, Wisconsin picked up 48.3” (123 cm) of snow in 72 hours on November 10-13, leading to a November monthly total of 110.6” (281 cm): the greatest monthly snow total in Wisconsin state records (the previous record was 103.5” (263 cm) at Hurley in January 1997. Even more remarkable were the two back-to-back lake effect snows that buried communities just to the south and east of Buffalo, New York between November 18-20. An astonishing 88” (224 cm) was measured in the town of Cowlesville in Wyoming County, and 80” (203 cm) near Hamburg. There were 14 storm-related fatalities including one victim who was literally buried inside his car.



Towns south of Buffalo saw up to 88” of snow fall over a three-day period on November 18-20, one of the greatest lake-effect snowfalls in history for the U.S. Photo by Kyle Duley posted on Twitter.

SOUTH AMERICA and CENTRAL AMERICA

Exceptional heat continued to grip portions of southern South America during the month with Cochabamba, Bolivia reaching an all-time record of 35.6°C (96.1°F) on November 6th and 7th (POR since 1949). What is remarkable about this figure is that Cochabamba Airport (where the temperature was observed) rests at an elevation of 2,550 m (10,039 feet). This would be one the warmest temperatures ever measured on Earth at such an altitude. La Paz Observatory, Bolivia reached 27.1°C (80.8°F), its 2nd warmest temperature on record (the all-time record is 27.2°C/81.0°F set in December 1997).

EUROPE

November saw amazingly warm temperatures across much of Western Europe. Many sites broke their all-time November heat records as I blogged about on November 3rd. Late in the month a heat wave again affected the region with temperatures as high as 29.0° (84.2°F) measured at Pollenca, Spain and 26.8°C (80.2°F) at Socoa in France on November 22-24. More heat occurred a week later with a reading of 32.9°C (91.2°F) observed in Capaci, Sicily on November 29th. It was the warmest November on record for Italy (where the temperature averaged an amazing 3.6°C/6.5°F above normal) and also for Austria. France and Switzerland recorded their 2nd warmest Novembers on record.

More intense rainstorms lashed Southern France and Italy during the month. Over 300 mm (11.80”) of rainfall fell in just 3 hours at Carrara, Italy on November 5th and 700 mm (27.56”) fell at Malga Maline over 48 hours during the storm. In mid-November more torrential rain and flash floods hit northern Italy and southern Switzerland where a landslide on November 16th killed two and injured four in Davesco near the Swiss city of Lugano.



A landslide killed two and injured four in the Swiss town of Davesco on November 16th following a downpour of 70 mm in just hours. Photographer not identified.

Nice, in France, endured its wettest month on record with 503 mm (19.80”) of rainfall measured (previous record was 419 mm/16.50” in September 1992). Yet another round of flooding rain hit southern France and Italy again on November 24-26 with Collobrieres in France picking up 251 mm (9.88”) during the course of the storm and Lugo di Nazza in Corsica 480 mm (18.90”) in 24 hours on November 28th.

A powerful tropical storm-like cyclone (called a ‘Medicane’) plowed through the Mediterranean Sea on November 7th passing close to Sicily and Malta where sustained winds as high as 69 mph and gusting to 96 mph were measured. The storms central pressure fell to 979 mb and it took on the appearance of a classic tropical storm (but was not designated as such).



A MODIS satellite image of the “Medicane” on November 7th as it passed close by Malta in the Mediterranean. Image from NASA.

In the U.K. it was generally a mild and wet November (the 5th warmest on record since 1910). The warmest temperature observed was 18.7°C (65.7°F) at Writtle, Essex on November 1st and the coldest -4.6°C (23.7°F) at Cromdale, Moray on November 26th. The greatest 24-hour rainfall measured was 122.6 mm (4.83”) at Alltberg House, Isle of Skye on November 6-7.

AFRICA

The same late November heat wave that baked sothern Europe also affected portions of North Africa when 33.0°C (91.4°F) was measured at Siirt and Zuara, Libya and 33.5°C (92.3°F) at Djerba Island, Tunisia on November 30th. 

