Alert archive / Montana / Winter Storm Warnings in 2015

Winter Storm Warning 8, NWS Missoula, MT

November 23, 201511 counties in Montana

NWS Missoula, MT issued this winter storm warning at Nov 23, 2015, 2:09 PM MST for 11 counties in Montana. It took effect at Nov 24, 2015, 8:00 AM MST. It was in force for 25 hr. 28 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
Nov 23, 2015, 2:09 PM MST (21:09 UTC)
In effect from
Nov 24, 2015, 8:00 AM MST
Expired
Nov 25, 2015, 8:55 AM MST
In force
25 hr
Issued by
NWS Missoula, MT

Counties Deer Lodge County, MT, 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, Silver Bow County, MT

The radar

The Missoula radar (KMSX), 2 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 21:15 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
Nov 24, 4:00 PM MSTSNOW 3.5Eureka, MT
Nov 24, 5:00 PM MSTSNOW 21 Wsw Lolo, MT6 INCH DRIFTS. WIND GUSTS ESTIMATED NEAR 35 MPH.
Nov 24, 5:00 PM MSTSNOW 23 Nne Stevensville, MTGUSTS TO 35 MPH.
Nov 24, 5:00 PM MSTSNOW 3Columbia Falls, MTWIND GUSTS NEAR 50 MPH. 0.15 OF LIQUID EQUIVALENT.
Nov 24, 5:00 PM MSTSNOW 3Essex, MT
Nov 24, 5:00 PM MSTSNOW 5Hungry Horse, MT
Nov 24, 6:00 PM MSTSNOW 2.5Ronan, MT
Nov 24, 7:00 PM MSTSNOW 2Victor, MT
Nov 24, 7:00 PM MSTSNOW 2.5Alberton, MT
Nov 24, 7:00 PM MSTSNOW 2.5Clinton, MT0.12 OF LIQUID EQUIVALENT
Nov 24, 7:00 PM MSTSNOW 3Yaak, MT
Nov 24, 7:00 PM MSTSNOW 4Troy, MT
Nov 24, 7:00 PM MSTSNOW 4.82 Wnw Kalispell, MT
Nov 24, 8:00 PM MSTSNOW 4.84 N Lolo, MT
Nov 24, 8:00 PM MSTHEAVY SNOW 51 Nw Evaro, MT
Nov 24, 8:00 PM MSTHEAVY SNOW 7Lolo, MT
Nov 24, 9:00 PM MSTSNOW 33 Nw La Salle, MT
Nov 24, 9:00 PM MSTSNOW 42 Nnw East Missoula, MT
Nov 24, 9:00 PM MSTSNOW 4Kalispell, MT
Nov 24, 9:00 PM MSTSNOW 4.5Anaconda, MT
Nov 24, 9:00 PM MSTSNOW 5.54 Ssw Missoula, MT
Nov 24, 9:00 PM MSTSNOW 5.5Kila, MTSERIOUS DRIFTING
Nov 24, 9:00 PM MSTSNOW 7.23 Ssw Missoula, MT
Nov 24, 10:00 PM MSTSNOW 1Whitefish, MT
Nov 24, 10:00 PM MSTSNOW 44 N Georgetown, MTDISCOVERY SKI RESORT
Nov 24, 10:00 PM MSTSNOW 4Hamilton, MT
Nov 24, 10:00 PM MSTHEAVY SNOW 6Twin Creeks, MT
Nov 24, 10:00 PM MSTSNOW 6.2Bonner, MT

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, 9.2 hours before the alert went out and 195 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 2015-11-23Temperature 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 2015-11-23The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 85 square meters per square second.1939Sfc1 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
1579 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
29 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
85 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
204 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.

910 
WWUS45 KMSO 232109
WSWMSO

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MISSOULA MT
209 PM MST MON NOV 23 2015

IDZ009-010-232215-
/O.CAN.KMSO.WS.A.0004.151125T0000Z-151125T1200Z/
209 PM MST MON NOV 23 2015

...WINTER STORM WATCH IS CANCELLED...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MISSOULA HAS CANCELLED THE WINTER
STORM WATCH. 

$$

MTZ001-003-241200-
/O.UPG.KMSO.WS.A.0004.151124T1500Z-151125T1200Z/
/O.NEW.KMSO.WS.W.0008.151124T1500Z-151125T1200Z/
209 PM MST MON NOV 23 2015

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM TUESDAY TO 5 AM MST
WEDNESDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MISSOULA HAS ISSUED A WINTER
STORM WARNING FOR SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM
8 AM TUESDAY TO 5 AM MST WEDNESDAY. THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS NO
LONGER IN EFFECT.

