Missoula, Montana – A powerful fall storm will sweep across western Montana and central Idaho this weekend, bringing the season’s first widespread mountain snow, hazardous travel conditions, and a sharp drop in temperatures through Monday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Missoula, multiple Winter Storm Watches have been issued from the Clearwater Mountains of Idaho to the Bitterroot, Sapphire, and Cabinet Ranges of Montana, and across key corridors including I-90 near Lookout Pass, Highway 93 from Salmon to Lost Trail Pass, and Highway 83 between Seeley Lake and Condon.
Snow is expected to begin late Saturday, becoming heavier overnight and continuing into Sunday and early Monday. Totals will vary by elevation, but 1 to 8 inches are possible above 4,000 to 5,500 feet, with the heaviest snow over higher ridges and passes. “Travel could quickly turn dangerous or impossible on mountain routes, especially late Saturday night through Sunday,” forecasters warned.
According to the Montana and Idaho Departments of Transportation, motorists should prepare for snow-packed roads, black ice, and potential chain restrictions along mountain passes such as Lost Trail, Lookout, Bannock, and MacDonald. The Monday morning commute may be impacted by lingering ice and snow on elevated terrain.
Hunters, campers, and residents in high country are urged to monitor forecasts, delay nonessential travel, and carry emergency supplies. Power interruptions and tree damage are possible where wet snow accumulates. This system marks a decisive shift toward early winter across the Idaho-Montana border region, signaling colder days ahead.
