Yellowstone pounded by 8 inches of snow days before roads open for spring, video shows

UPDATE: Yellowstone National Park officials announced Thursday, April 14, the reopening of interior roads within the park would be delayed because of the snowstorm.

Yellowstone is getting pounded by a snowstorm just as some roads were scheduled to reopen for the spring.

The national park was blanketed with 8 inches of snow and counting on Tuesday, April 12, park officials said on Facebook. The storm is expected to continue through the week.

“If you’re planning a visit, be sure to check the local weather and park road conditions,” park officials said Monday, April 11, on Facebook. “Find up-to-date park road status.”

Some Yellowstone roads were expected to reopen to the public for the spring and summer season starting at 8 a.m. on Friday, April 15, according to the National Park Service.

Roads to the famous Old Faithful geyser were among the streets set to reopen. The North Entrance to Mammoth Hot Springs was also set to reopen.

Tourists should check conditions before heading to the park.

Spring in Yellowstone can shift from 70 degrees during the day to windy and snowing, park rangers said. Visitors should be prepared for the change in weather.

“Weather conditions can change rapidly, especially in the spring,” the National Park Service said in a news release. “Many areas of the park are still experiencing winter conditions.”

Tourists can find the status of roads on the park’s website or by calling 307-344-2117.

This story was originally published April 12, 2022 at 12:06 PM with the headline "Yellowstone pounded by 8 inches of snow days before roads open for spring, video shows."