I-80 Wind Survival in Wyoming

Why I-80 Wyoming Is Different

Every trucker has heard the stories. I-80 through Wyoming is where the northern transcontinental route becomes a survival exercise from October through April. The 402-mile corridor runs at 6,000 to 8,000 feet elevation across the southern Wyoming plateau, and the wind is the primary threat — not snow. Clear skies with 70 mph crosswinds are common. WYDOT closes this stretch 30 to 40 times per winter, and multi-day closures are not unusual.

The crosswind profile of a 53-foot trailer at highway speed in 60 mph gusts is a physics problem that no amount of driving skill can fully solve. High-profile vehicle restrictions kick in before full closure, pulling empty trailers and box trucks under 40,000 GVW off the road while loaded trucks proceed with caution. When full closure happens, it happens fast, and parking fills within minutes.

Segment-by-Segment Risk Assessment

The Elk Mountain Problem

The area around Elk Mountain (MP 235-255) is the epicenter of Wyoming I-80 wind events. The terrain funnels wind across the plateau, and gusts here regularly exceed the threshold for safe truck operation. This is where most multi-vehicle pileups occur, where most closures originate, and where the difference between “windy” and “dangerous” disappears in seconds.

Truck Stop Locations

:::tip When a closure is announced, stop immediately at the nearest truck stop. Do not try to make it to the next exit. Parking at Little America, Rock Springs, and Cheyenne fills within 30 minutes of a closure announcement. If you are between stops, pull to a safe shoulder and wait. :::

High-Profile Vehicle Restrictions

Wyoming uses high-profile vehicle restrictions as a precursor to full closure. When wind speeds reach threshold levels, WYDOT restricts vehicles under 40,000 GVW — primarily empty trailers, box trucks, and RVs — before closing the road to all traffic.

If you are running light or empty on I-80 in winter, seriously consider routing north via I-90 through Sheridan. The elevation is lower, wind exposure is less severe, and the Sheridan corridor handles winter weather more predictably.

The I-90 Alternative

I-90 through Sheridan in northern Wyoming runs at lower elevation with less wind exposure than I-80. It adds miles to an east-west transit, but during winter weather events it may be the only corridor that stays open.

Survival Gear Checklist

When running I-80 in winter, carry the following in your cab:

• Blankets or sleeping bag rated to -20F
• Food and water for 48 hours
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Portable phone charger
• Chains (see Wyoming chain law requirements)
• Fuel: keep tank above half at all times in winter

Before Every Trip

1. Check wyoroad.info for current conditions and closures
2. Download the WYDOT 511 app
3. Check NWS weather forecasts for wind speed predictions
4. If high wind warnings are issued, consider delaying departure
5. If you are light or empty, evaluate I-90 as an alternative

What Wind Means for Insurance

I-80 wind incidents generate multi-vehicle pileup claims that can involve dozens of vehicles. A whiteout at Elk Mountain that creates a chain-reaction collision across both lanes of traffic produces claims in the millions. Carriers running I-80 with state minimum Wyoming trucking insurance coverage of $25,000/$50,000/$20,000 are exposed to catastrophic personal liability. We recommend $1,000,000 CSL minimum for any carrier running the I-80 corridor.