Alert archive / Montana / Winter Storm Watches in 2014

Winter Storm Watch 13, NWS Missoula, MT

December 26, 20149 counties in Montana; Clearwater County, Idaho County, Idaho

NWS Missoula, MT issued this winter storm watch at Dec 26, 2014, 3:54 AM MST for 9 counties in Montana; Clearwater County, Idaho County, Idaho. It took effect at Dec 27, 2014, 11:00 AM MST. It was in force for .

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Dec 26, 2014, 3:54 AM MST (10:54 UTC)
In effect from
Dec 27, 2014, 11:00 AM MST
Expired
Dec 27, 2014, 3:39 AM MST
In force
Issued by
NWS Missoula, MT

Counties Clearwater County, ID, Idaho County, ID, Flathead County, MT, Granite County, MT, Lake County, MT, Lincoln County, MT, Mineral County, MT, Missoula County, MT, Powell County, MT, Ravalli County, MT, Sanders County, MT

The radar

The Missoula radar (KMSX), 38 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 10:52 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.

The nearest sounding before it

Spokane, WA (KOTX), launched 00:00Z, 10.9 hours before the alert went out and 159 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 00:00Z on 2014-12-26Temperature 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 00:00Z on 2014-12-26The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 54 square meters per square second.193958Sfc1 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
1221 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
34 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
54 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
126 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.

894 
WWUS45 KMSO 261054
WSWMSO

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MISSOULA MT
354 AM MST FRI DEC 26 2014

MTZ001-004-262200-
/O.NEW.KMSO.WS.A.0013.141227T1800Z-141228T1800Z/
KOOTENAI/CABINET REGION-LOWER CLARK FORK REGION-
354 AM MST FRI DEC 26 2014

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH
SUNDAY MORNING...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MISSOULA HAS ISSUED A WINTER
STORM WATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH
SUNDAY MORNING. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: SNOW WILL DEVELOP SATURDAY MORNING AND BECOME
  MODERATE TO HEAVY AT TIMES SATURDAY AFTERNOON INTO SUNDAY
  MORNING. A NARROW BAND OF VERY HEAVY SNOW MAY DEVELOP, WHICH
  WOULD BE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING SNOW RATES OF 1 TO 2 INCHES PER
  HOUR. TRAVEL MAY BECOME DIFFICULT DUE TO SLICK SNOW COVERED
  ROADS, PERIODS OF HEAVY SNOW, AND LOWERING VISIBILITY.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 4 TO 8 INCHES IN THE VALLEYS, 8 TO 12 INCHES
  IN THE HIGHER TERRAIN AND OVER LOOKOUT PASS. AMOUNTS COULD BE
  LOCALLY HIGHER UNDER A NARROW BAND, THOUGH THE EXACT LOCATION
  OF THIS BAND IS STILL NOT CERTAIN.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...HIGHWAY 2 KALISPELL TO LIBBY... 
  HIGHWAY 37 EUREKA TO LIBBY...HIGHWAY 56 BULL LAKE ROAD...
  HIGHWAY 93 EUREKA TO WHITEFISH...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 WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT
SNOW...SLEET...OR ICE ACCUMULATIONS THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL.
CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS.

&&

$$

MTZ002-003-262200-
/O.NEW.KMSO.WS.A.0013.141227T1800Z-141229T1800Z/
WEST GLACIER REGION-FLATHEAD/MISSION VALLEYS-
354 AM MST FRI DEC 26 2014

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH
MONDAY MORNING...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MISSOULA HAS ISSUED A WINTER
STORM WATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH
MONDAY MORNING. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOW IS EXPECTED TO DEVELOP
  MID DAY SATURDAY AND LAST THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING. BY SUNDAY
  AFTERNOON, GUSTY NORTHEAST WINDS WILL DEVELOP, WHICH COULD CAUSE
  AREAS OF LOW VISIBILITY IN BLOWING SNOW. TRAVEL COULD BECOME
  DIFFICULT DUE TO THE COMBINATION OF SLICK, SNOW COVERED ROADS
  AND NEAR WHITE OUT CONDITIONS. IN ADDITION, WIND CHILLS COULD
  BECOME DANGEROUSLY LOW BY MONDAY MORNING.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 4 TO 8 INCHES POSSIBLE FOR THE VALLEYS, 8 TO
  12 INCHES IN THE HIGHER TERRAIN AND OVER MARIAS PASS.

* WINDS: NORTHEAST 20-30 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 45 MPH, ESPECIALLY OVER
  MARIAS PASS AND THROUGH BADROCK CANYON INTO THE NORTHERN
  FLATHEAD VALLEY.

