Gregg McDonald arrived at work early Monday knowing it would be a busy day. The first order of business: Digging out.

“I know we need it, but did we have to get it all at the same time?” he said while attempting to open a couple parking spots in front of his downtown business. “I mean, I’ve pushed broom a couple times — it’s been a pretty mild winter. We’re making up for it here, for sure.”

After clearing a broad path he headed in to warm up and wait for the inevitable calls to his insurance company. At about the same time City Councilman and volunteer firefighter Geoff Hovivian strolled out of Uncommon Grounds with a steaming hot cup of coffee and climbed in his diesel 4x4. He said the folks of Powell were smart enough to stay in and the streets were clear of reported overnight accidents. The scanner traffic was quiet for the most part through Monday despite snow falling for about 36 hours by  Monday afternoon.

Most of the activity in the city in the early morning hours were city workers and residents pushing snow and a few people walking their dogs, which were most excited to see the first real snow of the year. While the snow was light and fluffy, strong gusts overnight created deep drifts and the continuing snow Monday meant one push through with shovels wasn’t enough to clear sidewalks, driveways and streets.

Park County School District 1 decided to close Monday, utilizing one of the snow days the district has built into its schedule. Students in Cody, where twice as much snow fell, weren’t as lucky: The district called a temporary virtual education day.

Powell rationalized the snow day “due to high winds and drifting snow, unsafe wind chill, and low visibility,” was reason enough for a snow day, a release on the district’s Facebook page said.

“Please stay safe and we will see everyone tomorrow,” the post read.

Hoping to beat the crowds at Homesteader Park, where one of the few hills for fun in the snow exists in Powell, several high school students built a ramp system to catch some air.

“We got up at 6 [a.m] and started planning so we could get out here before the middle schoolers,” said Powell High School’s Jackson Baker.

It has been a long time since the city received deep enough snow to cover the grass — so skis and snowboards could get speed for sweet jumps. Yet, the low temperatures and stiff breeze made it feel like minus 15 to 20 degrees below zero, making cheeks rosy and finger tips burn when the gloves came off.

Meanwhile, several businesses in Park County announced early closings Monday and Cody, Powell and Clark landfills asked that folks avoid use, if possible. They were open but access was limited and they had difficulty getting vehicles in and out.

County plows were delayed early Monday morning due to lack of visibility, but were on the road as more people began making their way to town. County roads were reported to be drifted in in many spots, making travel all but impossible until the plows made it through.

No unnecessary travel was still recommended Monday afternoon. “Please be aware of conditions and stay safe out there Park County!,” the county posted on Facebook.

According to the National Weather Service, Monday night temperatures would remain below zero with dangerous windchill temperatures under minus 20 degrees.

Today (Tuesday) will be gusty, the service reported. Then there is a chance of more snow through Friday.