Boise, ID – A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for the mountains surrounding Boise beginning late Wednesday night, with heavy snow and gusty winds expected to create dangerous travel conditions through at least Thursday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Boise, the Boise Mountains, West Central Mountains, and Camas Prairie could see significant snowfall as a strong winter system moves into Idaho. Snow accumulations of 8 to 15 inches are possible in the Boise Mountains and nearby higher terrain, with wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph.
Forecasters say snow will intensify late Wednesday night and continue through Thursday, making roads slick and hazardous, especially bridges, overpasses, and mountain passes. Travel could become very difficult or even impossible at times in higher elevations near communities such as McCall, Cascade, Pine, and Fairfield.
In central Idaho, the National Weather Service in Pocatello has also issued a Winter Storm Watch from Thursday morning through Saturday morning for the Sawtooth and Stanley Basin regions. Valley locations such as Stanley and Ketchum could see 4 to 6 inches of snow, while elevations above 7,000 feet may receive 1 to 2 feet of accumulation, including up to 2 feet near Galena Summit. Wind gusts there could reach 45 mph, leading to blowing and drifting snow.
Snow levels are expected to fluctuate late Thursday, briefly changing to rain below 7,000 feet before colder air returns and snow levels drop again by Friday.
Officials urge residents and travelers to closely monitor forecasts and prepare for rapidly changing conditions. Those planning mountain travel should carry winter emergency supplies and consider delaying trips if conditions worsen.
