Weekend Storm Brings Heavy Rain and High-Elevation Snow to the Region

A cold front moving across the region today will bring a noticeable change in the weather through the weekend. Widespread rain showers will develop first across north-central Idaho this morning, then spread into western Montana this afternoon. Thunderstorms are also possible later today, especially in southwest Montana.

Colder air will move in behind the front, dropping snow levels through the weekend. Accumulating snow is expected above 6,500 feet from Saturday evening into Monday morning across the Bitterroot, Sapphire, Anaconda-Pintler, Gallatin and Madison County Mountains, Centennial Mountains, Northwest Beaverhead County, Ruby Mountains, Southern Beaverhead Mountains, Butte/Blackfoot Region, and areas along the Continental Divide. Winter Storm Watches and Winter Weather Advisories are in effect for these areas due to the potential for heavy, wet snow, difficult backcountry travel, downed trees, and a heightened risk of hypothermia for anyone outdoors.

Lower elevations will see widespread rain Saturday into Sunday morning. Precipitation amounts of 0.25 to 1 inch are possible by Sunday morning for locations along and south of I-90. Small streams and rivers could rise quickly, and anyone recreating outdoors should prepare for cold, wet conditions.

By Sunday into Monday, the storm will shift north and east, bringing heavier precipitation to northwest Montana, Glacier National Park, and areas along the Continental Divide. Rainfall totals could reach 1 to 2 inches along the U.S. Highway 93 corridor from Eureka through the Flathead and Mission valleys, with 2 to 3 inches possible in Glacier Park and the Mission and Swan mountains. Unsettled weather, including more showers and thunderstorms, is expected to continue into Tuesday and Wednesday.

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WINTER STORM WATCH is in effect from Saturday Evening until Monday Morning for the Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains above 6,500 feet. Heavy wet snow is possible above 6500 feet. Total snow accumulations up to 8 inches.

WINTER STORM WATCH is in effect from Saturday Evening until Monday Morning for the Butte/Blackfoot Region above 6,500 feet. Heavy wet snow is possible above 6500 feet. Total snow accumulations up to 6 inches, with higher amounts across the Anaconda and Pintler Mountains.

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY is in effect from midnight Saturday night until noon Monday for Gallatin and Madison County Mountains and Centennial Mountains, Northwest Beaverhead County, and Ruby Mountains and Southern Beaverhead Mountains for up to 4 inches of snow above 6500 feet.