Quick Montana Spring Payback: 16″ Snow Possible, Wind

Lots of mountain snow and gusty winds are going to hit Montana counties after several days of mild, pleasant Spring weather. There will probably be travel advisories in effect for major roadways through Thursday.

• Southwest Montana: A WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH LATE THURSDAY NIGHT.
• WHAT...Heavy snow possible.
• Total snow accumulations between 6 and 10 inches at pass level with 10 to 16 inches on mountain peaks possible.
• Winds could gust as high as 40 mph.
• WHERE...Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains and Gallatin and Madison County Mountains and Centennial Mountains.
• WHEN...From Wednesday afternoon through late Thursday night.
• IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Tire chains may be required for some vehicles if traveling through mountain passes.
• PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.
• Remember, a Winter Storm Watch means that there is at least a 50% chance of impactful winter weather conditions during the watch period.

Areas around Butte and the surrounding mountains will also be affected by this front, with freezing rain being an initial issue, BEFORE the snow.

• A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM WEDNESDAY TO 9 AM THURSDAY.
• WHAT...Snow expected. Likelihood of minor to moderate impacts from around 1 to 3 inches of snow is 90 percent, and 3 to 6 inches of snow is 50 percent.
• Wind may gust to 50 mph, or greater, out of the north and east.
• Visibilities may be significantly reduced at times due to blowing snow.
• WHERE...Georgetown Lake, Highway 12 Garrison to Elliston, Butte, Homestake Pass, and MacDonald Pass.
• WHEN...From 6 PM Wednesday to 9 AM  Thursday.
• IMPACTS...For MINOR impacts from snow, expect a few inconveniences to normal activities.
• Use caution while driving.
• For MODERATE impacts from snow, expect disruptions to normal activities. Hazardous traveling conditions.
• Closures and disruptions to infrastructure may occur.
• The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday morning commute, especially over higher passes.
• ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A rapid drop in temperatures during the evening may cause wet roadways to rapidly freeze.

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