* WIND CHILLS: 10 TO 20 DEGREES BELOW ZERO BY MONDAY MORNING,
  ESPECIALLY OVER MARIAS PASS AND THROUGH BADROCK CANYON INTO THE
  NORTHERN FLATHEAD VALLEY.

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

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT
SNOW...SLEET...OR ICE ACCUMULATIONS THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL.
CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS.

&&

$$
3 follow-up statements
742 
WWUS45 KMSO 261523
WSWMSO

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MISSOULA MT
823 AM MST FRI DEC 26 2014

...A SIGNIFICANT SNOW PRODUCING SYSTEM STILL LOOKS LIKE IT WILL
IMPACT WIDESPREAD AREAS IN WESTERN MONTANA AND NORTH CENTRAL IDAHO
BEGINNING SATURDAY AFTERNOON...


IDZ005-006-MTZ006-043-271200-
/O.EXA.KMSO.WS.A.0013.141227T1800Z-141228T1800Z/
NORTHERN CLEARWATER MOUNTAINS-SOUTHERN CLEARWATER MOUNTAINS-
BITTERROOT/SAPPHIRE MOUNTAINS-POTOMAC/SEELEY LAKE REGION-
823 AM MST FRI DEC 26 2014

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH
SUNDAY MORNING...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MISSOULA HAS ISSUED A WINTER
STORM WATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH
SUNDAY MORNING. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: SNOW WILL DEVELOP SATURDAY MORNING AND BECOME
  MODERATE TO HEAVY AT TIMES SATURDAY AFTERNOON INTO SUNDAY
  MORNING. A NARROW BAND OF VERY HEAVY SNOW MAY DEVELOP... WHICH
  WOULD BE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING SNOW RATES OF 1 TO 2 INCHES PER
  HOUR. TRAVEL WILL BECOME DIFFICULT DUE TO SLICK SNOW COVERED
  ROADS... PERIODS OF HEAVY SNOW... AND LOWERING VISIBILITY.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 4 TO 8 INCHES IN THE VALLEYS... 8 TO 12 
  INCHES IN THE HIGHER TERRAIN AND OVER LOOKOUT PASS. AMOUNTS 
  COULD BE LOCALLY HIGHER UNDER A NARROW BAND... THOUGH THE 
  EXACT LOCATION OF THIS BAND IS STILL NOT CERTAIN. 

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...ELK RIVER...HIGHWAY 11 PIERCE TO 
  HEADQUARTERS...PIERCE...DIXIE...ELK CITY...HIGHWAY 12 LOWELL 
  TO LOLO PASS...HIGHWAY 93 SULA TO LOST TRAIL PASS...LOLO 
  PASS... HIGHWAY 200 BONNER TO GREENOUGH...HIGHWAY 83 SEELEY 
  LAKE TO CONDON...I-90 EAST MISSOULA TO BEARMOUTH

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT
SNOW...SLEET...OR ICE ACCUMULATIONS THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL.
CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS.

&&

$$

MTZ001-004-271200-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.A.0013.141227T1800Z-141228T1800Z/
KOOTENAI/CABINET REGION-LOWER CLARK FORK REGION-
823 AM MST FRI DEC 26 2014

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING
THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING...

A WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING
THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: SNOW WILL DEVELOP SATURDAY MORNING AND BECOME
  MODERATE TO HEAVY AT TIMES SATURDAY AFTERNOON INTO SUNDAY
  MORNING. A NARROW BAND OF VERY HEAVY SNOW MAY DEVELOP... WHICH
  WOULD BE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING SNOW RATES OF 1 TO 2 INCHES PER
  HOUR. TRAVEL WILL BECOME DIFFICULT DUE TO SLICK SNOW COVERED
  ROADS... PERIODS OF HEAVY SNOW... AND LOWERING VISIBILITY.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 4 TO 8 INCHES IN THE VALLEYS... 8 TO 12 
  INCHES IN THE HIGHER TERRAIN AND OVER LOOKOUT PASS. AMOUNTS 
  COULD BE LOCALLY HIGHER UNDER A NARROW BAND... THOUGH THE 
  EXACT LOCATION OF THIS BAND IS STILL NOT CERTAIN. 

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...HIGHWAY 2 KALISPELL TO LIBBY... 
  HIGHWAY 37 EUREKA TO LIBBY...HIGHWAY 56 BULL LAKE ROAD...
  HIGHWAY 93 EUREKA TO WHITEFISH...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 WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT
SNOW...SLEET...OR ICE ACCUMULATIONS THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL.
CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS.

