Strong Storm That Will Pummel SW Montana: More Than 12″ New Snow

Tuesday and Wednesday will be bringing another round of much needed mountain snow to southwest Montana, with over a foot of fresh snow possible. Many other portions of Montana are also expecting many inches by Wednesday night.

The snowpack levels across Montana are again in a very serious and dangerous position. We have not yet received enough snow to prevent drought this year or dampen fire season. It is concerning after many days of warmer than usual temperatures across Montana.

Some Montana basins have seen their water equivalent snowpack levels go down SIGNIFICANTLY in the last week. These Winter Weather Advisories and Storm Warnings are welcome news, although travel may be difficult in several portions of Montana Tuesday evening into Wednesday.

• WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM TUESDAY TO 6 PM WEDNESDAY.
• WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 7 and 14 inches, except 2 to 4 inches along the Montana Idaho border, including the West Yellowstone area.
• WHERE...Gallatin and Madison County Mountains and Centennial Mountains.
• WHEN...From 6 PM Tuesday to 6 PM Wednesday.
• IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous.
• PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
• The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1

Other portions of Montana are also expecting significant amounts of new snow by Wednesday. Areas in and around Glacier National Park, and then basins south of there, are generally expecting up to 8" in the higher elevations. LOWER ELEVATIONS will probably see minimal accumulation.

• WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM TUESDAY TO 6 AM WEDNESDAY WEST GLACIER REGION ABOVE 3500 FEET.
• WHAT...Snow expected above 3500 feet.
• Total snow accumulations between 2 and 4 inches with up to 9 inches for the higher elevations of Glacier N.P. Generally less than one inch for the lowest elevations.
• WHERE...Marias Pass, Essex, and Polebridge.
• WHEN...From 6 PM Tuesday to 6 AM Wednesday.
• IMPACTS...Travel could be affected.
• PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling.