Winter weather alert: Up to 16 inches of snow expected across Washington, Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho; hazardous roads ahead
Snowfall forecast for northern states
In Washington state, West Okanogan County could see 4 to 8 inches of snow at elevations between 4,000 and 5,000 feet, and up to 16 inches could be seen above 5,000 feet.
“Washington Pass will see the largest amount of snow along Highway 20 in western Okanogan County, around 13 to 16 inches,” the NWS said, warning travelers to expect wintry driving conditions.
In Wyoming, 6 to 10 inches of snow could fall in the Absaroka Mountains, Tetons and Gros Ventre Mountains, mostly above 8,000 feet, with the most effective conditions occurring Sunday night.
Parts of Idaho and Montana, including the southern Clearwater Mountains, western Glacier Range, Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains, and Potomac/Seeley Lake area, could see up to 5 inches above 5,000 feet, with remote high-elevation areas potentially receiving 7 to 12 inches.
“Use caution when driving. After heavy rain followed by snowfall, dirt roads on public lands may become difficult or hazardous to travel,” the NWS said.
When is a winter weather warning issued?
According to the NWS, winter weather advisories are issued “for any amount of freezing rain or when 2 to 4 inches of snow (alone or combined with sleet and freezing rain) is expected to cause significant discomfort but is not severe enough to warrant a warning.”
Local Forecast Updates
- Great Falls, Montana“At 4:45 p.m., a cold front was moving through areas along the H-line east of Glacier County, with wind shifting north, temperatures dropping into the 30s, and showers turning to snow. Be prepared for rapid changes in visibility as this front moves through N-central MT,” the NWS forecast office said Friday in X.
- Spokane, Washington: “The weather is changing this weekend. Most of Saturday will be dry, but a wet system will arrive Saturday evening into Sunday. Rain and snow in the mountains are expected for most, and winds will be a little stronger. The main snow is affecting SR-20 Washington Pass” the office said on Friday at X.
- Riverton, Wyoming: “Temperatures will be warmer this Sunday afternoon and strong winds are expected, especially from the South Pass to Casper. Snow in the mountains will move west of the Divide later today and passes will be impacted overnight into Monday morning, especially Togwotee.” NWS Riverton He said it on X on Sunday.
