Yellowstone Park: Storm to Dump 16″ by Friday Night

Yellowstone National Park is the poster child for winter this week with frigid temps and TONS of fresh snow. The next storm could bring 16 more inches of new snow by Friday night in the Park.

DOZENS of counties in Montana are under some sort of Winter Weather Advisory or Watch in addition to several Wind Chill Advisories. This week ain't no joke around here.

Yellowstone National Park gets an average of 150 inches of snow per year. HOWEVER, the numbers vary greatly year to year so the Park's average is just that...an average. Surrounding mountains can easily get twice that amount in a year.

Remember, the only road that is open in the winter through Yellowstone is the North Entrance at Gardiner to Cooke City. All other roads are closed to vehicle traffic in the winter.

• THERE IS A WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING THROUGH LATE FRIDAY NIGHT (2/12)
• WHAT IS HAPPENING: Heavy snow is expected for the Yellowstone National Park area and surrounding mountains.
• HOW MUCH SNOW IS EXPECTED: Total snow accumulations of 8 to 16 inches are expected in the area, with even more expected in the southwestern mountains of the Park.
• WHERE DOES THIS AFFECT: Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding area.
• WHEN WILL THIS TAKE PLACE: Snow is expected from Thursday morning through late Friday night.
• IMPACTS OF THIS STORM WATCH: Travel could be very difficult at times during this advisory period. Heavy snow is expected. Commutes in the surrounding areas will probably be affected with blowing and drifting snow and low visibility at times.
• WIND CHILL DANGER: The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero can cause frostbite in as little as 10 minutes. Always have an emergency kit in your vehicle with extra clothing and blankets.
• ADDITIONAL DETAILS AND ADVICE: If you are planning outdoor activities, be prepared for adverse winter weather and consider NOT being in the area during this storm period. Cell service can be very spotty in and around Yellowstone National Park.

Be careful this week. This weather is very serious and such dangerous temperatures can be deadly in a very short amount of time. Stay safe and take good care!