Heavy Snow Finally Brings Fire Relief To Wyoming

The above radar image was seen at 3 am, Thursday, October 17, 2024.

The day before folks in this area had begun receiving winter weather alerts.

They celebrated this good news.

Over a foot of snow is expected between Thursday and Friday in the northern part of the Bighorn Mountains.

Temperatures will drop and frost will grab anything it can stick to.

That won't be enough to put out the massive Elk Fire that has been raging through this area.

But it will finally give firefighters what they need to win this war.

ELK INCIDENT
Type: WF - Wildfire
Area Acres Burned: 92,487
Percent Contained: 28%

The fire has caused Wydot to close yet another highway in the area. The one leading to the small town of Story.

Road Conditions:

WY 335 between US 87 and Red Grade Rd
Road closed due to Fire between milepost 6 and milepost 10 . As of October 17 at 01:09 a.m., the estimated opening time is unknown. Parking on the roadway is prohibited and delays WYDOT from opening the road.

For those who have had more than enough of all that smoke, here is your relief.

All of that moisture falling through the air will grab some particles on the way down, leading to clean air, at least for a while.

This winter premier came in on Wednesday with a usual push of wind that fanned the flames.

Those winds will calm down later, Thursday afternoon.

By Friday the area will see much-needed heavy snowfall.

This system is bringing the same sort of weather to the fire that's been plaguing Togwotee Pass all summer long.