MISSOULA, Mont. – A powerful early fall system is set to blanket the mountains of western Montana and north-central Idaho with accumulating snow from Saturday evening through Monday morning, creating hazardous travel over high passes and mountain highways.
According to the National Weather Service in Missoula, Winter Weather Advisories go into effect Saturday evening for elevations above 4,000 to 5,500 feet, including the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains, the Seeley Lake corridor, and the Clearwater and Lemhi Ranges. Snow totals could reach 5 to 12 inches in higher terrain, with up to 20 inches on the highest peaks. Valleys may see a slushy inch or two by Sunday night.
Key routes such as Highway 83 from Seeley Lake to Condon, Highway 93 near Lost Trail Pass, and I-90 at Homestake Pass could experience slick or snow-covered conditions. The NWS advises drivers to slow down, check road conditions via 511, and be ready for sudden visibility drops in mountain snow showers.
By Sunday night, temperatures will fall into the upper 20s and low 30s across the valleys, with additional light snow before the system exits Monday midday. Travelers and hunters are urged to prepare for cold, wet conditions and possible early-season road restrictions. Power interruptions and minor closures are possible in high-elevation communities such as Georgetown Lake, Sula, and Condon.