&&

$$

MTZ002-003-271200-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.A.0013.141227T1800Z-141229T1800Z/
WEST GLACIER REGION-FLATHEAD/MISSION VALLEYS-
823 AM MST FRI DEC 26 2014

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING
THROUGH MONDAY MORNING...

A WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING
THROUGH MONDAY MORNING. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOW IS EXPECTED TO DEVELOP
  MID DAY SATURDAY AND LAST THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING. BY SUNDAY
  AFTERNOON... GUSTY NORTHEAST WINDS WILL DEVELOP... WHICH COULD
  CAUSE AREAS OF LOW VISIBILITY IN BLOWING SNOW. TRAVEL WILL
  BECOME DIFFICULT DUE TO THE COMBINATION OF SLICK SNOW COVERED
  ROADS AND NEAR WHITE OUT CONDITIONS. IN ADDITION... WIND CHILLS
  COULD BECOME DANGEROUSLY LOW BY MONDAY MORNING.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 4 TO 8 INCHES POSSIBLE FOR THE VALLEYS... 
  8 TO 12 INCHES IN THE HIGHER TERRAIN AND OVER MARIAS PASS. 

* WINDS: NORTHEAST 20-30 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 45 MPH... ESPECIALLY 
  OVER MARIAS PASS AND THROUGH BADROCK CANYON INTO THE NORTHERN 
  FLATHEAD VALLEY. 

* WIND CHILLS: 10 TO 20 DEGREES BELOW ZERO BY MONDAY MORNING... 
  ESPECIALLY OVER MARIAS PASS AND THROUGH BADROCK CANYON INTO 
  THE NORTHERN FLATHEAD VALLEY. 

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

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT
SNOW...SLEET...OR ICE ACCUMULATIONS THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL.
CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS.

&&

$$
006 
WWUS45 KMSO 262053
WSWMSO

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MISSOULA MT
153 PM MST FRI DEC 26 2014

...A SIGNIFICANT SNOW-PRODUCING SYSTEM STILL LOOKS LIKE IT WILL
CAUSE WIDESPREAD IMPACTS TO AREAS IN WESTERN MONTANA AND NORTH
CENTRAL IDAHO BEGINNING SATURDAY AFTERNOON...

IDZ007>010-271200-
/O.NEW.KMSO.WW.Y.0074.141227T1800Z-141228T1800Z/
OROFINO/GRANGEVILLE REGION-LOWER HELLS CANYON/SALMON RIVER REGION-
WESTERN LEMHI COUNTY-EASTERN LEMHI COUNTY-
153 PM MST FRI DEC 26 2014

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM MST /10 AM PST/
SATURDAY TO 11 AM MST /10 AM PST/ SUNDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MISSOULA HAS ISSUED A WINTER
WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM MST /10
AM PST/ SATURDAY TO 11 AM MST /10 AM PST/ SUNDAY.

* IMPACTS/TIMING: LIGHT SNOW WILL BEGIN TO DEVELOP SATURDAY
  AFTERNOON IN THE CAMAS PRAIRIE. MODERATE SNOW WITH BRIEF PERIODS
  OF HEAVY SNOW IS POSSIBLE SATURDAY NIGHT INTO SUNDAY MORNING.
  TRAVEL COULD BECOME HAZARDOUS SATURDAY NIGHT DUE TO SNOW COVERED
  ROADS.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: TOTAL ACCUMULATIONS OF 3 TO 6 INCHES FOR
  MOST VALLEYS IN THE CAMAS PRAIRIE. 2 TO 5 INCHES FOR VALLEYS IN
  LEMHI COUNTY. 6 TO 10 INCHES FOR LOST TRAIL PASS.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...CAMAS PRAIRIE...GRANGEVILLE AND 
  VICINITY...GREER GRADE...HIGHWAY 95 SLATE CREEK TO RIGGINS... 
  WHITE BIRD GRADE...SHOUP...BANNOCK PASS...HIGHWAY 28 TENDOY TO 
  LONE PINE...HIGHWAY 93 LOST TRAIL PASS TO GIBBONSVILLE...LEMHI 
  PASS...SALMON

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

&&

$$

MTZ007-271200-
/O.NEW.KMSO.WW.Y.0074.141228T0000Z-141228T1800Z/
BUTTE/BLACKFOOT REGION-
153 PM MST FRI DEC 26 2014

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM SATURDAY TO 11 AM
MST SUNDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MISSOULA HAS ISSUED A WINTER
WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM SATURDAY
TO 11 AM MST SUNDAY.

