Great Falls, Montana – Mountain travel across southwest Montana will turn slick by 3 p.m. Wednesday as up to 7 inches of snow and 35 mph wind gusts sweep across major passes through Thursday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service offices in Great Falls and Missoula, Winter Weather Advisories begin at 3 p.m. Wednesday for Northwest Beaverhead County and the Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains, including Big Hole Pass, Chief Joseph Pass, Lolo Pass and Lost Trail Pass. Advisories expand at 8 p.m. Wednesday for the Big Belt, Bridger and Castle mountains and the Gallatin and Madison County ranges, lasting until 3 p.m. Thursday in some areas.
Snow totals will range from 3 to 6 inches at most pass levels, with 4 to 7 inches possible near Big Sky, West Yellowstone, Targhee Pass and Raynolds Pass. Lolo Pass could see 2 to 4 inches, while Lost Trail Pass may pick up 3 to 6 inches. Winds gusting to 35 mph may create brief blowing snow and reduced visibility.
Drivers along Interstate 90 near Bozeman Pass and U.S. Highway 93 from Sula to Lost Trail should expect snow-packed stretches by Wednesday evening. In the Big Hole Valley near Wisdom, amounts may stay closer to an inch, but surrounding passes will see heavier accumulation.
Motorists should check MDT’s 511 road report before departing and allow extra travel time. Ranchers with newborn livestock should monitor cold stress resources as conditions deteriorate overnight.
Snow tapers by late Thursday morning in western zones and by midafternoon farther east, though additional mountain advisories remain possible if another system develops.
