Alert archive / Montana / Winter Storm Warnings in 2014

Winter Storm Warning 7, NWS Missoula, MT

February 17, 2014Mineral County, Missoula County, Sanders County, Montana

NWS Missoula, MT issued this winter storm warning at Feb 17, 2014, 7:55 AM MST for Mineral County, Missoula County, Sanders County, Montana. It was in force for 9 hr. 3 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
Feb 17, 2014, 7:55 AM MST (14:55 UTC)
Expired
Feb 17, 2014, 5:00 PM MST
In force
9 hr
Issued by
NWS Missoula, MT

Counties Mineral County, MT, Missoula County, MT, Sanders County, MT

The radar

The Missoula radar (KMSX), 59 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 14:54 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
Feb 17, 2:30 PM MSTHEAVY SNOW 105 Nw East Portal, MTLOOKOUT PASS SNOTEL ESTIMATING ABOUT 10 OF SNOW FROM 8AM TO 1PM. CAMERA SHOWS POOR VISIBILITY LESS THAN 1/2 MI AT TIMES THROUGH THE MORNING. CHAINS REQUIRED FOR TOWING UNITS OVER THE PASS HEAVY SNOW DURATION 5 HOURS
Feb 17, 2:34 PM MSTSNOW 2.24 Nw Noxon, MTSPOTTER REPORTS 2 OVERNIGHT AND THIS MORNING. TURNED OVER TO A MIX OF RAIN AND SNOW THIS AFTERNOON.
Feb 17, 4:22 PM MSTHEAVY SNOW 125 Nw East Portal, MTLOOKOUT PASS SKI AREA AS OF 1530 MST HEAVY SNOW DURATION 24 HOURS

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

The nearest sounding before it

Spokane, WA (KOTX), launched 12:00Z, 2.9 hours before the alert went out and 137 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Spokane, WA at 12:00Z on 2014-02-17Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Spokane, WA at 12:00Z on 2014-02-17The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 322 square meters per square second.1939587897117Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
1378 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
62 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
322 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
312 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted, in the capitals the NWS used until 2016.

159 
WWUS45 KMSO 171455
WSWMSO

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MISSOULA MT
755 AM MST MON FEB 17 2014

MTZ004-180000-
/O.UPG.KMSO.WW.Y.0019.000000T0000Z-140218T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KMSO.WS.W.0007.140217T1455Z-140218T0000Z/
LOWER CLARK FORK REGION-
755 AM MST MON FEB 17 2014

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS AFTERNOON...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MISSOULA HAS ISSUED A WINTER
STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW AND POOR ROAD CONDITIONS...WHICH IS IN EFFECT
UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS AFTERNOON. THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS NO
LONGER IN EFFECT.

* IMPACTS/TIMING: A PERIOD OF HEAVY SNOW PRODUCING SNOWFALL RATES
  UP TO 2 INCHES PER HOUR WILL CAUSE DANGEROUS ROAD CONDITIONS AND
  LOW VISIBILITY FROM HAUGAN TO LOOKOUT PASS ALONG INTERSTATE 90
  THROUGH EARLY AFTERNOON. VALLEY LOCATIONS WILL NOT RECEIVE AS
  INTENSE OF SNOW FALL BUT A MIX OF SNOW AND SLUSH ON THE ROADWAYS
  WILL MAKE TRAVEL SLICK.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: AN ADDITIONAL 8 TO 15 INCHES FOR THE
  MOUNTAINS AND OVER LOOKOUT PASS. LOWER ELEVATION LOCATIONS WILL
  GENERALLY SEE BETWEEN 1 AND 4 INCHES. HOWEVER HIGHER AMOUNTS OF
  UP TO 8 INCHES ARE POSSIBLE IN VALLEY LOCATIONS CLOSER TO THE
  IDAHO BORDER.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...EVARO HILL...HIGHWAY 200 THOMPSON 
  FALLS TO PLAINS...HIGHWAY 200 TROUT CREEK TO HERON...I-90 
  LOOKOUT PASS TO HAUGAN

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER
CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING.  SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF
SNOW ARE FORECAST THAT WILL MAKE TRAVEL DANGEROUS. ONLY TRAVEL IN
AN EMERGENCY. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL...KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT...
FOOD...AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.

&&

$$

MTZ001-180000-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0018.000000T0000Z-140218T0000Z/
KOOTENAI/CABINET REGION-
755 AM MST MON FEB 17 2014

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: NEW SNOW OVERNIGHT WILL COMBINE WITH ALREADY 
  VERY WET PAVEMENT CONDITIONS AND THEN FREEZE CAUSING DIFFICULT 
  TRAVEL CONDITIONS. ADDITIONAL SNOWFALL THROUGHOUT THE DAY WILL 
  RESULT IN ICY...SNOW PACKED CONDITIONS AND ULTIMATELY RESULT 
  IN SLOW TRAVEL THROUGHOUT THE REGION. 

