Bozeman, MT – The National Weather Service offices in Great Falls, Spokane, and Missoula have issued multiple Winter Storm Watches covering a wide area of western and southwestern Montana and north-central Idaho from Thursday afternoon through Saturday.
Forecasters warn of a major winter storm capable of bringing 6 to 12 inches of snow in most mountain areas, with locally 24 to 36 inches possible along the higher peaks and ridges. Winds could gust up to 40 mph, producing blowing and drifting snow over mountain passes.
Key locations under the watch include:
- Bozeman Pass, Kings Hill Pass, and Highway 191 south of Bozeman
- Marias Pass, Rogers Pass, Chief Joseph Pass, and West Yellowstone
- Lookout Pass and the Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains in western Montana and north Idaho
Travel will likely become very difficult to impossible, especially from Friday morning through Saturday afternoon, with potential chain requirements for vehicles in higher elevations.
Residents and travelers are urged to prepare now for severe winter conditions, carry emergency gear, and monitor updated forecasts as storm timing and snowfall amounts are refined.