* IMPACTS/TIMING: AN ARCTIC FRONT MOVING IN TUESDAY MORNING WILL
  CAUSE SNOW... REDUCED VISIBILITIES FROM BLOWING AND DRIFTING
  SNOW... AND HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS... AND RAPIDLY FALLING
  TEMPERATURES TUESDAY AND TUESDAY NIGHT. EXPECT WINTRY ROAD
  CONDITIONS TO CONTINUE THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 2 TO 4 INCHES POSSIBLE IN MOST VALLEYS... 
  WITH HIGHER AMOUNTS IN THE MOUNTAINS. 

* WINDS: NORTHEAST 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 35 MPH. LOCALLY
  HIGHER GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH THROUGH BAD ROCK CANYON.

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

$$

MTZ002-241200-
/O.UPG.KMSO.WS.A.0004.151124T1200Z-151125T1200Z/
/O.NEW.KMSO.WS.W.0008.151124T1500Z-151125T1200Z/
209 PM MST MON NOV 23 2015

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM TUESDAY TO 5 AM MST
WEDNESDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MISSOULA HAS ISSUED A WINTER
STORM WARNING FOR SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM
8 AM TUESDAY TO 5 AM MST WEDNESDAY. THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS NO
LONGER IN EFFECT.

* IMPACTS/TIMING: AN ARCTIC FRONT MOVING IN TUESDAY MORNING WILL
  CAUSE SNOW... REDUCED VISIBILITIES FROM BLOWING AND DRIFTING
  SNOW... HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS... AND RAPIDLY FALLING
  TEMPERATURES TUESDAY AND TUESDAY NIGHT. EXPECT WINTRY ROAD
  CONDITIONS TO CONTINUE THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING. BLIZZARD
  CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED ON MARIAS PASS AND IN THE HIGH COUNTRY
  OF GLACIER NATIONAL PARK TUESDAY MORNING... FOLLOWED BY SNOW
  AND BLOWING SNOW THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: AROUND 10 INCHES POSSIBLE AT MARIAS PASS 
  TO AROUND 3 INCHES AT WEST GLACIER. 

* WINDS: NORTHEAST WINDS 25 TO 35 WITH PEAK WINDS AROUND 45 MPH.

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

$$

MTZ004-043-241200-
/O.UPG.KMSO.WS.A.0004.151124T1900Z-151125T1200Z/
/O.NEW.KMSO.WS.W.0008.151124T1800Z-151125T1200Z/
209 PM MST MON NOV 23 2015

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TUESDAY TO 5 AM MST
WEDNESDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MISSOULA HAS ISSUED A WINTER
STORM WARNING FOR SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM
11 AM TUESDAY TO 5 AM MST WEDNESDAY. THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS NO
LONGER IN EFFECT.

* IMPACTS/TIMING: AN ARCTIC FRONT MOVING IN LATE TUESDAY MORNING
  WILL CAUSE SNOW... REDUCED VISIBILITIES FROM BLOWING AND
  DRIFTING SNOW... AND HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS THROUGH
  WEDNESDAY MORNING. ANY ABOVE FREEZING ROAD TEMPERATURES
  FOLLOWED BY RAIN/SNOW AND RAPIDLY FALLING TEMPERATURES WILL
  RESULT IN VERY ICY CONDITIONS ON ROADS AND SIDEWALKS. A
  DIFFICULT TUESDAY EVENING COMMUTE IS EXPECTED.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 3 TO 6 INCHES OF NEW SNOW POSSIBLE AT
  LOOKOUT PASS BY WEDNESDAY MORNING... WITH 1 TO 4 INCHES IN MOST
  VALLEY LOCATIONS.

