Missoula, Montana – Campers, hikers and anyone planning to travel through the mountains of western Montana and eastern Idaho this weekend should prepare for winter conditions as a late-June storm threatens to blanket higher elevations with heavy, wet snow.
According to the National Weather Service in Missoula, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Saturday evening through Monday morning for elevations above 6,500 feet across portions of western Montana and eastern Idaho.
Forecasters say up to 8 inches of heavy, wet snow is possible in the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains, while up to 6 inches could accumulate across the Butte-Blackfoot Region, the Anaconda and Pintler Mountains, Georgetown Lake, and the mountains of eastern and western Lemhi County in Idaho.
The watch also includes Highway 28 between Tendoy and Lone Pine, Lemhi Pass, Bannock Pass and Williams Creek Summit, where travel could become hazardous as snow accumulates and tree damage increases. Heavy, wet snow may bring down trees, blocking backcountry roads and creating difficult or impossible access to remote recreation areas.
The combination of cold temperatures, wet snow and gusty conditions will significantly increase the risk of hypothermia for anyone spending time outdoors. Campers and backpackers should be prepared for winter-like conditions despite the late-June calendar.
Anyone traveling into the backcountry is urged to consider postponing trips until conditions improve. If travel is unavoidable, emergency officials recommend carrying tire chains, extra clothing, blankets, food, water, a flashlight, a shovel and a fully stocked emergency kit. Drivers should also be prepared for downed trees and avoid any downed power lines encountered along mountain roadways.
The Winter Storm Watch remains in effect through Monday morning, and additional upgrades to Winter Storm Warnings are possible if confidence in heavier snowfall continues to increase.