Deadly flash floods killed at least 32 in southern Morocco near the city of Guelmim during a period of heavy rains in late November. Marrakech was also hit hard with roads washed out and tour buses stranded. Agadir picked up 128 mm (5.04”) of rain in three days November 21-23.



Flooding near the town of Guelmim, Morocco on November 23rd where at least 32 lives were lost. Photo capture from video posted on Facebook by Ayoub Elidrissi.

The hottest temperature measured in the northern hemisphere during November was 42.0°C (107.6°F) at Matam, Senegal on November 1st, 6th, and 14th as well as at Linguere (Senegal) on November 4th.

ASIA

Super Typhoon Nuri became one of the most powerful tropical storms of the year when, on November 2nd, its winds peaked at a sustained 180 mph and its central pressure plummeted to 910 mb. Fortunately, the storm never made landfall and passed well east of Japan before becoming extra-tropical and transforming into one of the most powerful cyclones ever to pass over the Bering Sea between Alaska and Siberia (see North America entry).



Super Typhoon Nuri captured by astronauts on board the International Space Station on November 2nd when the storm was near its peak intensity with 180 mph winds. Image courtesy of the European Space Agency.

November saw some extreme cold form over the Arctic Coastal region of central Russia with Norlisk setting a November monthly cold record of -44.9°C (-48.9°F) on November 25th. The coldest temperature measured in the northern hemisphere during the month was -52.7°C (-62.9°F) at Habardino, Russia on November 28th.

Torrential rains flooded northeastern Malaysia on November 18-19 with 595 mm (23.43”) measured in Kuala Terengganu and 397 mm (15.63”) at Kota Bharu over the course of 48 hours.

AUSTRALIA

It was the warmest November on record for Australia (following the same in October) with the national mean temperature averaging 1.88°C (3.38°F) above normal. It was also drier than usual, with precipitation averaging 22% below normal nation-wide.





Temperature (top map) and precipitation (bottom map) deciles for Australia during November. It was the warmest November on record for the nation. Maps courtesy of the Australian Bureau of Meteorology.

A severe thunderstorm pounded Brisbane, Queensland on November 27th with large hail, winds gusting to 141 kph (88 mph) and torrential rain. 50 mm (1.97”) of rain fell in just 15 minutes at Archerfield Airport (with a storm total of 87.8 mm/3.46”). Extensive damage was reported across the city with losses in excess of US$100 million.

The hottest temperature measured in Australia and the world during the month was 46.1°C (115.0°F) at Roxby Downs, South Australia on November 22nd and the coldest -6.1°C (21.0°F) at Thredbo, New South Wales on November 2nd. The greatest calendar day rainfall was 108 mm (4.25”) at Nashua (Wilsons River), New South Wales on November 27th.

NEW ZEALAND and OCEANIA

November was a relatively normal month weather-wise for New Zealand. The warmest temperature observed was 31.1°C (88.0°F) at Christchurch, South Island on November 22nd and the coldest -3.4°C (25.9°F) at Middlemarch, South Island on November 11th. The greatest calendar day rainfall was 226 mm (8.90”) at Milford Sound, South Island on November 21st. A wind gust of 209 kph (130 mph) was measured at Cape Turnagain, North Island on November 18th.

Atuona in French Polynesia recorded a temperature of 36.0°C (96.8°F) on November 20th. This was just short of the all-time heat record for French Polynesia which was 36.1°C (97.0°F) also set at Atuona on December 12, 1972.

ANTARCTICA

The coldest temperature in the southern hemisphere and the world during November was –58.2°C (-72.8°F) recorded at Concordia on November 1st.


KUDOS Thanks to Maximiliano Herrera for global temperature extremes data and Jeremy Budd and NIWA for New Zealand data.


Christopher C. Burt
Weather Historian

White Christmas Assured for Star Valley

It appears that Western Wyoming will be coming under the influence of a moist flow of air from the Pacific over the weekend, continuing into the middle of Christmas week.  Significant snow should occur over the mountains with snow and possibly some rain in Star Valley.

This change is the subject of this weeks weather video from the Riverton Forecast Office.

