Billings, Mont. – Mountain travelers across southern Montana and northern Wyoming could face dangerous conditions this weekend as a major early-season winter storm targets the region. Heavy snow is expected to pile up from the Absaroka and Crazy Mountains to the Bighorn range, with some peaks topping a foot of accumulation by Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Billings, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect for the Absaroka/Beartooth Mountains and Crazy Mountains from Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon, where 8 to 16 inches of snow could fall. The Pryor and Northern Bighorn Mountains in Montana, along with the Northeast Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming, will see similar impacts starting Saturday evening, with totals of 7 to 14 inches and wind gusts near 30 mph.
The Beartooth Highway, as well as U.S. Routes 14 and 14A through the Bighorns, may become treacherous or impassable. North- and northwest-facing slopes above 8,000 feet are likely to see the heaviest snowfall. Recreation areas near Cooke City, Story, and Burgess Junction could be hit hard, prompting officials to urge hikers, hunters, and late-season campers to prepare for extreme winter conditions.
Travelers are advised to delay high-country plans, pack emergency supplies, and monitor updated warnings. The storm is expected to ease by late Sunday, but forecasters warn that additional advisories could be issued if snowfall increases.
