Wind Advisory 14, NWS Missoula, MT

152 
WWUS75 KMSO 061238
NPWMSO

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MISSOULA MT
538 AM MST THU MAR 6 2014

IDZ007-008-061345-
/O.CAN.KMSO.WI.Y.0014.000000T0000Z-140306T1500Z/
OROFINO/GRANGEVILLE REGION-LOWER HELLS CANYON/SALMON RIVER REGION-
438 AM PST THU MAR 6 2014

...WIND ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MISSOULA HAS CANCELLED THE WIND
ADVISORY. 

WHILE WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO REMAIN GUSTY TODAY, THE STRONGEST
WINDS HAVE BEGUN TO DECREASE.

$$

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Missoula MT
242 PM MST Wed Mar 5 2014

.DISCUSSION...The first plume of moisture has moved into north
central Idaho and west central Montana. This moisture will cause
widespread precipitation with the valleys receiving rain and
mountain snow. The region will experience a decrease in precipitation
this afternoon and evening, but a second plume will move through
the area later tonight. This feature will move into region around
midnight tonight. Again the snow levels will remain high so valleys will
receive rain with the snow remaining confined to the higher
terrain. Marias, Lolo and Lost Trail passes will see some
accumulating snow/slush tonight causing difficult driving
conditions, so a winter weather advisory has been issued.

The valleys will remain fairly warm tonight through Thursday as southerly
winds continue to gust across the region. The combination of rain
and snow melt will continue to the threat of flooding due to poor
water drainage across most of the Northern Rockies.

Friday...Plenty of low level moisture with instability will
continue to produce rain showers with snow in the mountains.
Showers will be predominant in the morning and decrease during the
afternoon and evening as a ridge of high pressure builds over the
region to provide increased stability.

The good news...A ridge of high pressure and a DRY DAY SATURDAY!
Temperatures will feel warm, in the mid 40s to near 50 in areas
which is at or above normal. There has only been 4 days since
February 1st that have been rain or snow free. Unfortunately this
will be short lived as

Sunday through Monday night another strong weather disturbance
will bring widespread significant amounts of precipitation to the
entire Northern Rockies. Snow levels look to be between 5000-6000
feet where another foot of snow is possible. The warmer rain over
snow will once again bring HYDROLOGY CONCERNS as melting of the
current snow in the valleys.

Tuesday and Wednesday...Confidence is low for the middle of next
week. Models are inconsistent with their solutions anywhere from a
dry and cooler solution to scattered showers with normal
temperatures.

&&

.AVIATION...The first plume of moisture continues to move through
north central Idaho and west central Montana this afternoon
causing lowered ceilings at KMSO, KSMN and KBTM. The precipitation
will become more showery in nature this evening, then another
plume of moisture makes its way into the area after 06/06z. This
secondary plume will cause wide spread lowering clouds, which will
obscure mountains and passes. All terminals should be impacted by
this second feature. The heavier precipitation could significantly
lower the visibility at the terminals.

&&

.MSO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MT...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY until 11 AM MST Thursday for Lolo Pass
     and Lost Trail Pass IN THE Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains.

     WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY until 11 AM MST Thursday ABOVE 5000 FEET
     FOR THE West Glacier Region.

ID...WIND ADVISORY until 4 PM PST this afternoon for the Camas
     Prairie...Grangeville and Highway 95 IN THE Lower Hells
     Canyon/Salmon River Region...Orofino/Grangeville Region.

     WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY until 11 AM MST /10 AM PST/ Thursday for
     Lolo Pass and Lost Trail Pass IN THE Eastern Lemhi County...
     Southern Clearwater Mountains.

&&

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