Weekly Weather Video

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Snow Pack Off to a Good Start in Western Wyoming

Scene from Star Valley Ranch in the wake of Weekend Snowfall.


While officially Winter is still a week away and the important snowfall season is still ahead, it is instructive  to look at the current snowpack conditions across Wyoming and the Western States.  The highlight is that most of the west has a weak start to the snowpack with the exception of Western Wyoming.

Following is a map of the state of snowpack over the west.

Dec 16 2014 SWE % of Normal

Much of western Wyoming is the exception with generally above normal  SWE.

Wyoming SWE % of Normal December 16 2014
In Star Valley the two important SNOTEL sites  are Cottonwood and Willow Creek.

Cottonwood SNOTEL  as of December 16,2014 is running well above normal for the water year beginning Oct 1st.

Cottonwood Creek SNOTEL


Willow Creek SNOTEL is also running above normal.



Willow Creek SNOTEL

For comparison purposes  for the period of October 1-December 16 2014 the  52 inches of snow measured at Star Valley Ranch is close to the 50 inches for the same period last winter.

Monday, December 15, 2014

Final Snowfall Total for Weekend Storm

PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RIVERTON WY
118 PM MST MON DEC 15 2014

...SNOW COMES TO MANY AREAS OF WESTERN WYOMING SUNDAY...

SNOWFALL TOTALS FROM SUNDAY DECEMBER 14 THROUGH MIDDAY
MONDAY DECEMBER 15 ARE INCLUDED IN THIS COUNTY-BY-COUNTY
LIST. A LARGE LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM NOW IN THE CENTRAL
PLAINS ROTATED MOISTURE NORTH AND WEST ACROSS WYOMING.
AN ALMOST CONTINUOUS LIGHT SNOW FELL ACROSS MANY AREAS
FROM EARLY SUNDAY MORNING THROUGH SUNRISE MONDAY.