* IMPACTS/TIMING: LIGHT SNOW WILL BEGIN TO DEVELOP IN THE REGION
  LATE AFTERNOON ON SATURDAY. MODERATE SNOW WITH A BRIEF PERIOD OF
  HEAVY SNOW IS POSSIBLE OVERNIGHT SATURDAY AND SUNDAY MORNING.
  ROADS WILL BECOME HAZARDOUS BY SUNDAY MORNING...ESPECIALLY OVER
  MACDONALD PASS.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: GENERALLY 3 TO 6 INCHES FOR MOST AREAS WITH
  LOCALIZED HIGHER AMOUNTS AROUND MACDONALD PASS.

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

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

&&

$$

MTZ005-271200-
/O.NEW.KMSO.WW.Y.0074.141227T1800Z-141228T1800Z/
MISSOULA/BITTERROOT VALLEYS-
153 PM MST FRI DEC 26 2014

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM SATURDAY TO 11 AM
MST SUNDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MISSOULA HAS ISSUED A WINTER
WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM
SATURDAY TO 11 AM MST SUNDAY.

* IMPACTS/TIMING: LIGHT SNOW WILL BEGIN TO DEVELOP SATURDAY
  AFTERNOON. MODERATE SNOW WITH BRIEF PERIODS OF HEAVY SNOW IS
  POSSIBLE SATURDAY NIGHT INTO SUNDAY MORNING. TRAVEL COULD BECOME
  HAZARDOUS SATURDAY NIGHT DUE TO SNOW COVERED ROADS.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: GENERALLY 3 TO 6 INCHES ARE EXPECTED BY
  EARLY SUNDAY AFTERNOON. LOCALIZED HIGHER AMOUNTS ARE POSSIBLE IN
  AND AROUND MISSOULA.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...BITTERROOT VALLEY...MISSOULA

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

&&

$$

IDZ005-006-MTZ001-004-006-043-271200-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.A.0013.141227T1800Z-141228T1800Z/
NORTHERN CLEARWATER MOUNTAINS-SOUTHERN CLEARWATER MOUNTAINS-
KOOTENAI/CABINET REGION-LOWER CLARK FORK REGION-
BITTERROOT/SAPPHIRE MOUNTAINS-POTOMAC/SEELEY LAKE REGION-
153 PM MST FRI DEC 26 2014

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING
THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING...

A WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING
THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: SNOW WILL DEVELOP SATURDAY MORNING AND BECOME
  MODERATE TO HEAVY AT TIMES SATURDAY AFTERNOON INTO SUNDAY
  MORNING. SNOWFALL RATES OF 1 TO 2 INCHES PER HOUR MAY OCCUR AT
  TIMES. TRAVEL WILL BECOME DIFFICULT DUE TO SLICK SNOW COVERED
  ROADS...PERIODS OF HEAVY SNOW...AND REDUCED VISIBILITY. 

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 4 TO 8 INCHES IN THE VALLEYS... 8 TO 12
  INCHES IN THE HIGHER TERRAIN AND OVER LOOKOUT PASS. AMOUNTS
  COULD BE LOCALLY HIGHER. 

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...ELK RIVER...HIGHWAY 11 PIERCE TO 
  HEADQUARTERS...PIERCE...DIXIE...ELK CITY...HIGHWAY 12 LOWELL 
  TO LOLO PASS...HIGHWAY 2 KALISPELL TO LIBBY...HIGHWAY 37 
  EUREKA TO LIBBY...HIGHWAY 56 BULL LAKE ROAD...HIGHWAY 93 
  EUREKA TO WHITEFISH...EVARO HILL...HIGHWAY 200 THOMPSON FALLS 
  TO PLAINS... HIGHWAY 200 TROUT CREEK TO HERON...I-90 LOOKOUT 
  PASS TO HAUGAN... HIGHWAY 93 SULA TO LOST TRAIL PASS...LOLO 
  PASS...HIGHWAY 200 BONNER TO GREENOUGH...HIGHWAY 83 SEELEY 
  LAKE TO CONDON...I- 90 EAST MISSOULA TO BEARMOUTH

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT
SNOW...SLEET...OR ICE ACCUMULATIONS THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL.
CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS.

&&

$$

MTZ002-003-271200-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.A.0013.141227T1800Z-141229T1800Z/
WEST GLACIER REGION-FLATHEAD/MISSION VALLEYS-
153 PM MST FRI DEC 26 2014

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING
THROUGH MONDAY MORNING...

A WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING
THROUGH MONDAY MORNING. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOW IS EXPECTED TO DEVELOP
  MID DAY SATURDAY AND LAST THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING. BY SUNDAY
  AFTERNOON...GUSTY NORTHEAST WINDS WILL DEVELOP...WHICH COULD
  CAUSE AREAS OF LOW VISIBILITY IN BLOWING SNOW. TRAVEL WILL
  BECOME DIFFICULT DUE TO THE COMBINATION OF SLICK SNOW COVERED
  ROADS AND BLOWING SNOW. IN ADDITION... WIND CHILLS COULD BECOME
  DANGEROUSLY LOW BY MONDAY MORNING.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 4 TO 8 INCHES POSSIBLE FOR THE VALLEYS... 8
  TO 12 INCHES IN THE HIGHER TERRAIN AND OVER MARIAS PASS. 