* WINDS: 15-25 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 35 MPH IN MOST AREAS... BUT
  SOME WIND PRONE AREAS LIKE EVARO HILL MAY SEE WINDS NEAR 45 MPH
  WITH BLOWING SNOW DURING THE FRONTAL PASSAGE IN THE AFTERNOON.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...EVARO HILL...HIGHWAY 200 THOMPSON 
  FALLS TO PLAINS...HIGHWAY 200 TROUT CREEK TO HERON...I-90 
  LOOKOUT PASS TO HAUGAN...HIGHWAY 200 BONNER TO GREENOUGH...
  HIGHWAY 83 SEELEY LAKE TO CONDON...I-90 EAST MISSOULA TO 
  BEARMOUTH

$$

MTZ005-007-241200-
/O.UPG.KMSO.WS.A.0004.151124T1900Z-151125T1200Z/
/O.NEW.KMSO.WS.W.0008.151124T2100Z-151125T1200Z/
209 PM MST MON NOV 23 2015

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TUESDAY TO 5 AM MST
WEDNESDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MISSOULA HAS ISSUED A WINTER
STORM WARNING FOR SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM
2 PM TUESDAY TO 5 AM MST WEDNESDAY. THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS NO
LONGER IN EFFECT.

* IMPACTS/TIMING: AN ARCTIC FRONT MOVING IN TUESDAY AFTERNOON
  WILL CAUSE SNOW... REDUCED VISIBILITIES FROM BLOWING AND
  DRIFTING SNOW... AND HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS THROUGH
  WEDNESDAY MORNING. ANY ABOVE FREEZING ROAD TEMPERATURES FOLLOWED
  BY RAIN/SNOW AND RAPIDLY FALLING TEMPERATURES WILL RESULT IN
  VERY ICY CONDITIONS ON ROADS AND SIDEWALKS. A DIFFICULT TUESDAY
  EVENING COMMUTE IS EXPECTED IN MISSOULA AND THE BITTERROOT
  VALLEY.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 1 TO 4 INCHES IN MOST VALLEY LOCATIONS.
  MACDONALD AND HOMESTAKE PASSES WILL SEE 3 TO 6 INCHES OF NEW
  SNOW WITH BLIZZARD CONDITIONS AT TIMES.

* WINDS: 15-25 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 40 MPH IN MOST AREAS... BUT
  SOME WIND PRONE AREAS LIKE HELLGATE CANYON...AND EVARO HILL...
  MAY SEE WINDS UP TO 45 MPH WITH BLOWING SNOW DURING THE FRONTAL
  PASSAGE IN THE AFTERNOON.

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

$$

MTZ006-241200-
/O.UPG.KMSO.WS.A.0004.151124T2100Z-151125T1200Z/
/O.NEW.KMSO.WS.W.0008.151124T2100Z-151125T1200Z/
209 PM MST MON NOV 23 2015

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TUESDAY TO 5 AM MST
WEDNESDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MISSOULA HAS ISSUED A WINTER
STORM WARNING FOR SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM
2 PM TUESDAY TO 5 AM MST WEDNESDAY. THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS NO
LONGER IN EFFECT.

* IMPACTS/TIMING: AN ARCTIC FRONT MOVING IN TUESDAY AFTERNOON WILL
  CAUSE SNOW... REDUCED VISIBILITIES FROM BLOWING AND DRIFTING
  SNOW... AND HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS THROUGH WEDNESDAY
  MORNING. 

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 3 TO 6 INCHES FOR LOLO PASS. LOST TRAIL PASS
  IS EXPECTED TO GET 4 TO 7 INCHES OF NEW SNOW.

* WINDS: WINDS 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 40 MPH.