LOCATION                             SNOWFALL
LINCOLN COUNTY...
 5 NNE THAYNE...                    8.5 INCHES.
 STAR VALLEY RANCH...               5.7 INCHES.
 WILLOW CREEK SNOTEL...               5 INCHES.
 AFTON...                           4.4 INCHES.
 COMMISSARY RIDGE...                  4 INCHES.
 BLIND BULL SUMMIT...                 4 INCHES.
 5 SSE SMOOT...                       4 INCHES.
 2 SE THAYNE...                     3.8 INCHES.
 COTTONWOOD CREEK SNOTEL...           3 INCHES.
 BOX Y RANCH...                       3 INCHES.
 SPRING CREEK DIVIDE SNOTEL...        1 INCH.
 SALT RIVER SUMMIT SNOTEL...          1 INCH.
 BLIND BULL SUMMIT SNOTEL...          1 INCH.
 KELLEY RANGER STATION SNOTEL...      1 INCH.
 HAMS FORK SNOTEL...                  1 INCH.
BIG HORN COUNTY... BONE SPRINGS DIVIDE SNOTEL... 7 INCHES. BALD MOUNTAIN SNOTEL... 5 INCHES. SHELL CREEK SNOTEL... 4 INCHES. 2 SSW LOVELL... 2.5 INCHES. 26 E LOVELL... 2 INCHES. SHELL... 0.5 INCHES. POWELL FIELD STATION... 0.3 INCHES. BURLINGTON... 0.2 INCHES. FREMONT COUNTY... BLUE RIDGE... 8 TO 10 INCHES. ST. LAWRENCE ALT SNOTEL... 9 INCHES. TOWNSEND CREEK SNOTEL... 9 INCHES. 6 SE LANDER... 8.3 INCHES. HOBBS PARK SNOTEL... 8 INCHES. 9 S LANDER... 8 INCHES. BURRIS... 8 INCHES. 3 SW LANDER... 7.3 INCHES. COLD SPRINGS SNOTEL... 7 INCHES. DEER PARK SNOTEL... 7 INCHES. 9 SSE LANDER... 7 INCHES. LANDER... 5 TO 7 INCHES. LOUIS LAKE... 6 INCHES. SOUTH PASS SNOTEL... 6 INCHES. SWEETWATER STATION... 6 INCHES. SINKS CANYON... 6 INCHES. HUDSON... 5.7 INCHES. 7 WNW LANDER... 5.6 INCHES. 6 SW LANDER... 5.6 INCHES. JEFFREY CITY... 5 INCHES. CASTLE CREEK SNOTEL... 5 INCHES. BROOKS LAKE... 5 INCHES. 9.5 SW LANDER... 5 INCHES. ATLANTIC CITY... 4.7 INCHES. 7 ESE KINNEAR... 4.5 INCHES. LITTLE WARM SNOTEL... 4 INCHES. BURROUGHS CREEK SNOTEL... 4 INCHES. DUBOIS... 3.5 INCHES. RIVERTON AIRPORT... 3.2 INCHES. 10 NW RIVERTON... 3 INCHES. RIVERTON... 2.2 INCHES. 10 WNW DUBOIS... 1.5 INCHES. DUBOIS... 1 INCH. BOYSEN DAM... 1 INCH. 10 NNE RIVERTON... 0.4 INCHES. HOT SPRINGS COUNTY... 9 NE THERMOPOLIS... 13.4 INCHES. THERMOPOLIS... 8.6 INCHES. OWL CREEK SNOTEL... 7 INCHES. 8 W THERMOPOLIS... 7 INCHES. THERMOPOLIS... 4 TO 5 INCHES. JOHNSON COUNTY... CLOUD PEAK RESERVOIR SNOTEL... 13 INCHES. LITTLE GOOSE SNOTEL... 11 INCHES. HANSEN SAWMILL SNOTEL... 10 INCHES. SOLDIER PARK SNOTEL... 7 INCHES. BEAR TRAP MEADOW SNOTEL... 6 INCHES. KAYCEE... 5 INCHES. 4 SSW BUFFALO... 0.4 INCHES. BUFFALO... 0.2 INCHES. NATRONA COUNTY... CASPER... 7 TO 10 INCHES. POWDER RIVER... 9.5 INCHES. CASPER AIRPORT... 9.3 INCHES. 1 SW CASPER... 9.25 INCHES. CASPER MOUNTAIN SNOTEL... 9 INCHES. PARADISE VALLEY... 9 INCHES. 10 WSW CASPER... 8.3 INCHES. 2 S CASPER... 8.3 INCHES. 2 SW CASPER... 8.3 INCHES. 11 ESE CASPER... 8 INCHES. RENO HILL SNOTEL... 8 INCHES. EVANSVILLE... 8 INCHES. 5 SSW CASPER... 