DILLON, Mont. – A fast-moving winter system will sweep into northwest Beaverhead County overnight, bringing moderate snow and gusty winds that could make for difficult travel conditions early Friday. The National Weather Service in Great Falls has issued a Winter Weather Advisory from midnight to 11 a.m. MST Friday, warning of 1 to 4 inches of snow and wind gusts up to 35 mph.
According to the Weather Service, the heaviest snowfall is expected between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., when rates may exceed half an inch per hour and visibility could drop to a quarter mile or less. Locations most affected include Big Hole Pass, Chief Joseph Pass, Wisdom, Wise River, and Dewey.
Drivers should plan for slippery roads and poor visibility, particularly along Highway 43 and Highway 278, where blowing snow will create hazardous conditions during the morning commute. The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) urges motorists to slow down, allow extra travel time, and check the latest updates by dialing 511 or visiting the MDT road report website.
Snow is expected to taper off late Friday morning, followed by calmer, colder conditions through the afternoon. A brief dry period will settle in Saturday before another round of light mountain snow arrives late in the weekend.