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 4 TO 6 INCHES...LOCALLY UP TO 8 INCHES IN 
  THE VALLEYS WITH AROUND 10 INCHES IN THE MOUNTAINS. 

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...HIGHWAY 2 KALISPELL TO LIBBY... 
  HIGHWAY 37 EUREKA TO LIBBY...HIGHWAY 56 BULL LAKE ROAD...
  HIGHWAY 93 EUREKA TO WHITEFISH


&&

$$

MTZ002-180000-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0017.000000T0000Z-140218T0000Z/
WEST GLACIER REGION-
755 AM MST MON FEB 17 2014

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: OCCASIONALLY HEAVY SNOWFALL COMBINED WITH 
  GUSTY WINDS WILL CAUSE PERIODS OF LOW VISIBILITY AND 
  POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS OVER MARIAS PASS 
  TODAY. MOTORISTS TRAVELING ON US-2 CAN EXPECT TO EXPERIENCE 
  ICY...SNOW PACKED ROADS AS WELL. 

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: AN ADDITIONAL 8 TO 12 INCHES OVER MARIAS 
  PASS AND ACROSS THE MOUNTAINS WITH GENERALLY 4 TO 7 INCHES IN 
  THE VALLEYS. 

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...BAD ROCK CANYON...ESSEX...HIGHWAY 
  83 BIGFORK TO SWAN LAKE...MARIAS PASS...POLEBRIDGE


&&

$$

MTZ003-180000-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0018.000000T0000Z-140218T0000Z/
FLATHEAD/MISSION VALLEYS-
755 AM MST MON FEB 17 2014

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: SNOW WILL START TO ACCUMULATE THIS MORNING IN 
  THE VALLEYS AND CONTINUE THROUGH MUCH OF THE DAY. SLUSHY 
  CONDITIONS CAN BE EXPECTED ON AREA ROADS. 

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 1 TO 3 INCHES IN THE MISSION VALLEY WITH 2 
  TO 6 INCHES IN THE FLATHEAD VALLEY...INCLUDING KALISPELL. 

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...FLATHEAD LAKE...FLATHEAD VALLEY...
  MISSION VALLEY...POLSON


&&

$$

MTZ043-180000-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0018.000000T0000Z-140218T0000Z/
POTOMAC/SEELEY LAKE REGION-
755 AM MST MON FEB 17 2014

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: SNOW WILL GRADUALLY BECOME MORE INTENSE 
  THROUGHOUT THE DAY WITH AREA ROADWAYS QUICKLY BECOMING SNOW 
  COVERED AND ICY. ANY SURFACES WHICH STILL HAVE SURFACE WATER 
  OR SLUSH ON THEM COULD BECOME PARTICULARLY SLICK TODAY AND 
  TONIGHT. 

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 3 TO 5 INCHES IN THE VALLEYS WITH AROUND 
  10 INCHES IN THE MOUNTAINS. 

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...HIGHWAY 200 BONNER TO GREENOUGH...
   HIGHWAY 83 SEELEY LAKE TO CONDON...I-90 EAST MISSOULA TO 
  BEARMOUTH



&&

$$

MTZ006-180000-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0020.000000T0000Z-140218T0300Z/
BITTERROOT/SAPPHIRE MOUNTAINS-
755 AM MST MON FEB 17 2014

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM MST THIS
EVENING...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM MST THIS
EVENING. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: SNOW WILL GRADUALLY INTENSIFY THROUGHOUT THE 
  DAY WITH AREA ROADWAYS QUICKLY BECOMING SNOW COVERED AND ICY. 
  BREEZY CONDITIONS ATOP LOLO AND LOST TRAIL PASS WILL PRODUCE 
  BLOWING SNOW RESULTING IN PERIODS OF REDUCED VISIBILITY. 
  TRAVEL MAY BECOME CHALLENGING AND AT TIMES...HAZARDOUS OVER 
  THESE PASSES. 

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: STORM TOTAL OF 6 TO 8 INCHES FOR LOLO PASS 
  WITH 2 TO 4 INCHES EXPECTED OVER LOST TRAIL PASS. 

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...HIGHWAY 93 SULA TO LOST TRAIL 
  PASS...LOLO PASS



&&

$$

IDZ005-006-180000-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0017.000000T0000Z-140218T0300Z/
NORTHERN CLEARWATER MOUNTAINS-SOUTHERN CLEARWATER MOUNTAINS-
655 AM PST MON FEB 17 2014

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM PST THIS
EVENING...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM PST THIS
EVENING. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: SNOW WILL PROGRESSIVELY BECOMING MORE INTENSE 
  THROUGHOUT THE DAY CREATING SLICK...SNOW COVERED ROADS AND 
  PERIODS OF DIFFICULT TRAVEL...PARTICULARLY OVER LOLO PASS. 

