Snow, winds cause travel problems

[leobold1]

Snow, winds cause travel problems

By The Associated Press

CHEYENNE — Snow, heavy rain and strong wind caused travel problems in parts of Wyoming today.

Up to 8 inches of snow fell in the Big Horn Mountains in northern Wyoming and forced highway officials to close a section of U.S. 14A between Burgess Junction and Lovell.

No unnecessary travel was recommended for U.S. 14 from Dayton to Burgess Junction.

Ronda Holwell, spokeswoman for the Wyoming Department of Transportation, said up to 8 inches of snow had fallen in the area, causing slick spots and poor visibility.

Snow also fell in the higher elevations of northwest, central and southern Wyoming.

Heavy rain caused local flooding in parts of Campbell County, including Gillette, which has received almost double its precipitation average so far this year. Some streets and roadways were closed.

"We're trying to keep our belongings because they mean a lot to us," Gillette homeowner Terry Friedlan said today. He had been up all night setting up sump pumps and sucking up water in his basement with a wet-dry vacuum.

Local flooding was also reported in neighboring Sheridan County, where the community of Story received about 3.31 inches of precipitation Wednesday and today.

"Everywhere there's a creek, it's starting to flood," Story Volunteer Fire Chief Rex Cahhal said Thursday morning.

Strong winds also caused travel problems. An 88 mph wind gust was recorded near Cheyenne.

WYDOT advised no light trailers on Interstate 80 between Walcott Junction and Laramie and north of Cheyenne on Interstate 25 because of high winds.

The state Highway Patrol reported six accidents where tractor-trailer trucks or trailers being pulled by vehicles were blown over in southeast Wyoming.

[Snowden]

I remember a song called "It's June in January," but this is the reverse! Even in the mountains of Wyoming, this has to be unusual. Would it be considered news otherwise?

[BrianK]

Don't know if this area is part of the Bear Mountain range that my wife & I crossed when we were taking a couple of months to see the western part of America.

All I know is when we crossed the mountain exiting Yellowstone sometime in mid july we stopped at the top to build a little snowman & have an impromptu snowball fight. There were pockets of snow as I remember about 2 feet deep.

I guess that could be likened to stopping to smell the roses. The whole trip was about stopping whenever & wherever. One thing for sure we are happy that we don't live where snow & cold are part of everyday life.

[Snowden]

That sounds like so much fun, Brian -- just wandering about like that. What time of year was it? I doubt if you would make it in winter, of course!

[BrianK]

Originally Posted by Snowden

That sounds like so much fun, Brian -- just wandering about like that. What time of year was it? I doubt if you would make it in winter, of course!

We headed north out of Vegas the 1st part of June. Returned sometime during the last week of August. Everything from looking for our free Idaho potato to discovering a small town old fashioned picnic in the heart of Nebraska was up for taking the time to enjoy.

Yellowstone if anyone gets the chance to go is well worth the trip. There are two ways to see Old Faithful. The seating area in front of the lodge. Hiking to the top of a small hill to the right of Old Faithful. If watching from the hill take binoculars, this view gives a whole diffeant perspective.

The better part of the hike is to continue across the trail system to see Hidden Geysher and others not typically seen. On other days a picnic close enough to watch buffalo graze or to take the steel staircase to the bottom of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone gives a person an appreciation for the beauty there is in America.