Great Falls, Montana – Travelers over Marias Pass and across north-central Montana face rapidly deteriorating road conditions beginning late tonight, with heavy mountain snow and wind gusts up to 80 mph threatening visibility by daybreak Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Great Falls, a Winter Weather Advisory begins at 11 p.m. tonight for the East Glacier Park region and continues until 2 a.m. Saturday. Areas below 7,000 feet could see 2 to 6 inches of snow, while elevations above 7,000 feet may pick up as much as 10 inches. Winds will gust to 65 mph, with isolated gusts reaching 80 mph through Friday morning, creating widespread blowing snow and near-whiteout conditions along U.S. Highway 2 and at Logan Pass.
A separate advisory takes effect at 8 a.m. Friday for Northern Blaine County, the Bears Paw Mountains, and Fergus County below 4,500 feet, lasting until 11 a.m. Saturday. Snow totals between 1 and 4 inches are expected, with peak amounts along higher terrain. Wind gusts could reach 45 mph, especially across eastern Fergus County near Lewistown and Hilger.
Drivers in Chinook, Harlem, Fort Belknap and Rocky Boy should expect sudden changes in road conditions. MDT reports and 511 updates will be critical before heading out. Tire chains may be required in higher elevations.
Snow tapers early Saturday, but gusty winds could continue to reduce visibility. Additional advisories remain possible if wind speeds increase.
