Hydrologic Outlook issued February 23 at 1:34PM MST by NWS Riverton WY

ESFRIW

Low elevation snowpack of around 4 to 10 inches exists across much
of the northern portion of the Bighorn Basin including Greybull,
Lovell, Powell, and Cody. This snowpack contains an estimated 1 to 3
inches of Snow Water Equivalent (SWE). Temperatures beginning are
expected to climb into the low 40s to near 50 degrees each afternoon
through next weekend. Warmest temperatures look to occur Friday
through Sunday (Feb 28 – Mar 2).

The warm temperatures, combined with the significant low elevation
snowpack, could result in significant melting and injection into
local rivers and streams. Ice break up on the Bighorn and Nowood
Rivers is possible as well, and could lead to ice jamming and
potential resultant flooding.

Similar snowpack also exists across portions of northern Johnson
County. Although the risk for ice jams is lower, ponding of water
and overland runoff could fill culverts and other low-lying areas.

Now would be the time to clear snow, ice, and debris from culverts
and other flow paths to allow runoff to flow away from buildings and
other vulnerable infrastructure. This could include moving deep snow
away from the foundations of buildings, relocating equipment to
higher ground, and moving livestock out of poorly drained or low-
lying areas.

Stay tuned for the latest river forecasts.