* WINDS: NORTHEAST 20-30 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 45 MPH...ESPECIALLY
  OVER MARIAS PASS AND THROUGH BADROCK CANYON INTO THE NORTHERN
  FLATHEAD VALLEY. 

* WIND CHILLS: 10 TO 20 DEGREES BELOW ZERO BY MONDAY MORNING...
  ESPECIALLY OVER MARIAS PASS AND THROUGH BADROCK CANYON INTO THE
  NORTHERN FLATHEAD VALLEY. 

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

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT
SNOW...SLEET...OR ICE ACCUMULATIONS THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL.
CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS.

&&

$$
637 
WWUS45 KMSO 271039
WSWMSO

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MISSOULA MT
339 AM MST SAT DEC 27 2014

...A SIGNIFICANT SNOW-PRODUCING SYSTEM WILL CAUSE WIDESPREAD
IMPACTS TO AREAS IN WESTERN MONTANA AND NORTH CENTRAL IDAHO
BEGINNING THIS AFTERNOON...

MTZ004-272200-
/O.UPG.KMSO.WS.A.0013.141227T1800Z-141228T1800Z/
/O.NEW.KMSO.WS.W.0021.141227T1800Z-141229T0600Z/
LOWER CLARK FORK REGION-
339 AM MST SAT DEC 27 2014

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO
11 PM MST SUNDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MISSOULA HAS ISSUED A WINTER
STORM WARNING FOR SIGNIFICANT TRAVEL IMPACTS FROM PERIODS OF
HEAVY SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 11 PM
MST SUNDAY. THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

* IMPACTS/TIMING: SNOW WILL DEVELOP THIS MORNING AND BECOME
  MODERATE TO HEAVY AT TIMES THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH SUNDAY
  MORNING. SNOWFALL RATES OF 1 TO 2 INCHES PER HOUR OR MORE MAY
  OCCUR AT TIMES. TRAVEL WILL BECOME DIFFICULT DUE TO SLICK SNOW
  COVERED ROADS...PERIODS OF HEAVY SNOW...AND REDUCED VISIBILITY.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: MOST OF THE SNOW WILL FALL THIS EVENING
  THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING BUT HIGH SNOWFALL RATES WILL AGAIN BE
  POSSIBLE SUNDAY AFTERNOON. 6 TO 9 INCHES IN THE VALLEYS... 10 TO
  14 INCHES IN THE HIGHER TERRAIN AND OVER LOOKOUT PASS. AMOUNTS
  COULD BE LOCALLY HIGHER.

* WIND CHILLS: NEGATIVE 5 TO NEGATIVE 20 SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH
  MONDAY MORNING.

* 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.

&&

$$

MTZ002-003-272200-
/O.UPG.KMSO.WS.A.0013.141227T1800Z-141229T1800Z/
/O.NEW.KMSO.WS.W.0021.141227T1800Z-141229T1800Z/
WEST GLACIER REGION-FLATHEAD/MISSION VALLEYS-
339 AM MST SAT DEC 27 2014

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO
11 AM MST MONDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MISSOULA HAS ISSUED A WINTER
STORM WARNING FOR SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM
11 AM THIS MORNING TO 11 AM MST MONDAY. THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS
NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

* IMPACTS/TIMING: LIGHT SNOW THIS MORNING IS EXPECTED TO BECOME
  MODERATE TO HEAVY BY THIS AFTERNOON AND LAST THROUGH SUNDAY. BY
  SUNDAY AFTERNOON...GUSTY NORTHEAST WINDS WILL DEVELOP...WHICH
  WILL CAUSE AREAS OF LOW VISIBILITY IN BLOWING SNOW. TRAVEL WILL
  BECOME DIFFICULT DUE TO THE COMBINATION OF SLICK SNOW COVERED
  ROADS AND BLOWING SNOW. IN ADDITION... WIND CHILLS COULD BECOME
  DANGEROUSLY LOW BY MONDAY MORNING.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 5 TO 8 INCHES FOR THE VALLEYS...9 TO 12
  INCHES IN THE HIGHER TERRAIN AND OVER MARIAS PASS BY SUNDAY
  MORNING.

