Missoula, MT – Glacier National Park will face its first major blast of winter this weekend, with a Winter Storm Warning in effect from midnight Saturday through noon Sunday for elevations above 5,500 feet.
According to the National Weather Service in Missoula, 4 to 8 inches of snow are expected across high elevations, with a 15% chance of 10 inches near Logan Pass. Peaks above 7,000 feet may see even greater totals. Strong east-northeast winds over 30 mph will combine with wet and cold conditions, raising risks of hypothermia for hikers and campers.
The warning includes Going-to-the-Sun Road and Logan Pass, where officials caution that travel could become dangerous or impossible. The NWS said “considerable disruptions” to normal activities and possible widespread closures may occur. Visitors are strongly advised to avoid travel in the region during the storm.
Backcountry recreation is especially discouraged. Those who must be on the roads should carry an emergency kit with food, water, and flashlights. Updated road conditions in Montana can be obtained by calling 511.
This marks one of the season’s first significant winter weather events for the West Glacier region, serving as a reminder that higher elevations in Montana can transition quickly into hazardous winter conditions.
