Avalanche warning in effect for Island Park and West Yellowstone

IDAHO FALLS – An avalanche warning is in effect for mountain areas near Island Park and West Yellowstone.

The National Weather Service in Pocatello issued the warning just before 7:30 p.m. Sunday. It’s in effect until 6 a.m. Tuesday.

Areas of impact include the Centennial Mountains near Island Park and the Lionhead area near West Yellowstone, Montana.

The Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center in Bozeman, Montana reports “avalanche danger is high and conditions will become more dangerous with more snow and wind.”

“Heavy snowfall combined with very strong winds will overload many slopes, and avalanches will be crashing far downhill,” forecasters say.

Neighboring areas may be affected as well. A winter storm warning issued earlier Sunday remains in effect for Island Park until 6 a.m. Monday.

RELATED | Road closures in effect in eastern Idaho amid wind and winter weather advisories

Meteorologists are urging the public to “avoid avalanche terrain and runout zones, which are flat areas
under big slopes where avalanches run.”

The National Weather Service issued a wind and winter weather advisory for parts of eastern Idaho Sunday morning. As of 8 p.m., U.S. Highway 20 from Ashton to the Montana state line remains closed due to blowing and drifting snow.

The latest road conditions and closures are available here. For a complete 7-day forecast where you live, click here.

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