The National Weather Service in Riverton has issued a Flood Watch advisory for portions of central and northwest Wyoming, including Owl Creek, the Bridger Mountains, the Southwest Bighorn Basin, the Absaroka Mountains, and the Cody Foothills. This includes the cities of Cody, Thermopolis, Meeteetse, and Clark, and many areas near or partially in Fremont County.
The Flood Watch is in effect today, July 16, until 11 PM.
The NWSR says that “slow-moving showers and thunderstorms will have abundant moisture today, with dew points in the 50s and 60s, and precipitable water values in excess of 1 inch.”
“An inch or more of rain is possible in under an hour, and some locations could quickly see 1 to 3 inches of rain over an hour or two, leading to flash flooding.”
The NWSR added that “quick water rises on area streams and rivers, especially on small drainages in the mountains and foothills, leading to localized flash flooding, which could endanger people and infrastructure near waterways.”
Following flash flooding that occurred in East Thermopolis and around Hot Springs County last night, the Town of Thermopolis Public Works Department has requested that residents refrain from yard watering and excessive water use for the next few days, which is also due in part to a water plant project.
For the most up-to-date details from the NWSR, click here.