Weather chaos: winter within summer

June snowfall in the Sierrras

SUMMER SNOW: It's snowing in Tahoe! Chain controls are in effect if you're heading to the Sierra. 

June snowstorm expected in West Wymong early this week

A late spring snowstorm is expected in far western Wyoming Monday night into Tuesday, as a strong low-pressure center moves northeast from Idaho, across Yellowstone National Park and into Montana.

According to an alert from the National Weather Service at 3:37 p.m. Sunday, the snow level will drop to roughly 8,000 feet Monday evening before reaching the valley floor by Tuesday morning.

Most of the snowfall will continue through Tuesday in the western Wyoming mountains. By late Tuesday, six to 12 inches of snow are forecast across the western mountains.

In the western valleys, one to two inches are expected, with a rain/snow mix.

Along with the low-pressure center, a strong cold front will move southeast across the western portion of the state on Monday, bringing numerous thunderstorms as well as small hail, locally heavy rainfall and gusty winds.

West winds of 25-35 mph are expected to accompany the snowfall, with some gusts up to 45 mph on exposed ridges.

The wind may cause blowing and drifting snow across Togwotee and Teton Pass on Tuesday, with wind chills likely dropping into the 20s over the passes.

Folks planning on heading outside in western Wyoming on Monday night and Tuesday should prepare for sharply colder temperatures and a significant shift to winter weather, especially over the higher mountains.

Anyone traveling from areas east of the Continental Divide -- where temperatures will be in the 80s on Monday -- should brace themselves for temperatures 40-50 degrees colder over far western Wyoming by Tuesday.

Travelers are advised to prepare for slick, snow-covered roads, especially over Teton and Togwotee Pass.

Jackson and Star Valleys will likely see mostly slushy and wet roads on Tuesday morning.