MISSOULA, Mont. – A strong fall storm arriving Sunday night will deliver heavy rain to western Montana valleys and several inches of snow to higher elevations above 5,000 feet, making for hazardous travel across the region’s mountain passes. The National Weather Service in Missoula has issued a Winter Weather Advisory from 9 p.m. Sunday through 9 a.m. Monday for the Southern Clearwater Mountains, Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains, West Glacier Region, and Potomac–Seeley Lake area.
According to the Weather Service, up to 5 inches of snow is expected at most high-elevation sites, with 7 to 12 inches possible in isolated peaks and ridges. Before the changeover, a period of steady, soaking rain will affect valleys, producing slick roads and muddy backcountry trails. Gusty winds up to 35 mph may combine with snow to reduce visibility overnight.
Drivers along Highway 93 from Sula to Lost Trail Pass should prepare for winter conditions, especially toward daybreak Monday. Lower elevations will remain rainy, but temperatures will fall sharply as colder air moves in. Officials warned that wet, windy, and cold weather may lead to hypothermia for hikers or hunters caught in the backcountry without adequate gear.
According to the National Weather Service, precipitation will taper by late Monday morning as drier air moves in, though mountain passes could remain slick into midday.
