Winter Driving Tips
A range of peculiar winter conditions exist here which many people who are new to the area are unfamiliar with. The purpose of this page is not to teach anyone how to drive in winter conditions, but merely to help them be aware of unusual situations to watch out for.
Snow in the spring and fall tends to be wet, and very slick. It melts off fast, but can be some of the most dangerous driving conditions, due to an increase in out of state drivers who have been caught off guard, and because the wet snows are very slick and heavy.
Wind causes its own hazards. A ground blizzard occurs when snows which have previously fallen are blown around in a dense fog at ground level and just above. In high winds, this can cause reduced visibility 5-10 feet above the ground, so a low car can be completely enclosed.
When wind blows snow across the highway on sunny days, the pavement heats up just enough to melt the snow, and then it refreezes in an ice pack that can stretch 20 to 100 feet along the road. The dangerous aspect is that usually this ice pack is hidden under a fog of blowing snow. When you see snow blowing across the road, slow down, because there may well be ice hidden under the blowing snow.
Freeways tend to clear off fairly quickly after a storm. Often the freeways will be clear before city streets are. On and off ramps though can still be quite slick, so you have to go much slower coming on and off the freeways.
In towns, often times the slickest spots are nearest intersections. So you have to slow down way ahead of time.
Roads are often graveled, and passing vehicles throw rocks. Slowing down a bit and moving over as far as you safely can, may help save your windshield.
When the wind whips the snow into fine powder, vehicles passing you can completely blind you as they stir up the snow off the road and it forms a dense fog. We are especially careful when we pass trucks, because they can stir up powder, or throw slush, either one of which can blind you just long enough to cause you to lose control of your car. Slowing down and moving to the side a bit if you can safely do so, can reduce the risk significantly.
High winds can be dangerous in their own right. Lightweight cars, boxy vehicles, trailers and trucks can be shoved around pretty badly when winds get bad.
Fog is different here, at low altitudes fog tends to rise off the water. Up here, you are literally in the clouds. When you run into fog, it can be very dense, and persistent. We don't get a lot of fog, but what we do get can be serious.
Road reports are available through 888-wyoroad, or through www.wyoroad.com. Check the roads before you travel!
The weather in Wyoming can change rapidly. Storms can come in very rapidly, and often leave just as quickly. It is recommended that you travel with blankets, and basic emergency supplies in the winter.
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