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

$$

IDZ005>008-241200-
/O.UPG.KMSO.WS.A.0004.151124T2100Z-151125T1200Z/
/O.NEW.KMSO.WW.Y.0043.151124T2100Z-151125T1200Z/
109 PM PST MON NOV 23 2015

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM TUESDAY TO 4 AM
PST WEDNESDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MISSOULA HAS ISSUED A WINTER
WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW AND FREEZING ROADS...WHICH IS IN EFFECT
FROM 1 PM TUESDAY TO 4 AM PST WEDNESDAY. THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS
NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

* IMPACTS/TIMING: TUESDAY AFTERNOON... AN ARCTIC FRONT WILL CAUSE
  A RAPID COOL DOWN... GUSTY WINDS... AND A RAIN/SNOW MIX
  TRANSITIONING TO SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW. THERE IS CONCERN FOR
  WET SURFACES FROM PRECEDING RAIN/WET SNOW FREEZING UP AND
  BECOMING ICY...RESULTING IN HAZARDOUS TRAVEL THROUGH WEDNESDAY
  MORNING.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: TRACE TO 2 INCHES FOR VALLEYS. WHITE BIRD
  HILL WILL SEE 2 TO 4 INCHES OF NEW SNOW.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...ELK RIVER...HIGHWAY 11 PIERCE TO 
  HEADQUARTERS...PIERCE...DIXIE...ELK CITY...HIGHWAY 12 LOWELL 
  TO LOLO PASS...CAMAS PRAIRIE...GRANGEVILLE AND VICINITY...
  GREER GRADE...HIGHWAY 95 SLATE CREEK TO RIGGINS...WHITE BIRD 
  GRADE

$$
5 follow-up statements
287 
WWUS45 KMSO 241146
WSWMSO

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MISSOULA MT
446 AM MST TUE NOV 24 2015

MTZ001>003-251200-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0008.151124T1500Z-151125T1200Z/
KOOTENAI/CABINET REGION-WEST GLACIER REGION-
FLATHEAD/MISSION VALLEYS-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...LIBBY...EUREKA...SWAN LAKE...
KALISPELL...POLSON...ST. IGNATIUS
446 AM MST TUE NOV 24 2015

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM THIS MORNING
TO 5 AM MST WEDNESDAY...

* IMPACTS/TIMING: AN ARCTIC FRONT MOVING IN THIS MORNING WILL
  CAUSE HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS WITH SNOW, REDUCED
  VISIBILITIES FROM BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW, AND RAPIDLY FALLING
  TEMPERATURES TODAY AND TONIGHT. EXPECT WINTRY ROAD CONDITIONS
  TO CONTINUE THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 2 TO 4 INCHES POSSIBLE IN MOST VALLEYS, WITH
  HIGHER AMOUNTS IN THE MOUNTAINS.

* WINDS: NORTHEAST 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 35 MPH. LOCALLY
  HIGHER GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH THROUGH BAD ROCK CANYON. STRONG EAST
  WINDS ALSO POSSIBLE OVER FLATHEAD LAKE.

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

$$

MTZ004-043-251200-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0008.151124T1800Z-151125T1200Z/
LOWER CLARK FORK REGION-POTOMAC/SEELEY LAKE REGION-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...NOXON...THOMPSON FALLS...SUPERIOR...
EAST MISSOULA...SEELEY LAKE...CLINTON
446 AM MST TUE NOV 24 2015

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING
TO 5 AM MST WEDNESDAY...

* IMPACTS/TIMING: AN ARCTIC FRONT MOVING IN LATE THIS MORNING
  WILL CAUSE HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS WITH SNOW, REDUCED
  VISIBILITIES FROM BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW, AND RAPIDLY FALLING
  TEMPERATURES TODAY AND TONIGHT. ANY ABOVE FREEZING ROAD
  TEMPERATURES FOLLOWED BY RAIN/SNOW AND RAPIDLY FALLING
  TEMPERATURES WILL RESULT IN VERY ICY CONDITIONS ON ROADS AND
  SIDEWALKS. A DIFFICULT TUESDAY EVENING COMMUTE IS EXPECTED.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 3 TO 6 INCHES OF NEW SNOW POSSIBLE AT
  LOOKOUT PASS BY WEDNESDAY MORNING, WITH 1 TO 4 INCHES IN MOST
  VALLEY LOCATIONS.