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 6 TO 8 INCHES OVER LOLO PASS AND IN THE 
  HIGHER TERRAIN WITH 2 TO 4 INCHES IN THE VALLEYS DOWN TO 3000 
  FEET. LITTLE TO NO SNOW ACCUMULATION BELOW 3000 FEET. 

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...ELK RIVER...HIGHWAY 11 PIERCE TO
  HEADQUARTERS...PIERCE...DIXIE...ELK CITY...HIGHWAY 12 LOWELL TO
  LOLO PASS


&&

$$
3 follow-up statements
100 
WWUS45 KMSO 171837
WSWMSO

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MISSOULA MT
1137 AM MST MON FEB 17 2014

MTZ004-180000-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0007.000000T0000Z-140218T0000Z/
LOWER CLARK FORK REGION-
1137 AM MST MON FEB 17 2014

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON...

A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: A PERIOD OF HEAVY SNOW PRODUCING SNOWFALL RATES
  UP TO 2 INCHES PER HOUR WILL CAUSE DANGEROUS ROAD CONDITIONS AND
  LOW VISIBILITY FROM HAUGAN TO LOOKOUT PASS ALONG INTERSTATE 90
  THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON. VALLEY LOCATIONS WILL NOT RECEIVE AS
  INTENSE OF SNOW FALL BUT A MIX OF SNOW AND SLUSH ON THE ROADWAYS
  WILL MAKE TRAVEL SLICK.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: AN ADDITIONAL 8 TO 15 INCHES FOR THE 
  MOUNTAINS AND OVER LOOKOUT PASS. LOWER ELEVATION LOCATIONS 
  WILL GENERALLY SEE BETWEEN 1 AND 4 INCHES. HOWEVER HIGHER 
  AMOUNTS OF UP TO 8 INCHES ARE POSSIBLE IN VALLEY LOCATIONS 
  CLOSER TO THE IDAHO BORDER. 

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...EVARO HILL...HIGHWAY 200 THOMPSON 
  FALLS TO PLAINS...HIGHWAY 200 TROUT CREEK TO HERON...I-90 
  LOOKOUT PASS TO HAUGAN

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER
CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING.  SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF
SNOW ARE FORECAST THAT WILL MAKE TRAVEL DANGEROUS. ONLY TRAVEL IN
AN EMERGENCY. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL...KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT...
FOOD...AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.

&&

$$

MTZ007-180000-
/O.EXB.KMSO.WW.Y.0017.000000T0000Z-140218T0600Z/
BUTTE/BLACKFOOT REGION-
1137 AM MST MON FEB 17 2014

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS
EVENING...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MISSOULA HAS ISSUED A WINTER
WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW AND WIND CAUSING BLOWING SNOW...WHICH IS IN
EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS EVENING.

* IMPACTS/TIMING: GUSTY WEST WINDS HAVE ALREADY BEGUN TO DEVELOP
  THIS MORNING IN THE FAVORED WIND AREAS SUCH AS HIGHWAY 12 FROM
  GARRISON TO MACDONALD PASS AND THE HIGHWAY 1 CORRIDOR FROM
  ANACONDA TO GEORGETOWN LAKE. BY LATE THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING WINDS
  WILL COMBINE WITH SNOW TO CAUSE AREAS OF BLOWING SNOW AND POOR
  VISIBILITY. ROADS WILL BECOME SLICK.

* WINDS: WEST 20-30 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 45 MPH, MAINLY IN ABOVE MENTIONED
  WIND AREAS.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 2 TO 5 INCHES OVER THE HIGHER TERRAIN SUCH
  AS GEORGETOWN LAKE AND OVER MACDONALD AND HOMESTAKE PASSES. 1 TO
  2 INCHES FOR THE LOWER ELEVATIONS

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...BUTTE...GEORGETOWN LAKE...HIGHWAY 
  12 GARRISON TO ELLISTON...MACDONALD PASS

$$

MTZ006-180000-
/O.EXT.KMSO.WW.Y.0020.000000T0000Z-140218T0600Z/
BITTERROOT/SAPPHIRE MOUNTAINS-
1137 AM MST MON FEB 17 2014

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS
EVENING...

THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS
EVENING. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: SNOW WILL GRADUALLY INTENSIFY THROUGHOUT THE 
  DAY WITH AREA ROADWAYS QUICKLY BECOMING SNOW COVERED AND ICY. 
  BREEZY CONDITIONS ATOP LOLO AND LOST TRAIL PASS WILL PRODUCE 
  BLOWING SNOW RESULTING IN PERIODS OF REDUCED VISIBILITY. 
  TRAVEL MAY BECOME CHALLENGING AND AT TIMES...HAZARDOUS OVER 
  THESE PASSES. 