8 INCHES. CASPER MOUNTAIN... 7 INCHES. GRAVE SPRING SNOTEL... 6 INCHES. MIDWEST... 5 INCHES. 1 N CASPER... 5 INCHES. PARK COUNTY... 6 SW CODY... 12 INCHES. MARQUETTE SNOTEL... 9 INCHES. 3 NE SUNSHINE... 8.2 INCHES. 2 WSW CODY... 7 INCHES. 5 ESE CODY... 6 INCHES. CODY... 6 INCHES. TIMBER CREEK SNOTEL... 6 INCHES. 4 SE CODY... 5.8 INCHES. KIRWIN SNOTEL... 5 INCHES. BLACKWATER SNOTEL... 5 INCHES. MEETEETSE... 5 INCHES. WOLVERINE SNOTEL... 4 INCHES. 26 SW CODY... 4 INCHES. BEARTOOTH LAKE SNOTEL... 4 INCHES. EVENING STAR SNOTEL... 4 INCHES. 3 NW POWELL... 3.5 INCHES. 3 SW RALSTON... 3 INCHES. 1 NNE CLARK... 2 INCHES. 4 SW POWELL... 1.2 INCHES. PAHASKA... 1 INCH. POWELL... 1 INCH. MEETEETSE... 0.5 INCHES. 4 ENE POWELL... 0.2 INCHES. SUBLETTE COUNTY... LARSEN CREEK SNOTEL... 6 INCHES. BIG SANDY OPENING SNOTEL... 5 INCHES. POCKET CREEK SNOTEL... 4 INCHES. ELKHART PARK G.S. SNOTEL... 3 INCHES. EAST RIM DIVIDE SNOTEL... 2 INCHES. GUNSITE PASS SNOTEL... 2 INCHES. PINEDALE... 1.2 INCHES. KENDALL RANGER STATION SNOTEL... 1 INCH. LOOMIS PARK SNOTEL... 1 INCH. 14 NW PINEDALE... 1 INCH. NEW FORK LAKE SNOTEL... 1 INCH. BOULDER REARING STATION... 1 INCH. BONDURANT... 0.9 INCHES. MARBLETON... 0.5 INCHES. BIG PINEY... 0.5 INCHES. MERNA... 0.1 INCHES. DANIEL FISH HATCHERY... 0.1 INCHES. SWEETWATER COUNTY... 7 SSE ROCK SPRINGS... 2.6 INCHES. 5 N FARSON... 1.2 INCHES. GREEN RIVER... 0.5 TO 1 INCH. 2 NE ROCK SPRINGS... 0.5 INCHES. ROCK SPRINGS... 0.5 INCHES. TETON COUNTY... TOGWOTEE MOUNTAIN LODGE... 11 INCHES. GRAND TARGHEE - CHIEF JOSEPH... 9 INCHES. GRAND TARGHEE SNOTEL... 7 INCHES. JACKSON HOLE - RENDEZVOUS BOWL... 7 INCHES. TOGWOTEE PASS SNOTEL... 6 INCHES. MOOSE... 4 TO 6 INCHES. GROS VENTRE SUMMIT SNOTEL... 5 INCHES. SNOW KING... 5 INCHES. 12 NE JACKSON... 5 INCHES. JACKSON HOLE - RAYMER... 4.2 INCHES. 1 NNW ALTA... 3 INCHES. JACKSON HOLE - MID MOUNTAIN... 3 INCHES. GRASSY LAKE SNOTEL... 3 INCHES. 2 NE TETON VILLAGE... 2.7 INCHES. JACKSON... 2.5 INCHES. DARWIN RANCH... 2.2 INCHES. JACKSON HOLE - BASE... 2 INCHES. 4 SW JACKSON... 1.5 INCHES. BASE CAMP SNOTEL... 1 INCH. SNAKE RIVER STN SNOTEL... 1 INCH. 3 SSW WILSON... 0.7 INCHES. 2 SW WILSON... 0.5 INCHES. WASHAKIE COUNTY... 14 SSE TEN SLEEP... 12 INCHES. 16 SSE TEN SLEEP... 9.7 INCHES. POWDER RIVER PASS SNOTEL... 9 INCHES. MIDDLE POWDER SNOTEL... 9 INCHES. 3 S WORLAND... 7.5 INCHES. 27 S TEN SLEEP... 5.4 INCHES. 8 SW WORLAND... 4 INCHES. WINCHESTER... 4 INCHES. YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK... SYLVAN LAKE SNOTEL... 5 INCHES. PARKER PEAK SNOTEL... 5 INCHES. TWO OCEAN PLATEAU SNOTEL... 4 INCHES. CANYON SNOTEL... 4 INCHES. OLD FAITHFUL RANGER STATION... 4 INCHES. SYLVAN ROAD SNOTEL... 3 INCHES. THUMB DIVIDE SNOTEL... 3 INCHES. TOWER FALLS RANGER STATION... 1.8 INCHES. LAMAR RANGER STATION... 1.4 INCHES. LEWIS LAKE DIVIDE SNOTEL... 1 INCH.

