Date: October 10, 2008
Contact: Al Nash, 307-344-2015
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Yellowstone National Park
P.O. Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 10, 2008 08-086
Al Nash or Stacy Vallie (307) 344-2015
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YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK NEWS RELEASE
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Winter Takes an Early Swipe at Yellowstone
The beauty of winter is descending on Yellowstone in the form of an early season snow storm that is passing through the area. Park visitors should be prepared for winter weather and driving conditions, including temporary road closures and delays, for at least a few days.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warming in effect until midnight Saturday. The potential exists for 6-12 inches of snowfall in the lower elevations of the park by late Saturday night, with more than a foot possible in the mountains. Winds may create blowing and drifting of snow.
Current forecasts call for conditions to begin improving by Sunday night.
Some park facilities are still open at Old Faithful, Canyon, and Mammoth Hot Springs, and roads are being plowed as crews are able and conditions allow. Various road segments and passes may be temporarily closed. Please call 307-344-2117 at any time for current road information. Snow tires are currently required on most park roads.
A complete list of facility and road closing dates can be found on the web at www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/open_closedates.htm.
Xanterra Parks and Resorts provides lodging, food service, and guided winter recreation opportunities inside Yellowstone National Park. Details are available online at www.travelyellowstone.com or by calling 866-GEYSERLAND.
For visitors who are prepared and cautious, this might be a beautiful time to visit Yellowstone. We do, however, highly recommend that visitors check the following resources before traveling:
National Weather Service forecast for Yellowstone and Grand Teton: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/riw/?n=ynp_gtnp
WYDOT Road Information 888-WYO-ROAD or www.wyoroad.info/
M-DOT Road Information 800-226-7623 or http://www.mdt.mt.gov/travinfo/-
www.nps.gov/yell -
