A massive winter storm is barreling into the Northern Rockies and ski areas from Schweitzer, ID to Jackson Hole, WY are forecasted to see upwards of 2 feet of fresh by Saturday morning reports NOAA.
Related: 2018 Winter Weather Forecast | Long Range Prediction From NOAA
Wyoming and Idaho aside, the radar over Montana is solid red and it looks like Whitefish, Big Sky, Bridger Bowl, Red Lodge, and Great Divide are all getting serious accumulation today. The new snow will be also accompanied by strong winds and cold temps (*Whitefish is forecasted to see a weeklong high of 25°F).
“We’ve got some colder air on the way today. Mountains are already seeing snowfall. Lower elevations will see rain change to wet snow today. Best chance of accumulation will be over the mountains and foothills. Be ready for some poor visibility and slicker roads by this evening.” – NWS Billings
Look for Teton and Togwotee Passes to be the best backcountry options starting on Sunday. That is if over 30″ of snow falls between now and then. We’re also expecting to see some shots from Great Divide or Ski Showdown later this weekend as well.
Forecasted Snowfall Totals:
- Whitefish, MT: 32″
- Teton Pass, WY: 25″
- Schweitzer, ID: 23″
- Big Sky, MT: 19″
- Red Lodge, MT: 11″
Let It Snow!
Whitefish Forecast:
Red Lodge Forecast:
Big Sky Forecast:
Teton Pass Forecast:
Schweitzer Forecast:
Winter Storm Warning [Whitefish, MT]:
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM MDT WEDNESDAY… …WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING…
* WHAT…Snow expected later tonight. Heavy snow possible Wednesday morning. Plan on difficult travel conditions. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches, with localized amounts up to 10 inches along the continental divide crest. Heavier snow is possible Thursday into Friday morning. Possible snow accumulations for this second surge is 6 to 9 inches, with localized amounts up to 15 inches. Colder east winds will also cause road surfaces to freeze up and become dangerously slick at times.
* WHERE…Bad Rock Canyon, Essex, Highway 83 Bigfork to Swan
Lake, Marias Pass, and Polebridge.
* WHEN…For the Winter Weather Advisory, until 6 PM MDT
Wednesday. For the Winter Storm Watch, from Thursday morning
through Friday morning.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Be prepared for reduced visibilities at
times. Significant reductions in visibility are possible.
Winter Storm Warning [Big Sky, MT]
…WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM MDT THIS EVENING ABOVE 5000 FEET… …WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM MDT THIS EVENING…
* WHAT…Heavy snow occurring above 5000 feet, with light to moderate snow expected at times below 5000 feet. Plan on difficult travel conditions, including during the morning commute and across mountain passes. Above 5000 feet, additional snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches. Below 5000 feet, 1 to 4 inches generally expected. Areas from Great Falls to Helena and to Boulder may get locally higher amounts under any localized bands of snow.
* WHERE…Portions of central Montana, north central Montana, southwest Montana and west central Montana.
* WHEN…For the Winter Storm Warning, until 9 PM today. For the Winter Weather Advisory, most areas will see rain become all snow by mid to late morning. Impactful snow then continues until 9 PM tonight.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Be prepared for significant reductions in visibility at times. Those with outdoor activities should prepare for the return of winter weather. Those with back country plans should be mindful of increased avalanche danger.
Winter Storm Warning [Red Lodge, MT]
…WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON MDT THURSDAY…
* WHAT…Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 10 to 15 inches.
* WHERE…Absaroka/Beartooth Mountains and Crazy Mountains.
* WHEN…until noon Thursday. Heaviest snow expected today.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Plan on wintry conditions for recreation and back-country travel. Gusty wind will reduce visibilities.
Winter Weather Advisory [Teton Pass, WY]:
…Heavy snowfall will occur across Northern Wyoming today through Thursday…
A cold front will begin to sag south across Northern Wyoming today and then stall before slowly moving north on Thursday. A prolonged period of snow, heavy at times, will likely occur along the vicinity of the front and will result in significant snowfall accumulation across Northern Wyoming today through Thursday.
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 6 PM MDT THURSDAY…
* WHAT…Snow expected. Plan on difficult travel conditions. Tree branches could fall as well. Total snow accumulations of 7 to 10 inches, with localized amounts up to 15 inches, are expected.
* WHERE…Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains.
* WHEN…3 PM today to 6 PM Thursday.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Be prepared for reduced visibilities at times.
Winter Storm Watch [Schweitzer, ID]:
…WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING… …WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED…
* WHAT…Heavy snow possible. Plan on difficult travel
conditions, including during the evening commute on Thursday.
Total snow accumulations of 6 to 10 inches, with mountain
accumulations up to 17 inches, are possible.
* WHERE…Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry, Priest River, Eastport, and
Schweitzer Mountain Road.
* WHEN…From late tonight through Friday morning.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Significant reductions in visibility are
possible.