Olive buries Wyoming with snow

Winter Storm Olive was ushered in with wind gusts topping 78 miles per hour west of Laramie and 83 miles per hour south of Casper.

Blowing into Wyoming, Olive wrought havoc on transportation, supply chains, medical needs and education. The National Weather Service called for severe cold temperatures with heavy snow and high winds which came to fruition on the evening of February 20. Olive entered the east side of Wyoming, caused by a dip in the jet stream and a low-pressure system which flowed into the state.

By Tuesday, heavy snow and 40 mph winds buried Wyoming with whiteouts and eight-foot drifts. The storm ultimately closed roads from north to south, east to west. On Wednesday the storm began moving eastward, but intensified upon its exit as it left in its wake stranded motorists, lines of semis on the interstates and residents buried in their homes. First responders and snow removal crews found themselves stuck as well, trying to rescue a traveler that tried an alternate route.

Good Grief, not again

Still recovering from heavy snowfall less than a month prior, residents of Carbon County battled blizzard conditions and drifting snow once again. Four feet of snow was recorded at Battle Lake, with Jack Creek and Sugar Loaf not far behind at 42 inches. Cheyenne only received 5 inches, but broke a record low temperature from 1894 by dropping to 19 degrees below zero early Thursday morning. Rawlins received 11-and-a-half inches and Interstate 80 closed for several days. By Sunday, Olive had passed over Wyoming, dealing unrelenting blows to the Midwest. In its wake were empty shelves at the grocery stores, residents trying to dig out and beat the next storm-Piper-following in the footsteps Olives. Weary travelers rushed to leave the state before the full brunt of the storm arrived.

Though snow days are rare in this area Carbon County School District No. 2 (CCSD2) called for one in Saratoga/Encampment and two for schools Hanna, Elk Mountain and Medicine Bow. Late starts were also called due to extreme temperatures and heavy snows.

A shortage of crew members for snow removal equipment caused delays, but the wind was the biggest enemy. Within minutes of clearing a stretch of highway, blowing snow filled it up again with icy crystals.

Livestock at risk

Ranchers dealing with wind and drifts struggle to stay ahead of the storm. Some don't have plowing equipment, which means keeping cattle cared for and in place is a major headache. Snow packed cattle guards and drifts higher than fences fail to stop livestock from wandering off, creating even more stress for the rancher. Grazing pastures are covered with large areas of snow that has crusted over, making it difficult for livestock and wildlife to break through and forage. Road closures and impossible travel conditions slow or halt the delivery of hay and feed. Coupled with a huge spike in price, has made keeping a livestock operation difficult, and at times devastating.

Looking for government aid

In the capitol, Governor Gordon began the process to make more federal relief funds available for Wyoming agriculture producers. With winter starting early, resulting in significant snow levels and drifting, ongoing wind and snow hampered efforts to reach livestock. According to a press release from the governor's office, "Livestock mortality has been high thus far, and is expected to increase well into spring as a result of this harsh winter."

The economic toll from this winter is unknown at this time, but federal ag officials are calculating an estimate of dollar value and tracking livestock mortality to prepare a request for a disaster designation.

Snowpack

According to a map prepared by the Wyoming State Climate Office, Carbon county is at 122%, with 137% snowpack in the Sierra Madres. An up-to-date chart can be found at bit.ly/3kFe5Gm.