* WINDS: 15-25 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 35 MPH IN MOST AREAS. WIND-
  PRONE AREAS SUCH AS EVARO HILL MAY SEE WINDS NEAR 45 MPH WITH
  BLOWING SNOW DURING THE FRONTAL PASSAGE IN THE AFTERNOON.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...EVARO HILL...HIGHWAY 200 THOMPSON 
  FALLS TO PLAINS...HIGHWAY 200 TROUT CREEK TO HERON...I-90 
  LOOKOUT PASS TO HAUGAN...HIGHWAY 200 BONNER TO GREENOUGH... 
  HIGHWAY 83 SEELEY LAKE TO CONDON...I-90 EAST MISSOULA TO 
  BEARMOUTH 

$$

MTZ005>007-251200-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0008.151124T2100Z-151125T1200Z/
MISSOULA/BITTERROOT VALLEYS-BITTERROOT/SAPPHIRE MOUNTAINS-
BUTTE/BLACKFOOT REGION-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...HAMILTON...DARBY...SULA...ANACONDA...
DEER LODGE...DRUMMOND
446 AM MST TUE NOV 24 2015

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS
AFTERNOON TO 5 AM MST WEDNESDAY...

* IMPACTS/TIMING: AN ARCTIC FRONT MOVING IN THIS AFTERNOON WILL
  CAUSE HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS WITH SNOW, REDUCED
  VISIBILITIES FROM BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW, AND RAPIDLY FALLING
  TEMPERATURES TODAY AND TONIGHT. ANY ABOVE FREEZING ROAD
  TEMPERATURES FOLLOWED BY RAIN/SNOW AND RAPIDLY FALLING
  TEMPERATURES WILL RESULT IN VERY ICY CONDITIONS ON ROADS AND
  SIDEWALKS. A DIFFICULT TUESDAY EVENING COMMUTE IS EXPECTED IN
  MISSOULA AND THE BITTERROOT VALLEYS.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 1 TO 4 INCHES IN MOST VALLEY LOCATIONS. 
  MACDONALD AND HOMESTAKE PASSES WILL SEE 3 TO 6 INCHES OF NEW 
  SNOW WITH BLIZZARD CONDITIONS AT TIMES. 

* WINDS: 15-25 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 40 MPH IN MOST AREAS. SOME
  WIND-PRONE AREAS SUCH AS HELLGATE CANYON AND EVARO HILL MAY SEE
  WINDS UP TO 45 MPH WITH BLOWING SNOW DURING THE FRONTAL PASSAGE
  IN THE AFTERNOON.

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

$$

IDZ005>008-251200-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0043.151124T2100Z-151125T1200Z/
NORTHERN CLEARWATER MOUNTAINS-SOUTHERN CLEARWATER MOUNTAINS-
OROFINO/GRANGEVILLE REGION-LOWER HELLS CANYON/SALMON RIVER REGION-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...PIERCE...ELK RIVER...POWELL...
ELK CITY...DIXIE...KOOSKIA...RIGGINS...WHITE BIRD
346 AM PST TUE NOV 24 2015

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS
AFTERNOON TO 4 AM PST WEDNESDAY...

* IMPACTS/TIMING: A COLD FRONT WILL CAUSE A RAPID COOL DOWN, GUSTY
  WINDS, AND A RAIN/SNOW MIX TRANSITIONING TO SNOW AND BLOWING
  SNOW. THERE IS CONCERN FOR WET SURFACES FROM PRECEDING RAIN/WET
  SNOW FREEZING UP AND BECOMING ICY, RESULTING IN HAZARDOUS
  TRAVEL THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: TRACE TO 2 INCHES FOR VALLEYS. WHITE BIRD 
  HILL WILL SEE 2 TO 4 INCHES OF NEW SNOW. 

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...ELK RIVER...HIGHWAY 11 PIERCE TO 
  HEADQUARTERS...PIERCE...DIXIE...ELK CITY...HIGHWAY 12 LOWELL 
  TO LOLO PASS...CAMAS PRAIRIE...GRANGEVILLE AND VICINITY... 
  GREER GRADE...HIGHWAY 95 SLATE CREEK TO RIGGINS...WHITE BIRD 
  GRADE 

$$
190 
WWUS45 KMSO 250341
WSWMSO

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MISSOULA MT
841 PM MST TUE NOV 24 2015

MTZ001-250445-
/O.CAN.KMSO.WS.W.0008.000000T0000Z-151125T1200Z/
841 PM MST TUE NOV 24 2015

...WINTER STORM WARNING IS CANCELLED...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MISSOULA HAS CANCELLED THE WINTER
STORM WARNING.

$$

MTZ002-003-251200-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0008.000000T0000Z-151125T1200Z/
841 PM MST TUE NOV 24 2015

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST
WEDNESDAY...

