Powerful Winter Storm Threatens 'Life-Threatening' Snow in Western US

Up to 3 feet of snow and whiteout conditions expected in Wyoming and Nevada, prompting warnings for outdoor recreationists and travelers

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A powerful winter storm is bearing down on the Western U.S. this week, with forecasters warning that up to 3 feet of heavy snow and whiteout conditions could endanger the lives of people in Wyoming and Nevada. Fifteen states are under winter storm warnings, watches, and advisories as the system pushes inland, threatening deep snow, treacherous mountain passes, and potentially "life-threatening" conditions for motorists, hikers, and outdoor recreators.

Why it matters

This powerful winter storm has the potential to cause significant disruptions and dangers across a wide swath of the Western U.S., with the National Weather Service warning of "life-threatening" conditions in some areas. The heavy snow and whiteout conditions could make travel extremely hazardous or impossible, putting people's safety at serious risk if they are caught unprepared.

The details

In Wyoming, up to 3 feet of snow is expected to accumulate across the Sierra Madre range, with winds gusting up to 60 mph that could reduce visibility to less than a quarter mile. The NWS warned that "outdoor recreation could become life-threatening to those caught unprepared." In Nevada, up to 10 inches of snow is expected in lower elevations, with up to 2 feet possible in the highest areas like the Sheep Range, Spring Mountains, and Red Rock Canyon. The NWS said roads and bridges will likely become "slick and hazardous" with "whiteout conditions" that could make travel "treacherous and potentially life-threatening."

  • The winter storm warning in Wyoming will be in effect from 5 a.m. local time Tuesday morning until 5 a.m. Thursday morning.
  • In Nevada, the winter storm warning will go into effect at 10 a.m. local time Monday morning.

The players

National Weather Service (NWS)

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing weather-related warnings and advisories.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Outdoor recreation could become life-threatening to those caught unprepared for severe winter conditions. Hikers and snowmobilers may easily become disoriented. Frostbite and hypothermia can develop quickly.”

— NWS Cheyenne

“Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening. Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Strong winds could cause tree damage.”

— NWS Las Vegas

What’s next

The winter storm warnings and advisories will remain in effect through Thursday morning in Wyoming and Wednesday morning in Nevada, with the potential for additional snowfall in both states during that time period.

The takeaway

This powerful winter storm poses a serious threat to public safety across the Western U.S., with the potential for "life-threatening" conditions for those caught unprepared. Residents and travelers in the affected areas should closely monitor weather forecasts, avoid unnecessary travel, and take appropriate precautions to protect themselves from the dangerous winter weather conditions.