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: STORM TOTAL OF 6 TO 8 INCHES FOR LOLO PASS
  WITH 4 TO 6 INCHES EXPECTED OVER LOST TRAIL PASS.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...HIGHWAY 93 SULA TO LOST TRAIL 
  PASS...LOLO PASS

$$

IDZ005-006-180000-
/O.EXT.KMSO.WW.Y.0017.000000T0000Z-140218T0600Z/
NORTHERN CLEARWATER MOUNTAINS-SOUTHERN CLEARWATER MOUNTAINS-
1037 AM PST MON FEB 17 2014

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM PST THIS
EVENING...

THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM PST THIS
EVENING. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: SNOW WILL PROGRESSIVELY BECOMING MORE INTENSE 
  THROUGHOUT THE DAY CREATING SLICK...SNOW COVERED ROADS AND 
  PERIODS OF DIFFICULT TRAVEL...PARTICULARLY OVER LOLO PASS. 

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 6 TO 8 INCHES OVER LOLO PASS AND IN THE 
  HIGHER TERRAIN WITH 2 TO 4 INCHES IN THE VALLEYS DOWN TO 3000 
  FEET. LITTLE TO NO SNOW ACCUMULATION BELOW 3000 FEET. 

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...ELK RIVER...HIGHWAY 11 PIERCE TO 
  HEADQUARTERS...PIERCE...DIXIE...ELK CITY...HIGHWAY 12 LOWELL 
  TO LOLO PASS

$$

MTZ001-180000-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0018.000000T0000Z-140218T0000Z/
KOOTENAI/CABINET REGION-
1137 AM MST MON FEB 17 2014

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: ADDITIONAL SNOWFALL THROUGHOUT THE DAY WILL
  RESULT IN ICY...SNOW PACKED CONDITIONS AND ULTIMATELY RESULT IN
  SLOW TRAVEL THROUGHOUT THE REGION.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: STORM TOTAL 2 TO 4 INCHES...LOCALLY UP TO 6
  INCHES IN THE VALLEYS WITH AROUND 10 INCHES IN THE MOUNTAINS.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...HIGHWAY 2 KALISPELL TO LIBBY... 
  HIGHWAY 37 EUREKA TO LIBBY...HIGHWAY 56 BULL LAKE ROAD...
  HIGHWAY 93 EUREKA TO WHITEFISH

$$

MTZ002-180000-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0017.000000T0000Z-140218T0000Z/
WEST GLACIER REGION-
1137 AM MST MON FEB 17 2014

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: OCCASIONALLY HEAVY SNOWFALL COMBINED WITH 
  GUSTY WINDS WILL CAUSE PERIODS OF LOW VISIBILITY AND 
  POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS OVER MARIAS PASS 
  TODAY. MOTORISTS TRAVELING ON US-2 CAN EXPECT TO EXPERIENCE 
  ICY...SNOW PACKED ROADS AS WELL. 

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: AN ADDITIONAL 8 TO 12 INCHES OVER MARIAS 
  PASS AND ACROSS THE MOUNTAINS WITH GENERALLY 4 TO 7 INCHES IN 
  THE VALLEYS. 

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...BAD ROCK CANYON...ESSEX...HIGHWAY 
  83 BIGFORK TO SWAN LAKE...MARIAS PASS...POLEBRIDGE

$$

MTZ003-180000-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0018.000000T0000Z-140218T0000Z/
FLATHEAD/MISSION VALLEYS-
1137 AM MST MON FEB 17 2014

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: SNOW WILL START TO ACCUMULATE THIS MORNING IN 
  THE VALLEYS AND CONTINUE THROUGH MUCH OF THE DAY. SLUSHY 
  CONDITIONS CAN BE EXPECTED ON AREA ROADS. 

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 1 TO 3 INCHES.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...FLATHEAD LAKE...FLATHEAD VALLEY...
   MISSION VALLEY...POLSON

$$

MTZ043-180000-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0018.000000T0000Z-140218T0000Z/
POTOMAC/SEELEY LAKE REGION-
1137 AM MST MON FEB 17 2014

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: SNOW WILL GRADUALLY BECOME MORE INTENSE 
  THROUGHOUT THE DAY WITH AREA ROADWAYS QUICKLY BECOMING SNOW 
  COVERED AND ICY. ANY SURFACES WHICH STILL HAVE SURFACE WATER 
  OR SLUSH ON THEM COULD BECOME PARTICULARLY SLICK TODAY AND 
  TONIGHT. 

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 3 TO 5 INCHES IN THE VALLEYS WITH AROUND 
  10 INCHES IN THE MOUNTAINS. 

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...HIGHWAY 200 BONNER TO GREENOUGH...
   HIGHWAY 83 SEELEY LAKE TO CONDON...I-90 EAST MISSOULA TO 
  BEARMOUTH

$$
152 
WWUS45 KMSO 172100
WSWMSO

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MISSOULA MT
200 PM MST MON FEB 17 2014

MTZ004-180000-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0007.000000T0000Z-140218T0000Z/
LOWER CLARK FORK REGION-
200 PM MST MON FEB 17 2014

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON...