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Snowfall Totals as of Sunday Afternoon December 14 2014

As of 6pm Sunday evening the snowfall total at Star Valley Ranch was 6.5 inches. Following
is the report issued by Riverton Foecast Office early Sunday
afternoon.


A LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM IN SOUTHWEST KANSAS WAS LOFTING
MOISTURE NORTH AND WEST ACROSS WYOMING SUNDAY. LIGHT
SNOW WAS CONTINUING TO FALL IN MANY LOCATIONS AS OF
MID AFTERNOON SUNDAY. BELOW ARE STORM TOTAL SNOW
ACCUMULATIONS AS OF 1PM SUNDAY.

LOCATION                             SNOWFALL
LINCOLN COUNTY...
 5 NNE THAYNE...                      4 INCHES.
 WILLOW CREEK SNOTEL...               4 INCHES.
 STAR VALLEY RANCH...               3.2 INCHES.
 AFTON...                           2.3 INCHES.
 2 SE THAYNE...                       2 INCHES.
 BLIND BULL SUMMIT...                 2 INCHES.
 5 SSE SMOOT...                       2 INCHES.
 COMMISSARY RIDGE...                  2 INCHES.
 BLIND BULL SUMMIT SNOTEL...          1 INCH.
 SPRING CREEK DIVIDE SNOTEL...        1 INCH.
 COTTONWOOD CREEK SNOTEL...           1 INCH.
 SALT RIVER SUMMIT SNOTEL...          1 INCH.
 BOX Y RANCH...                       1 INCH.
 HAMS FORK SNOTEL...                  1 INCH.
 KELLEY RANGER STATION SNOTEL...      1 INCH.
BIG HORN COUNTY... BALD MOUNTAIN SNOTEL... 1 INCH. BONE SPRINGS DIVIDE SNOTEL... 1 INCH. SHELL CREEK SNOTEL... 1 INCH. BURLINGTON... 0.2 INCHES. FREMONT COUNTY... BLUE RIDGE... 8 TO 10 INCHES. TOWNSEND CREEK SNOTEL... 8 INCHES. ST. LAWRENCE ALT SNOTEL... 8 INCHES. 3 SW LANDER... 7.3 INCHES. LOUIS LAKE... 6 INCHES. 6 SE LANDER... 5.3 INCHES. COLD SPRINGS SNOTEL... 5 INCHES. BURRIS... 5 INCHES. LANDER... 3 TO 5 INCHES. HOBBS PARK SNOTEL... 5 INCHES. LANDER AIRPORT... 4.1 INCHES. DEER PARK SNOTEL... 4 INCHES. 1 SW LANDER... 4 INCHES. SOUTH PASS SNOTEL... 4 INCHES. BURROUGHS CREEK SNOTEL... 4 INCHES. 9 S LANDER... 3.9 INCHES. 6 SW LANDER... 3.1 INCHES. 9 SSE LANDER... 3 INCHES. CASTLE CREEK SNOTEL... 3 INCHES. LITTLE WARM SNOTEL... 3 INCHES. BROOKS LAKE... 3 INCHES. 7 WNW LANDER... 2.9 INCHES. DUBOIS... 2 INCHES. RIVERTON AIRPORT... 1.5 INCHES. ATLANTIC CITY... 1.5 INCHES. 10 WNW DUBOIS... 1.5 INCHES. HUDSON... 1 INCH. DUBOIS... 1 INCH. JEFFREY CITY... 1 INCH. RIVERTON... 1 INCH. HOT SPRINGS COUNTY... OWL CREEK SNOTEL... 4 INCHES. THERMOPOLIS... 1.1 INCHES. 9 NE THERMOPOLIS... 0.7 INCHES. JOHNSON COUNTY... LITTLE GOOSE SNOTEL... 3 INCHES. HANSEN SAWMILL SNOTEL... 1 INCH. CLOUD PEAK RESERVOIR SNOTEL... 1 INCH. BEAR TRAP MEADOW SNOTEL... 1 INCH. SOLDIER PARK SNOTEL... 1 INCH. NATRONA COUNTY... CASPER MOUNTAIN SNOTEL... 