Wyoming Snowfall and Meteorological Data

Wyoming's diverse topography and elevation significantly influence snowfall patterns across the state. Precipitation amounts vary considerably depending on location, altitude, and weather systems affecting the region during any given period.

Regional Snowfall Variability

Snow accumulation is generally heaviest in the mountainous regions of Wyoming, particularly in the northern and western portions of the state, including the ranges of the Absaroka-Beartooth, Wind River, and Teton mountain ranges. Lower elevations and eastern plains experience significantly less snowfall.

Data Sources for Wyoming Snowfall

• National Weather Service (NWS): The NWS maintains numerous weather stations across Wyoming providing real-time and historical weather data, including snowfall reports. Data is available through their website and various weather applications.
• Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS): CoCoRaHS is a volunteer network that supplements official weather data with observations from citizen scientists, providing more granular information on localized snowfall.
• University of Wyoming: The University of Wyoming and associated research institutions often compile and analyze meteorological data for the state, including snowfall.

Factors Affecting Snowfall

• Elevation: Higher elevations receive significantly more snowfall due to orographic lift.
• Latitude: Northern Wyoming generally experiences heavier snowfall than southern Wyoming.
• Proximity to Mountain Ranges: Regions in the rain shadow of mountain ranges receive less precipitation.
• Weather Patterns: The movement and intensity of weather systems, including Pacific storms and Arctic air masses, dramatically influence the amount and distribution of snowfall.

Accessing Historical Snowfall Data

Detailed historical snowfall information for specific locations in Wyoming can be obtained through the aforementioned data sources. These sources frequently provide access to data in various formats, including maps, graphs, and downloadable datasets.