A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: A PERIOD OF HEAVY SNOW PRODUCING SNOWFALL 
  RATES UP TO 2 INCHES PER HOUR WILL CAUSE DANGEROUS ROAD 
  CONDITIONS AND LOW VISIBILITY FROM HAUGAN TO LOOKOUT PASS 
  ALONG INTERSTATE 90 THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON. VALLEY LOCATIONS 
  WILL NOT RECEIVE AS INTENSE OF SNOW FALL BUT A MIX OF SNOW AND 
  SLUSH ON THE ROADWAYS WILL MAKE TRAVEL SLICK. 

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: STORM TOTAL 8 TO 15 INCHES FOR THE MOUNTAINS
  AND OVER LOOKOUT PASS. LOWER ELEVATION LOCATIONS WILL GENERALLY
  SEE BETWEEN 1 AND 3 INCHES. 

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...EVARO HILL...HIGHWAY 200 THOMPSON 
  FALLS TO PLAINS...HIGHWAY 200 TROUT CREEK TO HERON...I-90 
  LOOKOUT PASS TO HAUGAN

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER
CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING.  SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF
SNOW ARE FORECAST THAT WILL MAKE TRAVEL DANGEROUS. ONLY TRAVEL IN
AN EMERGENCY. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL...KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT...
FOOD...AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.

&&

$$

MTZ002-180000-
/O.EXT.KMSO.WW.Y.0017.000000T0000Z-140218T0600Z/
WEST GLACIER REGION-
200 PM MST MON FEB 17 2014

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS
EVENING...

THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS
EVENING. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: OCCASIONALLY HEAVY SNOWFALL COMBINED WITH 
  GUSTY WINDS WILL CAUSE PERIODS OF LOW VISIBILITY AND 
  POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS OVER MARIAS PASS 
  TODAY. MOTORISTS TRAVELING ON US-2 CAN EXPECT TO EXPERIENCE 
  ICY...SNOW PACKED ROADS AS WELL. 

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: STORM TOTAL 8 TO 12 INCHES OVER MARIAS PASS
  AND ACROSS THE MOUNTAINS WITH GENERALLY 2 TO 5 INCHES IN THE
  VALLEYS.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...BAD ROCK CANYON...ESSEX...HIGHWAY 
  83 BIGFORK TO SWAN LAKE...MARIAS PASS...POLEBRIDGE

$$

MTZ043-180000-
/O.EXT.KMSO.WW.Y.0018.000000T0000Z-140218T0600Z/
POTOMAC/SEELEY LAKE REGION-
200 PM MST MON FEB 17 2014

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS
EVENING...

THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS
EVENING. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: SNOW WILL INTENSIFY THIS AFTERNOON WITH AREA
  ROADWAYS QUICKLY BECOMING SNOW COVERED AND ICY. ANY SURFACES
  WHICH STILL HAVE SURFACE WATER OR SLUSH ON THEM COULD BECOME
  PARTICULARLY SLICK TONIGHT.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 3 TO 5 INCHES IN THE VALLEYS WITH AROUND 
  10 INCHES IN THE MOUNTAINS. 

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...HIGHWAY 200 BONNER TO GREENOUGH...
   HIGHWAY 83 SEELEY LAKE TO CONDON...I-90 EAST MISSOULA TO 
  BEARMOUTH

$$

MTZ001-180000-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0018.000000T0000Z-140218T0000Z/
KOOTENAI/CABINET REGION-
200 PM MST MON FEB 17 2014

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: ADDITIONAL SNOWFALL THROUGHOUT THE DAY WILL
  RESULT IN ICY...SNOW PACKED CONDITIONS AND ULTIMATELY RESULT IN
  SLOW TRAVEL THROUGHOUT THE REGION. ROAD CONDITIONS WILL VARY
  GREATLY OVER SHORT DISTANCES.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: STORM TOTAL 2 TO 4 INCHES...LOCALLY UP TO 
  6 INCHES IN THE VALLEYS WITH AROUND 10 INCHES IN THE 
  MOUNTAINS. 