* WINDS: NORTHEAST 20-30 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 45 MPH...ESPECIALLY 
  OVER MARIAS PASS AND THROUGH BADROCK CANYON INTO THE NORTHERN 
  FLATHEAD VALLEY. 

* WIND CHILLS: 15 TO 25 DEGREES BELOW ZERO BY MONDAY MORNING...
  ESPECIALLY OVER MARIAS PASS AND THROUGH BADROCK CANYON INTO THE
  NORTHERN FLATHEAD VALLEY.

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

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW IS
EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. STRONG WINDS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE. THIS WILL
MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.

&&

$$

MTZ043-272200-
/O.UPG.KMSO.WS.A.0013.141227T1800Z-141228T1800Z/
/O.NEW.KMSO.WS.W.0021.141227T1800Z-141229T1800Z/
POTOMAC/SEELEY LAKE REGION-
339 AM MST SAT DEC 27 2014

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO
11 AM MST MONDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MISSOULA HAS ISSUED A WINTER
STORM WARNING FOR SIGNIFICANT TRAVEL IMPACTS FROM PERIODS OF HEAVY
SNOW FOLLOWED BY BLOWING SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM
THIS MORNING TO 11 AM MST MONDAY. THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS NO
LONGER IN EFFECT.

* IMPACTS/TIMING: SNOW WILL DEVELOP THIS MORNING AND BECOME
  MODERATE WITH RATES OF 1 TO 2 INCHES PER HOUR AT TIMES. TRAVEL
  WILL BECOME DIFFICULT DUE TO SLICK SNOW COVERED ROADS...PERIODS
  OF HEAVY SNOW...AND REDUCED VISIBILITY.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 6 TO 10 INCHES IN THE VALLEYS... 8 TO 12
  INCHES IN THE HIGHER TERRAIN. AMOUNTS COULD BE LOCALLY HIGHER.
  MOST OF THE SNOW WILL FALL THIS EVENING THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING
  BUT HIGH SNOWFALL RATES WILL AGAIN BE POSSIBLE SUNDAY AFTERNOON
  ALONG WITH GUSTY WINDS ALONG HIGHWAY 200 AND I-90.

* WIND AND WIND CHILLS: EAST AND NORTHEAST WINDS 20 TO 30 MPH
  SUNDAY EVENING WIND CHILLS 10 TO 20 DEGREES BELOW ZERO MONDAY
  MORNING.

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

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW IS
EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. STRONG WINDS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE. THIS WILL
MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.

&&

$$

MTZ001-272200-
/O.UPG.KMSO.WS.A.0013.141227T1800Z-141228T1800Z/
/O.NEW.KMSO.WS.W.0021.141227T1800Z-141229T0000Z/
KOOTENAI/CABINET REGION-
339 AM MST SAT DEC 27 2014

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 5 PM
MST SUNDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MISSOULA HAS ISSUED A WINTER
STORM WARNING FOR SIGNIFICANT TRAVEL IMPACTS FROM PERIODS OF HEAVY
SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 5 PM MST
SUNDAY. THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

* IMPACTS/TIMING: SNOW WILL DEVELOP THIS MORNING AND BECOME
  MODERATE TO HEAVY AT TIMES THIS AFTERNOON INTO SUNDAY MORNING.
  SNOWFALL RATES OF 1 TO 2 INCHES PER HOUR MAY OCCUR AT TIMES.
  TRAVEL WILL BECOME DIFFICULT DUE TO SLICK SNOW COVERED
  ROADS...PERIODS OF HEAVY SNOW...AND REDUCED VISIBILITY.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 4 TO 8 INCHES IN THE VALLEYS... 8 TO 12
  INCHES IN THE HIGHER TERRAIN. AMOUNTS COULD BE LOCALLY HIGHER.

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

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.

&&

$$

IDZ005-006-MTZ006-272200-
/O.UPG.KMSO.WS.A.0013.141227T1800Z-141228T1800Z/
/O.NEW.KMSO.WS.W.0021.141227T1800Z-141229T0600Z/
NORTHERN CLEARWATER MOUNTAINS-SOUTHERN CLEARWATER MOUNTAINS-
BITTERROOT/SAPPHIRE MOUNTAINS-
339 AM MST SAT DEC 27 2014

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM MST /10 AM PST/ THIS
MORNING TO 11 PM MST /10 PM PST/ SUNDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MISSOULA HAS ISSUED A WINTER
STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM MST
/10 AM PST/ THIS MORNING TO 11 PM MST /10 PM PST/ SUNDAY. THE
WINTER STORM WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

