Winter Storm Warning Issued for Yellowstone National Park: Up to 20 Inches of Snow Expected

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Riverton, WY, has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Yellowstone National Park. This alert, classified as severe, indicates that heavy snow is likely to impact the region, creating hazardous conditions for residents and visitors.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers Yellowstone National Park. Snowfall totals are expected to vary significantly by elevation and location:

• Pitchstone Plateau (Southwest Yellowstone): 12 to 20 inches, with locally higher amounts exceeding 2 feet possible.
• Central Yellowstone: 6 to 12 inches.
• Lamar Valley and Mammoth: 1 to 4 inches.

What You Should Do

Officials advise that backcountry travel could be very difficult during this period. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. For winter road conditions from the Wyoming Department of Transportation, visit https://wyoroad.info. Graphical depictions of the snowfall forecast can be found at https://weather.gov/riw/winter.

Expected Conditions

In addition to heavy snow accumulations, the area will experience west winds ranging from 15 to 30 mph. The primary hazard is the significant snow accumulation, which will make travel through the park’s backcountry particularly challenging.

Timeline

The Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 5:00 AM MST on Tuesday, February 24, until 5:00 PM MST on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.