The National Weather Service in Pocatello, Idaho has issued a Red Flag Warning for parts of Teton Valley, citing the threat of scattered thunderstorms capable of sparking wildfires in dry, susceptible vegetation. The warning runs from noon to 9 p.m. on Friday for mountain areas surrounding the valley.

⚠️ Red Flag Warning — Active Friday, Noon to 9 PM

Scattered thunderstorms may produce frequent lightning in Fire Weather Zones 411 and 413. Erratic wind gusts up to 50 mph are possible. Rainfall accumulation expected to be less than 0.1 inch — not enough to reduce fire risk.

Affected Zones

Fire Weather Zones Under Warning

Zone 411 — Mountains Surrounding Teton Valley Includes: Centennial Mountains, Snake River Range, Targhee National Forest, Alta, and the western slope of the Tetons
Zone 413 — South of Zone 411 Includes: Caribou Range and Caribou National Forest

What the NWS Is Saying

"Coverage of thunderstorms increases tomorrow, with all except the lower elevations expecting lightning activity to increase as thunderstorm coverage exceeds 25% in many locations." — National Weather Service, Pocatello

While some areas in the central Idaho mountains may see wetting rains, the NWS notes that meaningful precipitation "will be limited to the highest elevations." For most of the warning zone, rainfall totals below 0.1 inch mean lightning strikes pose a genuine ignition risk without enough moisture to suppress a resulting fire.

Fire Restrictions Already in Place

Fire restrictions are currently active across Teton County, Idaho, and in the unincorporated area of Teton County, Wyoming, west of the Teton Range — including Alta. Residents and visitors are urged to avoid campfires, fireworks, and any open burning during the warning period.

Anyone who spots smoke or a fire is encouraged to call 911 immediately rather than attempting to investigate or extinguish it themselves.

Original reporting: Buckrail