Weather

Avalanche danger is high in several locations of southwest Montana. Specifically the southern Gallatin and Madison ranges, and areas near Island Park. Continuous, heavy snow has increased the danger.

Some counties in southwest Montana could potentially be impassable through Wednesday evening. Not everybody is forecasted to get crazy weather, but up to a foot or more of snow might fall in some mountain ranges. Very strong winds are supposed to be widespread - gusts of 40+ MPH will be common and 70 MPH possible.

Over a foot of snow along with 60+ MPH winds are possible along the southern Montana Idaho border through Saturday morning. Dangerous driving conditions will occur with the mountain passes getting the brunt of this storm.

We talk a lot about winter driving in Montana, but I'd argue that springtime can be the most sketchy with the most dramatic road conditions. Two things instantly come to mind: more wildlife and potholes.

Travel could be very difficult at times in parts of southwest Montana through Monday morning. Several inches, perhaps up to 6 inches of snow is expected to fall intermittently in this weekend storm.

It's literally the perfect storm for Butte, Bozeman, Billings, Baker, and everywhere in between. Heavy snowfall, dangerous winds, and drastically cold temperatures are expected across most of Montana. Don't be surprised if Emergency Travel Only statements are issued.

Howling winds are going to continue on that notorious stretch of I-90 from Livingston to Columbus, up to 50 MPH at times. With so much fallen snow in the last couple of days, this is a real problem in terms of how much you can see while driving on the highway.

Ask five Montanans about what time is appropriate to start snow blowing, and you'll get five different opinions. Snow blowing etiquette exists, but snow blowing TOLERANCE is more important.

Another powerful system is moving into Montana, affecting dozens of counties and popular mountain ranges - meaning powder days at the ski hill! Southwest Montana should be a large recipient of the snow, with up to 20" of snow at high elevations.

The notorious I-90 corridor through Livingston, Montana and areas east are experiencing severe crosswinds up to 65 MPH. These dangerous winds are expected to continue through at least Wednesday morning.

Slow moving traffic lines heading up Bridger Canyon is nothing new on powder days. God help you if you're driving up on a weekend powder day. Your chances of getting a place to park and enjoy your day of skiing are dwindling. There ARE things we can do to alleviate the parking issue, but my faith is not that high.

Monday might be a little sketchy. Just when you finished all the shoveling and chipping away at ice in the driveway, another storm is moving in that may dump up to 10" of fresh powder in the higher elevations surrounding Bozeman.