7 INCHES. RENO HILL SNOTEL... 5 INCHES. CASPER MOUNTAIN... 2 INCHES. CASPER... 1 TO 2 INCHES. BAR NUNN... 1 INCH. 1 N CASPER... 1 INCH. GRAVE SPRING SNOTEL... 1 INCH. 2 SW CASPER... 1 INCH. PARADISE VALLEY... 0.9 INCHES. 11 WSW CASPER... 0.5 INCHES. POWDER RIVER... 0.5 INCHES. CASPER... 0.4 INCHES. 10 WSW CASPER... 0.3 INCHES. MIDWEST... 0.1 INCHES. PARK COUNTY... MARQUETTE SNOTEL... 5 INCHES. 26 SW CODY... 4 INCHES. 6 SW CODY... 3.5 INCHES. BLACKWATER SNOTEL... 3 INCHES. BEARTOOTH LAKE SNOTEL... 3 INCHES. TIMBER CREEK SNOTEL... 3 INCHES. EVENING STAR SNOTEL... 3 INCHES. KIRWIN SNOTEL... 3 INCHES. CODY... 1 TO 3 INCHES. 5 ESE CODY... 2 INCHES. 3 NE SUNSHINE... 1.3 INCHES. 4 SE CODY... 1.2 INCHES. 2 WSW CODY... 1 INCH. WOLVERINE SNOTEL... 1 INCH. MEETEETSE... 0.5 INCHES. PAHASKA... 0.5 INCHES. RALSTON... 0.1 INCHES. SUBLETTE COUNTY... LARSEN CREEK SNOTEL... 5 INCHES. BIG SANDY OPENING SNOTEL... 4 INCHES. POCKET CREEK SNOTEL... 3 INCHES. ELKHART PARK G.S. SNOTEL... 3 INCHES. EAST RIM DIVIDE SNOTEL... 1 INCH. LOOMIS PARK SNOTEL... 1 INCH. KENDALL RANGER STATION SNOTEL... 1 INCH. GUNSITE PASS SNOTEL... 1 INCH. NEW FORK LAKE SNOTEL... 1 INCH. MARBLETON... 0.5 INCHES. 14 NW PINEDALE... 0.5 INCHES. BIG PINEY... 0.5 INCHES. PINEDALE... 0.2 INCHES. DANIEL FISH HATCHERY... 0.1 INCHES. MERNA... 0.1 INCHES. SWEETWATER COUNTY... GREEN RIVER... 0.5 TO 1 INCH. ROCK SPRINGS... 0.5 INCHES. 5 N FARSON... 0.3 INCHES. TETON COUNTY... TOGWOTEE MOUNTAIN LODGE... 6 INCHES. GRAND TARGHEE SNOTEL... 4 INCHES. GRAND TARGHEE - CHIEF JOSEPH... 3 INCHES. TOGWOTEE PASS SNOTEL... 3 INCHES. GRASSY LAKE SNOTEL... 3 INCHES. JACKSON HOLE - RENDEZVOUS BOWL... 3 INCHES. JACKSON HOLE - RAYMER... 3 INCHES. MOOSE... 3 INCHES. JACKSON HOLE - MID MOUNTAIN... 3 INCHES. GROS VENTRE SUMMIT SNOTEL... 3 INCHES. 12 NE JACKSON... 3 INCHES. SNOW KING... 2 INCHES. 4 SW JACKSON... 1.5 INCHES. JACKSON... 1.5 INCHES. SNAKE RIVER STN SNOTEL... 1 INCH. BASE CAMP SNOTEL... 1 INCH. 2 NE TETON VILLAGE... 0.7 INCHES. JACKSON HOLE - BASE... 0.5 INCHES. 2 SW WILSON... 0.5 INCHES. WASHAKIE COUNTY... MIDDLE POWDER SNOTEL... 3 INCHES. POWDER RIVER PASS SNOTEL... 1 INCH. WORLAND... 1 INCH. 27 S TEN SLEEP... 0.3 INCHES. 16 SSE TEN SLEEP... 0.2 INCHES. YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK... OLD FAITHFUL RANGER STATION... 4 INCHES. PARKER PEAK SNOTEL... 4 INCHES. THUMB DIVIDE SNOTEL... 3 INCHES. SYLVAN LAKE SNOTEL... 3 INCHES. TWO OCEAN PLATEAU SNOTEL... 3 INCHES. CANYON SNOTEL... 1 INCH. SYLVAN ROAD SNOTEL... 1 INCH. LEWIS LAKE DIVIDE SNOTEL... 1 INCH. TOWER FALLS RANGER STATION... 0.8 INCHES. LAMAR RANGER STATION... 0.2 INCHES.