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...HIGHWAY 2 KALISPELL TO LIBBY... 
  HIGHWAY 37 EUREKA TO LIBBY...HIGHWAY 56 BULL LAKE ROAD...
  HIGHWAY 93 EUREKA TO WHITEFISH

$$

MTZ003-180000-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0018.000000T0000Z-140218T0000Z/
FLATHEAD/MISSION VALLEYS-
200 PM MST MON FEB 17 2014

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: A MIX OF RAIN AND SNOW WILL CREATE SLUSHY
  CONDITIONS ON AREA ROADS. A BRIEF PERIOD OF MORE INTENSE SNOW
  LATE THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING COULD LEAD TO SHORT PERIODS OF
  REDUCED VISIBILITY.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 1 TO 3 INCHES.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...FLATHEAD LAKE...FLATHEAD VALLEY...
   MISSION VALLEY...POLSON

$$

MTZ006-180000-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0020.000000T0000Z-140218T0600Z/
BITTERROOT/SAPPHIRE MOUNTAINS-
200 PM MST MON FEB 17 2014

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS
EVENING...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS
EVENING. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: SNOW WILL CONTINUE TO INTENSIFY THIS AFTERNOON
  AND EVENING WITH AREA ROADWAYS QUICKLY BECOMING SNOW COVERED
  AND ICY. BREEZY CONDITIONS ATOP LOLO AND LOST TRAIL PASS WILL
  PRODUCE BLOWING SNOW RESULTING IN PERIODS OF REDUCED VISIBILITY.
  TRAVEL MAY BECOME CHALLENGING AND AT TIMES...HAZARDOUS OVER
  THESE PASSES.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: STORM TOTAL OF 6 TO 8 INCHES FOR LOLO PASS 
  WITH 4 TO 6 INCHES EXPECTED OVER LOST TRAIL PASS. 

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...HIGHWAY 93 SULA TO LOST TRAIL 
  PASS...LOLO PASS

$$

IDZ005-006-180000-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0017.000000T0000Z-140218T0600Z/
NORTHERN CLEARWATER MOUNTAINS-SOUTHERN CLEARWATER MOUNTAINS-
100 PM PST MON FEB 17 2014

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM PST THIS
EVENING...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM PST THIS
EVENING. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: SNOW WILL PROGRESSIVELY BECOMING MORE INTENSE
  THROUGHOUT THE AFTERNOON CREATING SLICK...SNOW COVERED ROADS
  AND PERIODS OF DIFFICULT TRAVEL...PARTICULARLY OVER LOLO PASS.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 6 TO 8 INCHES OVER LOLO PASS AND IN THE 
  HIGHER TERRAIN WITH 2 TO 4 INCHES IN THE VALLEYS DOWN TO 3000 
  FEET. LITTLE TO NO SNOW ACCUMULATION BELOW 3000 FEET. 

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...ELK RIVER...HIGHWAY 11 PIERCE TO 
  HEADQUARTERS...PIERCE...DIXIE...ELK CITY...HIGHWAY 12 LOWELL 
  TO LOLO PASS

$$

MTZ007-180000-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0017.000000T0000Z-140218T0600Z/
BUTTE/BLACKFOOT REGION-
200 PM MST MON FEB 17 2014

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS
EVENING...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS
EVENING. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: GUSTY WEST WINDS HAVE ALREADY BEGUN TO DEVELOP 
  THIS MORNING IN THE FAVORED WIND AREAS SUCH AS HIGHWAY 12 FROM 
  GARRISON TO MACDONALD PASS AND THE HIGHWAY 1 CORRIDOR FROM 
  ANACONDA TO GEORGETOWN LAKE. BY LATE THIS AFTERNOON AND 
  EVENING WINDS WILL COMBINE WITH SNOW TO CAUSE AREAS OF BLOWING 
  SNOW AND POOR VISIBILITY. ROADS WILL BECOME SLICK. 

* WINDS: WEST 20-30 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 45 MPH... MAINLY IN ABOVE 
  MENTIONED WIND AREAS. 

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 2 TO 5 INCHES OVER THE HIGHER TERRAIN SUCH 
  AS GEORGETOWN LAKE AND OVER MACDONALD AND HOMESTAKE PASSES. 1 
  TO 2 INCHES FOR THE LOWER ELEVATIONS. 

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...BUTTE...GEORGETOWN LAKE...HIGHWAY 
  12 GARRISON TO ELLISTON...MACDONALD PASS

$$
806 
WWUS45 KMSO 172359
WSWMSO

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MISSOULA MT
459 PM MST MON FEB 17 2014

MTZ004-180600-
/O.EXP.KMSO.WS.W.0007.000000T0000Z-140218T0000Z/
/O.EXB.KMSO.WW.Y.0017.140218T0000Z-140218T0600Z/
LOWER CLARK FORK REGION-
459 PM MST MON FEB 17 2014

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS
EVENING...
...WINTER STORM WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 5 PM MST THIS AFTERNOON...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MISSOULA HAS ISSUED A WINTER
WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT
UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS EVENING. THE WINTER STORM WARNING WILL EXPIRE
AT 5 PM MST THIS AFTERNOON.

* IMPACTS/TIMING: SNOW AND WIND WILL CONTINUE TO BE PRESENT MAINLY
  FROM HAUGAN TO LOOKOUT PASS THROUGH LATE THIS EVENING. SNOW
  COVERED ROADS...BLOWING SNOW...AND LOW VISIBILITY AT TIMES WILL
  CREATE HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS.

