A strong winter system is moving its way into the northern Rockies and high elevation areas of southern Montana could see up to 20″ by Saturday reports NOAA.
Related: 8 Ski Areas Whose “Blower” Powder Is Worth The Trip Alone
The snow will focus around Cooke City but other areas including Red Lodge, Big Sky, and Bridger Bowl should all see decent snowfall totals ranging from 8-20″ of fresh.
“Heaviest snow looks to be Thursday night into Friday, but there will be periods of snow in the high country from tonight through Friday night.” – NWS Billings
Further south, the Tetons should also pick up some snow– albeit not as heavy as their northern neighbors. For those traveling, expect major Yellowstone thoroughfares to be closed throughout the weekend. Beartooth Pass is currently closed and will remain so until further notice.
Bridger Bowl, MT:
Big Sky, MT:
Cooke City, MT:
Winter Weather Advisory
…Snow to return across higher elevations tonight into Friday morning…
A large upper level disturbance will return snow across southern Montana this evening…spreading northward through the overnight hours. Snow may then continue through Friday morning before lifting into the higher elevations. Generally 1 to 4 inches of snow are possible above 4000 feet…with 4 to 8 inches above 6000 feet…and some locally higher amounts across the higher mountain peaks.
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO MIDNIGHT MDT FRIDAY NIGHT FOR ELEVATIONS ABOVE 5500 FEET…
The National Weather Service in Great Falls has issued a Winter Weather Advisory For elevations above 5500 feet for periods of moderate to heavy snow, which is in effect from 6 PM this evening to midnight MDT Friday night.
* Locations: Locations above 4500 feet including Kings Hill, Bozeman, Monida, Raynolds, and other mountain passes
* Timing: Rain and higher elevation snow will develop today, with widespread snow down to 5500 feet expected by late this evening through Friday morning. Snow above 6000 feet is then expected for the remainder of Friday.
* Accumulations: Snow accumulation of 2 to 6 inches, with 6 to 10 inches possible above 6000 feet.
* Winds: Northeast 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
* Visibilities: Below a mile at times in the heavier snow and
wind.
* Snow Level: 6500 feet lowering to 5500 feet.
* Impacts: The heavy snow will make mountain roads and passes
difficult to travel and may produce widespread power outages due
to the weight of the snow on tree limbs and power lines. Those
with outdoor interests should plan for the return of winter
conditions.
* Web Page: To see a graphical representation of this hazard,
please visit our web page and mouse over the Current Hazards
menu, then select Detailed Hazards.
Winter Storm Warning
…WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM MDT SATURDAY…
* IMPACTS…Travel in the high country will be affected by periods of heavy snowfall. Hunters and recreationists should be prepared for dangerous winter conditions. Travel across Beartooth Pass could be interrupted for a prolonged period.
* TIMING…Through Friday night. Heaviest snowfall is expected late this afternoon through Friday morning.
* SNOW ACCUMULATION…10 to 20 inches, greatest above 8000 feet.
Precautionary/preparedness actions…
A Winter Storm Warning means a significant amount of snow is expected or occurring. This will make travel and back country conditions very hazardous.