* IMPACTS/TIMING: SNOW WILL DEVELOP THIS MORNING AND BECOME
  MODERATE TO HEAVY AT TIMES THIS AFTERNOON INTO SUNDAY MORNING.
  SNOWFALL RATES OF 1 TO 2 INCHES OR MORE PER HOUR MAY OCCUR AT
  TIMES. TRAVEL WILL BECOME DIFFICULT DUE TO SLICK SNOW COVERED
  ROADS...PERIODS OF HEAVY SNOW...AND REDUCED VISIBILITY.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 4 TO 8 INCHES IN THE VALLEYS... 10 TO 15
  INCHES IN THE HIGHER TERRAIN AND OVER LOLO AND LOST TRAIL
  PASSES. AMOUNTS COULD BE LOCALLY HIGHER.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...ELK RIVER...HIGHWAY 11 PIERCE TO 
  HEADQUARTERS...PIERCE...DIXIE...ELK CITY...HIGHWAY 12 LOWELL 
  TO LOLO PASS...HIGHWAY 93 SULA TO LOST TRAIL PASS...LOLO PASS

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.

&&

$$

IDZ007-008-272200-
/O.EXT.KMSO.WW.Y.0074.141227T1800Z-141229T0000Z/
OROFINO/GRANGEVILLE REGION-LOWER HELLS CANYON/SALMON RIVER REGION-
339 AM MST SAT DEC 27 2014

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING
TO 4 PM PST SUNDAY...

THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS NOW IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS
MORNING TO 4 PM PST SUNDAY. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: LIGHT SNOW WILL DEVELOP THIS MORNING AND BECOME
  MODERATE WITH BRIEF PERIODS OF HEAVY SNOW TONIGHT INTO SUNDAY
  MORNING. TRAVEL COULD BECOME HAZARDOUS TONIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY
  DUE TO SNOW COVERED ROADS.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 3 TO 6 INCHES FOR MOST VALLEYS IN THE CAMAS
  PRAIRIE THIS EVENING THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING WITH THE POTENTIAL
  FOR MODERATE SNOW TO REDEVELOP EARLY SUNDAY AFTERNOON.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...CAMAS PRAIRIE...GRANGEVILLE AND 
  VICINITY...GREER GRADE...HIGHWAY 95 SLATE CREEK TO RIGGINS... 
  WHITE BIRD GRADE

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

&&

$$

MTZ007-272200-
/O.EXT.KMSO.WW.Y.0074.141228T0000Z-141229T1800Z/
BUTTE/BLACKFOOT REGION-
339 AM MST SAT DEC 27 2014

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS AFTERNOON
TO 11 AM MST MONDAY...

THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS NOW IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS
AFTERNOON TO 11 AM MST MONDAY. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: LIGHT SNOW WILL DEVELOP LATE THIS AFTERNOON
  WITH MODERATE SNOW AND A BRIEF PERIOD OF HEAVY SNOW POSSIBLE
  SUNDAY MORNING. ROADS WILL BECOME HAZARDOUS BY SUNDAY MORNING...
  ESPECIALLY OVER MACDONALD PASS. GUSTY EAST WINDS WILL ALSO
  DEVELOP SUNDAY AFTERNOON THAT WILL BRING THE THREAT FOR BLOWING
  SNOW ON HIGHWAY 12 AND I-90 SUNDAY AFTERNOON.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: GENERALLY 3 TO 6 INCHES WITH 5 TO 9 INCHES
  IN GEORGETOWN LAKE AND OVER HOMESTAKE AND MACDONALD PASSES.

* WIND AND WIND CHILLS: EAST AND NORTHEAST WINDS 20 TO 35 MPH
  SUNDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING WIND CHILLS 15 TO 25 DEGREES BELOW
  ZERO MONDAY MORNING.

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

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

&&

$$

MTZ005-272200-
/O.EXT.KMSO.WW.Y.0074.141227T1800Z-141229T1800Z/
MISSOULA/BITTERROOT VALLEYS-
339 AM MST SAT DEC 27 2014

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING
TO 11 AM MST MONDAY...

THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS NOW IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS
MORNING TO 11 AM MST MONDAY. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: LIGHT SNOW WILL DEVELOP TODAY WITH MODERATE SNOW
  BY LATE THIS EVENING. MODERATE WITH BRIEF PERIODS OF HEAVY SNOW
  ARE POSSIBLE OVERNIGHT AND THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING. TRAVEL COULD
  BECOME HAZARDOUS TONIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING DUE TO SNOW
  COVERED ROADS AND LOW VISIBILITIES. MODERATE SNOW WILL LIKELY
  REDEVELOP SUNDAY AFTERNOON ALONG WITH GUSTY NORTHEAST WINDS. LOW
  VISIBILITIES IN BLOWING SNOW ARE EXPECTED BY SUNDAY EVENING WITH
  COLD WIND CHILLS BY MONDAY MORNING.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: GENERALLY 3 TO 6 INCHES ARE EXPECTED BY 
  EARLY SUNDAY AFTERNOON. LOCALIZED HIGHER AMOUNTS ARE POSSIBLE 
  IN AND AROUND MISSOULA. 