* WINDS: WEST 20-30 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 40 MPH AT LOOKOUT PASS.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: ADDITIONAL 4 INCHES NEAR LOOKOUT PASS.
  ADDITIONAL 1-2 INCHES AT LOWER ELEVATIONS.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...I-90 LOOKOUT PASS TO HAUGAN

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW...BLOWING
SNOW...OR ICE ACCUMULATIONS WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE
PREPARED FOR SLIPPERY ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE
CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.

&&

$$

MTZ001-180100-
/O.EXP.KMSO.WW.Y.0018.000000T0000Z-140218T0000Z/
KOOTENAI/CABINET REGION-
459 PM MST MON FEB 17 2014

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON...

THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON. 

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...HIGHWAY 2 KALISPELL TO LIBBY... 
  HIGHWAY 37 EUREKA TO LIBBY...HIGHWAY 56 BULL LAKE ROAD...
  HIGHWAY 93 EUREKA TO WHITEFISH

$$

MTZ003-180100-
/O.EXP.KMSO.WW.Y.0018.000000T0000Z-140218T0000Z/
FLATHEAD/MISSION VALLEYS-
459 PM MST MON FEB 17 2014

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON...

THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON. 

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...FLATHEAD LAKE...FLATHEAD VALLEY...
   MISSION VALLEY...POLSON

$$

MTZ002-180600-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0017.000000T0000Z-140218T0600Z/
WEST GLACIER REGION-
459 PM MST MON FEB 17 2014

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS
EVENING...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS
EVENING. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: OCCASIONALLY HEAVY SNOWFALL COMBINED WITH GUSTY
  WINDS WILL CAUSE PERIODS OF LOW VISIBILITY AND POTENTIALLY
  HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS OVER MARIAS PASS THROUGH THIS
  EVENING. MOTORISTS TRAVELING ON US-2 CAN EXPECT TO EXPERIENCE
  ICY...SNOW PACKED ROADS AS WELL.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: STORM TOTAL 8 TO 12 INCHES OVER MARIAS 
  PASS AND ACROSS THE MOUNTAINS WITH GENERALLY 2 TO 5 INCHES IN 
  THE VALLEYS. 

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...BAD ROCK CANYON...ESSEX...HIGHWAY 
  83 BIGFORK TO SWAN LAKE...MARIAS PASS...POLEBRIDGE

$$

MTZ043-180600-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0018.000000T0000Z-140218T0600Z/
POTOMAC/SEELEY LAKE REGION-
459 PM MST MON FEB 17 2014

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS
EVENING...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS
EVENING. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: SNOW WILL CONTINUE THROUGH THIS EVENING WITH
  AREA ROADWAYS QUICKLY BECOMING SNOW COVERED AND ICY. ANY
  SURFACES WHICH STILL HAVE SURFACE WATER OR SLUSH ON THEM COULD
  BECOME PARTICULARLY SLICK TONIGHT.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 3 TO 5 INCHES IN THE VALLEYS WITH AROUND 
  10 INCHES IN THE MOUNTAINS. 

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...HIGHWAY 200 BONNER TO GREENOUGH...
   HIGHWAY 83 SEELEY LAKE TO CONDON...I-90 EAST MISSOULA TO 
  BEARMOUTH

$$

MTZ006-180600-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0020.000000T0000Z-140218T0600Z/
BITTERROOT/SAPPHIRE MOUNTAINS-
459 PM MST MON FEB 17 2014

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS
EVENING...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS
EVENING. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: SNOW WILL CONTINUE THROUGH THIS EVENING WITH
  AREA ROADWAYS QUICKLY BECOMING SNOW COVERED AND ICY. BREEZY
  CONDITIONS ATOP LOLO AND LOST TRAIL PASS WILL PRODUCE BLOWING
  SNOW RESULTING IN PERIODS OF REDUCED VISIBILITY. TRAVEL MAY
  BECOME CHALLENGING AND AT TIMES... HAZARDOUS OVER THESE PASSES.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: STORM TOTAL OF 6 TO 8 INCHES FOR LOLO PASS 
  WITH 4 TO 6 INCHES EXPECTED OVER LOST TRAIL PASS. 

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...HIGHWAY 93 SULA TO LOST TRAIL 
  PASS...LOLO PASS

$$

IDZ005-006-180600-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0017.000000T0000Z-140218T0600Z/
NORTHERN CLEARWATER MOUNTAINS-SOUTHERN CLEARWATER MOUNTAINS-
359 PM PST MON FEB 17 2014

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM PST THIS
EVENING...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM PST THIS
EVENING. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: SNOW WILL CONTINUE THROUGH THIS EVENING CREATING
  SLICK...SNOW COVERED ROADS AND PERIODS OF DIFFICULT
  TRAVEL...PARTICULARLY OVER LOLO PASS.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 6 TO 8 INCHES OVER LOLO PASS AND IN THE 
  HIGHER TERRAIN WITH 2 TO 4 INCHES IN THE VALLEYS DOWN TO 3000 
  FEET. LITTLE TO NO SNOW ACCUMULATION BELOW 3000 FEET. 

