Wyoming Spring Runoff 2020 Flood Potential--issued April 8th

Major Winter Storm in the North-Central U.S.; Severe Weather from the Mid-South to Ohio Valley

A major winter storm will bring a swath of heavy snowfall, strong winds, blizzard conditions and freezing rain to the Northern Plains into the Great Lakes region. A line of storms will be capable of producing widespread damaging winds, tornadoes, and some large hail from the Mid-south to the Ohio Valley and the Southeast. Critical fire weather concerns shift to the southern Rockies and Plains. Read More >

SYNOPSIS

Early April snowpack and/or SWEs were above average (105 to 115% of median) across almost all major basins in Wyoming.

Above average snow depths across far western Wyoming.

Average soil moisture percentages across basins in northeastern Wyoming and portions of the Wind River Basin; Below average soil moisture percentages across southern Wyoming.

Widespread pine bark beetle damage (2010 to 2018) across the Upper North Platte, Little Snake, Laramie, and Wind River Basins.

No significant precipitation trends during the spring runoff season (May – July). Above average temperatures are expected across central to western Wyoming during the runoff season.

HIGHLIGHTS

Low to Moderate potential for flooding due to spring snowmelt runoff across portions of the Salt River Basin (far western Wyoming) and portions of the Little Laramie River Basin. All other headwater basins will generally have a Low potential for snowmelt runoff flooding.

Latest Wyoming Spring Flood Potential graphic: