Another Major Storm Event on the Way from California to Wyoming the Next Two Days

Another very moist Pacific Storm system will be spreading copious amounts of precipitation inland across California  toward Wyoming the next 2 days.  The air mass is relatively warm thus snow levels are expected for the most part to remain above the valley floor in Star Valley.

However it will be another major snow event in the mountains and higher elevations of

 Western Wyoming.

Model Total Precipitation Forecast Sunday evening until midnight Tuesday in inches.

Note the excessively large amounts of precipitation in the Central Sierras of California.

Model Forecast Snowfall Totals from Sunday evening until midnight Tuesday

Below the visible satellite imagery Sunday afternoon clearly depicts the band of moisture  originating from near Hawaii(atmospheric river) as it is aimed at Central California where they do not need it!.

Visible Satellite Imagery Sunday Afternoon

Accordingly the Riverton Forecast Office has posted a Winter Storm Watch

for the higher elevations of Wyoming.

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Riverton WY
229 PM MST Sun Feb 19 2017

...A strong pacific storm will bring heavy snow to the western
mountains from Monday afternoon through Tuesday evening...

.A strong pacific storm will bring heavy snow to the western
mountains from Monday afternoon through Tuesday evening. Strong
west to southwest winds will cause blowing and drifting snow.
The western valleys will see mainly rain.

Yellowstone National Park-Absaroka Mountains-
Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains-Wind River Mountains West-
Salt River and Wyoming Ranges-
Including the cities of Lake, Mammoth, and Old Faithful
229 PM MST Sun Feb 19 2017

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
TUESDAY EVENING...

The National Weather Service in Riverton has issued a Winter
Storm Watch, which is in effect from Monday afternoon through
Tuesday evening.

* TIMING...Snow and strong winds are expected to move into the
  western mountains of Wyoming Monday afternoon. Snow and wind are
  expected to continue through Tuesday evening.

* Snowfall accumulation`s...snowfall of 12 to 24 inches is
expected possibly up to 30 inches in the Teton mountains.

* Wind and Visibility...west to southwest winds of 20 to 30 mph
  with gusts to 45 mph on the passes and upper ridges. Visibility
frequently below a quarter mile in heavy snow and blowing snow.

* MAIN IMPACT...Travel may become very difficult over the mountain
  passes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A winter storm watch means there is a potential for significant
snow and/or blowing snow that may impact travel. Continue to
monitor the latest forecasts.