Billings, MT – Travelers heading into Montana’s higher elevations this weekend should prepare for winter-like driving conditions, as the National Weather Service (NWS) in Billings is warning of significant mountain snow.
According to the NWS, cooler and wetter weather will move in late Friday and continue through the weekend, bringing a widespread 70 to 90 percent chance of precipitation. The heaviest snow is forecast above 8,000 feet, where there is a 60 percent chance of more than six inches of accumulation.
The snowfall could impact key travel routes, including portions of the Beartooth Highway and U.S. Highway 14. Forecasters caution that road conditions may become slick and visibility reduced, creating hazards for drivers and outdoor recreation in the high country.
The probability map released Thursday morning highlights a strong potential for 6 or more inches of snow between Saturday and Sunday. While lower elevations are expected to see mostly rain, higher passes and mountain communities should brace for a shift into wintry conditions.
The NWS advises travelers and hikers to plan ahead for weather delays, carry emergency supplies, and monitor updated forecasts as the weekend storm system develops.
