Great Falls, Montana – Wind gusts up to 70 mph are blasting snow across mountain passes tonight, creating near-zero visibility and dangerous travel through 2 a.m. Saturday in the East Glacier Park region.
According to the National Weather Service in Great Falls, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for the East Glacier Park area, including Marias Pass, Logan Pass, St. Mary and Babb. Up to 3 inches of additional snow is expected at pass level, with higher totals above the passes. Widespread blowing snow will continue to reduce visibility and may require tire chains on some routes.
Across Northern Blaine County and the Bears Paw Mountains, another advisory runs from 8 a.m. Friday until 11 a.m. Saturday. Snow totals between 1 and 4 inches are likely, with locally higher amounts along the peaks. Winds could gust to 45 mph near Chinook, Harlem and Fort Belknap, leading to drifting snow on open highways.
Eastern Fergus County, including areas near Hilger, falls under a separate advisory from 5 p.m. Friday until 11 a.m. Saturday, where up to 2 inches of snow may create slick stretches. Lewistown is expected to see little accumulation.
Travelers should check the MDT Road Report or call 511 before heading out. Backcountry users and ranchers should prepare for hazardous wind chills and livestock stress through Saturday morning, as additional advisories remain possible.
