(Fremont County, WY) – The National Weather Service in Riverton (NWSR) is calling for possible snow by the end of this week (Oct. 17/18), according to their most recent five-day outlook.
This week’s area forecast discussion from the NWSR states that a pattern change is likely by Wednesday, as a strong trough moves onshore over the Pacific Northwest.
As temperatures begin to cool Wednesday night into Thursday due the leading cold front associated with that trough, snow levels over the western mountains will drop through the night.
The forecast goes on to state that there will be a chance for precipitation through the day Thursday, with areas west of the Divide having the best chances.
A second trough will move over the Great Basin Thursday night, the forecast continues, which will keep precipitation chances continuing over the area as moisture streams northward from the east side of the low.
The stationary front will push southward Friday morning, with initial model indications putting temperatures at around 20 degrees across portions of the Bighorn and Wind River Basins.
In the event of snowfall, accumulations will be limited, the forecast goes on to state, due to the relatively high sun angle and current warm ground temperatures.
The NWSR also shared the following “first inch of snowfall” dates for Lander and Riverton, which puts Lander’s average first day at Oct. 13, and Riverton at Oct. 24.