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...ELK RIVER...HIGHWAY 11 PIERCE TO 
  HEADQUARTERS...PIERCE...DIXIE...ELK CITY...HIGHWAY 12 LOWELL 
  TO LOLO PASS

$$

MTZ007-180600-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0017.000000T0000Z-140218T0600Z/
BUTTE/BLACKFOOT REGION-
459 PM MST MON FEB 17 2014

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS
EVENING...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS
EVENING. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: GUSTY WEST WINDS THIS EVENING WILL COMBINE WITH
  SNOW TO CAUSE AREAS OF BLOWING SNOW AND POOR VISIBILITY. ROADS
  WILL BECOME SLICK.

* WINDS: WEST 20-30 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 45 MPH... MAINLY IN ABOVE 
  MENTIONED WIND AREAS. 

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 2 TO 5 INCHES OVER THE HIGHER TERRAIN SUCH 
  AS GEORGETOWN LAKE AND OVER MACDONALD AND HOMESTAKE PASSES. 1 
  TO 2 INCHES FOR THE LOWER ELEVATIONS. 

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...BUTTE...GEORGETOWN LAKE...HIGHWAY 
  12 GARRISON TO ELLISTON...MACDONALD PASS

$$

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this winter storm warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Missoula, MT wrote its last area forecast discussion before this winter storm warning went out at Feb 17, 3:51 AM MST, 4 hours 4 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Feb 17, 3:51 AM MST, 4 hours 4 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Missoula MT
351 AM MST Mon Feb 17 2014

.DISCUSSION...Snow has developed across northern portions of the
Idaho Panhandle and if satellite signatures are to be believed,
likely also across far northwest Montana early this morning.
This precipitation will gradually work its way across the
Northern Rockies today with widespread mountain snowfall expected
to impact travel over area passes, while valley snow is to affect
commerce and transportation throughout northwest Montana. A wide
swath of Winter Weather Advisories are in effect for much of
Montana and Idaho which further detail the potential impacts.
Northwest Montana valleys are likely to be the hardest hit today
and tonight with generally 2 to 5 inches new snow accumulation
by Tuesday morning. Local areas (Yaak, Heron & Plains for example)
may see upwards of 8 inches during this time frame. Meanwhile
Lookout and Marias Passes will be the most significantly affected
passes as periods of heavy snow develop throughout the day,
falling at rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour at times and total
between 10 and 15 inches by Tuesday morning. Poor visibility will
also become an issue later this afternoon and tonight as a strong
cold front pushes through the area and produces some blowing snow
over the higher terrain and passes.

There will likely be a lull in the activity on Tuesday morning
with perhaps even a few breaks in the clouds lasting into Tuesday
afternoon. However this will be short lived as yet another storm
system is set to affect the region Tuesday night into Wednesday
morning. This next storm bears some similarities in trajectory to
the current system but it is also a bit faster to move through
the region and possess significantly less moisture so for right
now is expected to produce far less snowfall. Showery, northwest
flow aloft will be left in its wake with colder air remaining in
place.

The weather pattern is still on track to transition to a cooler,
northwesterly flow for Thursday. The weather system forecast to
pass on Thursday will be cooler with lower snow levels than the
disturbances lately, so snow is possible down to most valley
locations on Thursday.

High pressure will build over the west coast during the end of the
week and through the weekend. The high pressure placement will keep
a northwesterly flow over Idaho and western Montana with on and off
chances for snow through the weekend.

&&

.AVIATION...KGPI can expect to see ceilings and visibility
significantly affected by snow starting at around 17/1300z and
continuing through much of today. Showers will be in the vicinity
of KMSO, KSMN and KBTM throughout much of the day with obscured
terrain becoming common across the region today and tonight. Gusty
winds will develop this afternoon at KBTM with a northwesterly
wind shift forecast to occur this evening due to a frontal
passage. Gusts to 30kts can be expected.

&&

.MSO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MT...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY from 5 AM early this morning to 8 PM MST
     this evening Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains.

     WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY until 5 PM MST this afternoon Lower
     Clark Fork Region.

     WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY until 5 PM MST this afternoon
     Flathead/Mission Valleys.

     WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY until 5 PM MST this afternoon West
     Glacier Region.

     WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY until 5 PM MST this afternoon
     Kootenai/Cabinet Region.

     WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY until 5 PM MST this afternoon
     Potomac/Seeley Lake Region.

ID...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY from 4 AM early this morning to 7 PM PST
     this evening Northern Clearwater Mountains...Southern
     Clearwater Mountains.

&&

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Nearby

Winter Storm Warnings in Montana, 2014Every winter storm warning in 2014

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.