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000
FXUS65 KRIW 181013
AFDRIW

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Riverton WY
413 AM MDT Thu Apr 18 2024

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Remaining cool today, with mountain snow showers.

- Warming temperatures this weekend, returning back to near-
  normal, and even above normal by Sunday.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 103 AM MDT Thu Apr 18 2024

The cold front that brought snow and colder temperatures is heading
eastward this morning, as evident on current water vapor imagery.
Almost all snow will be done falling by sunrise, with 10% to 30%
chances of lingering snow showers in the Wind River Mountains
through this morning. As for the cold temperatures, those stick
around today. Highs today look to peak in the lower 40s for most.
The warmer locations will be the southern Green River Basin and
Sweetwater County, with temperatures closer to the 50 degree mark.
For reference, most locations` normal highs this time of year are
firmly in the 50s, nearing 60.

Northwest flow aloft brings some weak instability to the region as
well today. Snow showers are possible (30%-70% chances) for the
western mountains (greatest chances for the Absarokas) and the
Bighorn Mountains. Not expecting any impacts from this, though there
is the possibility (70%) for the higher elevations of the Absarokas
to receive an additional 1 to 4 inches.

A very similar scenario continues for Friday. West-to-northwest flow
again allows afternoon snow showers to develop for the western and
northern mountains. Temperatures increase a few degrees for southern
Wyoming, but should be very comparable across the rest of the area.

A transitory ridge follows, bringing warmer temperatures for this
weekend. Temperatures are closer to normal for Saturday, with the
chance for above normal temperatures returning for Sunday; current
NBM has 70% to 90% chances for the lower elevations to go above 60
degrees (which would be above normal for most places). Jackson Hole
remains cooler.

The next weather feature of note is a shortwave passing through
around Sunday/Monday, pushing the ridge out. This brings
precipitation chances for the northern half of the area, mainly the
mountains. Nothing currently looks impactful with this system.
Temperatures would also dip a little should this system move through
as currently projected.

&&

.AVIATION /12Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z FRIDAY/...
Issued at 354 AM MDT Thu Apr 18 2024

West of the Divide...KBPI/KJAC/KPNA/KRKS Terminals.

VFR conditions expected for all TAF sites for the entirety of
the period as high pressure begins to build in from the west.
Relatively light west to northerly winds with mid level and
upper level clouds throughout. Dry conditions moving forward
with no other weather elements expected.

East of the Divide...KCOD/KCPR/KLND/KRIW/KWRL Terminals.

Light snow has lingered near LND and CPR but will quickly
dissipate and push south and east. MVFR ceilings at COD with
all other sites low VFR ceilings to start the period. North to
northeasterly winds less than 12-15kts throughout the period
with improving sky conditions in the afternoon hours after
18-20Z. Skies will lift to the mid and upper levels with BKN
ceilings through the overnight hours and to the end of the
period. Dry conditions expected after this morning with no
other weather elements expected going forward.

Please see the Aviation Weather Center and/or CWSU ZDV and ZLC for
the latest information on icing and turbulence forecasts.

&&

.RIW WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
None.

&&

$$

DISCUSSION...Wittmann
AVIATION...Lowe