* WIND AND WIND CHILLS: EAST AND NORTHEAST WINDS 20 TO 35 MPH
  SUNDAY EVENING WIND CHILLS 10 TO 15 DEGREES BELOW ZERO MONDAY
  MORNING.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...BITTERROOT VALLEY...MISSOULA

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

&&

$$

IDZ009-010-272200-
/O.EXT.KMSO.WW.Y.0074.141227T1800Z-141229T1800Z/
WESTERN LEMHI COUNTY-EASTERN LEMHI COUNTY-
339 AM MST SAT DEC 27 2014

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING
TO 11 AM MST MONDAY...

THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS NOW IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS
MORNING TO 11 AM MST MONDAY. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: LIGHT SNOW WILL DEVELOP THIS AFTERNOON. SNOW
  WILL BECOME MODERATE WITH BRIEF PERIODS OF HEAVY SNOW TONIGHT
  INTO SUNDAY MORNING. TRAVEL COULD BECOME HAZARDOUS SATURDAY
  NIGHT DUE TO SNOW COVERED ROADS. BLOWING SNOW WILL DEVELOP OVER
  GILMORE SUMMIT SUNDAY WITH COLD WIND CHILLS.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 2 TO 5 INCHES.

* WIND CHILLS: 10 TO 15 DEGREES BELOW ZERO MONDAY MORNING.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...SHOUP...BANNOCK PASS...HIGHWAY 28 
  TENDOY TO LONE PINE...HIGHWAY 93 LOST TRAIL PASS TO 
  GIBBONSVILLE...LEMHI PASS...SALMON

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

&&

$$

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this winter storm watch 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 watch went out at Dec 25, 2:34 PM MST, 13 hours 20 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Dec 25, 2:34 PM MST, 13 hours 20 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Missoula MT
234 PM MST THU DEC 25 2014

.DISCUSSION...A mix of sun and clouds will persist across the
region today, with light snow showers expected to develop again
and linger through Friday. Little accumulation is expected, save
for higher terrain, where the mountains could pick up a fresh inch
or two come tomorrow. Conditions quiet down once again by late in
the day Friday.

The next big story will be the potential for another widespread
snow event starting Saturday afternoon and evening, then continuing
into Sunday afternoon. Models are in pretty good agreement with
showing a significant snow producing system. The question that
still remains is the track of the surface low that develops in
eastern Washington. The track of this low will determine where the
heaviest snowfall will occur. If the track keeps the low further
north along the Canadian border, as the ECWMF shows, then
northwestern Montana will see the heaviest snow, similar to
Christmas Eve. If the GFS is correct, the low will track
southeast through west- central Montana. In this case, the
Missoula, Bitterroot, and Mission valleys will see significant
snowfall accumulations. In either case, confidence is high for at
least widespread light snow accumulations throughout western
Montana and central Idaho.

As of right now, the areas that stand the best chance for
significant accumulations will be locations along the Montana and
Idaho border, as well as Idaho and Clearwater counties in Idaho.
This system could cause widespread travel difficulties with anyone
heading back home after Christmas. Stay tuned to any forecast
changes as we iron out the details.

After the snow begins to diminish late Sunday, an arctic frontal system
is expected to spill over the Continental Divide. Strong
northeast winds will accompany the arctic front, producing hazardous
travel due to blowing snow from freshly fallen snow. Bitterly
cold wind chills will also become a factor. High temperatures will
range in the single digits and teens, at best. Overnight low
temperatures could reach values as low as 20 degrees below zero
along the Continental Divide. Higher elevations will see warming
temperatures mid to late next week, but with intense valley
inversions persisting.

&&

.AVIATION...A pesky stratus deck has been lingering around
northwest Montana this afternoon and could last into tonight,
helping to keep ceilings lowered at KGPI. Elsewhere, conditions
should remain benign, save for some light snow showers
redeveloping through Friday. These could periodically cause
reductions to visibility and ceilings through 27/0000Z at all
terminals.

&&

.MSO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MT...None.
ID...None.
&&

The office that day

Everything else NWS Missoula, MT issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Dec 26, 1:53 PM MSTWinter Weather AdvisoryMSODeer Lodge, Granite, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli and 2 more69 hr

Nearby

Winter Storm Watches in Montana, 2014Winter Storm Watches in Idaho, 2014Every winter storm watch 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; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.