Cooke City, Montana – Mountain travel near Cooke City could become nearly impossible by daybreak Tuesday as up to 20 inches of snow and wind gusts reaching 60 mph target the Absaroka and Beartooth ranges.
According to the National Weather Service in Billings, a Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from Monday evening through Wednesday afternoon for the Absaroka/Beartooth Mountains. Forecasters warn heavy snow may pile up between 10 and 20 inches, with the highest totals likely on southwest- and west-facing slopes, including terrain surrounding Cooke City. Winds could gust as high as 60 mph, creating severe blowing and drifting snow.
Backcountry travel and recreation will face the greatest risk. Exposed ridgelines and high passes could see whiteout conditions, sharply reducing visibility and covering established tracks. Strong wind combined with heavy snowfall may sharply increase avalanche danger across steep terrain.
Travelers heading toward Beartooth Pass or planning snowmobile trips near Cooke City should prepare for rapidly changing conditions, carry avalanche safety gear and check road status before departure. Authorities urge outdoor enthusiasts to closely monitor updates and consider postponing high-elevation travel.
The storm threat continues through Wednesday afternoon, and additional advisories or warnings could be issued as confidence increases in snowfall totals and wind strength.