A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST
WEDNESDAY. 

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 2 TO 4 INCHES POSSIBLE IN MOST VALLEYS... 
  WITH HIGHER AMOUNTS IN THE MOUNTAINS. 

* WINDS: NORTHEAST 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 35 MPH. LOCALLY 
  HIGHER GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH THROUGH BAD ROCK CANYON. STRONG EAST 
  WINDS ALSO POSSIBLE OVER FLATHEAD LAKE. 

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

$$

MTZ004-043-251200-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0008.000000T0000Z-151125T1200Z/
841 PM MST TUE NOV 24 2015

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST
WEDNESDAY...

A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST
WEDNESDAY. 

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 3 TO 6 INCHES OF NEW SNOW POSSIBLE AT 
  LOOKOUT PASS BY WEDNESDAY MORNING... WITH 1 TO 4 INCHES IN 
  MOST VALLEY LOCATIONS. 

* WINDS: 15-25 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 35 MPH IN MOST AREAS. WIND- 
  PRONE AREAS SUCH AS EVARO HILL MAY SEE WINDS NEAR 45 MPH WITH 
  BLOWING SNOW DURING THE FRONTAL PASSAGE IN THE AFTERNOON. 

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...EVARO HILL...HIGHWAY 200 THOMPSON 
  FALLS TO PLAINS...HIGHWAY 200 TROUT CREEK TO HERON...I-90 
  LOOKOUT PASS TO HAUGAN...HIGHWAY 200 BONNER TO GREENOUGH...
  HIGHWAY 83 SEELEY LAKE TO CONDON...I-90 EAST MISSOULA TO 
  BEARMOUTH

$$

MTZ005>007-251200-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0008.000000T0000Z-151125T1200Z/
841 PM MST TUE NOV 24 2015

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST
WEDNESDAY...

A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST
WEDNESDAY. 

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 1 TO 4 INCHES IN MOST VALLEY LOCATIONS. 
  MACDONALD AND HOMESTAKE PASSES WILL SEE 3 TO 6 INCHES OF NEW 
  SNOW WITH BLIZZARD CONDITIONS AT TIMES. 

* WINDS: 15-25 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 40 MPH IN MOST AREAS. SOME 
  WIND-PRONE AREAS SUCH AS HELLGATE CANYON AND EVARO HILL MAY 
  SEE WINDS UP TO 45 MPH WITH BLOWING SNOW DURING THE FRONTAL 
  PASSAGE IN THE AFTERNOON. 

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...BITTERROOT VALLEY...MISSOULA... 
  HIGHWAY 93 SULA TO LOST TRAIL PASS...LOLO PASS...BUTTE... 
  GEORGETOWN LAKE...HIGHWAY 12 GARRISON TO ELLISTON...HOMESTAKE 
  PASS...MACDONALD PASS

$$

IDZ005>008-251200-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0043.000000T0000Z-151125T1200Z/
741 PM PST TUE NOV 24 2015

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM PST
WEDNESDAY...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM PST
WEDNESDAY. 

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: TRACE TO 2 INCHES FOR VALLEYS. WHITE BIRD 
  HILL WILL SEE 2 TO 4 INCHES OF NEW SNOW. 

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...ELK RIVER...HIGHWAY 11 PIERCE TO 
  HEADQUARTERS...PIERCE...DIXIE...ELK CITY...HIGHWAY 12 LOWELL 
  TO LOLO PASS...CAMAS PRAIRIE...GRANGEVILLE AND VICINITY...
  GREER GRADE...HIGHWAY 95 SLATE CREEK TO RIGGINS...WHITE BIRD 
  GRADE

$$
478 
WWUS45 KMSO 250548
WSWMSO

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MISSOULA MT
1048 PM MST TUE NOV 24 2015

MTZ002-003-251200-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0008.000000T0000Z-151125T1200Z/
1048 PM MST TUE NOV 24 2015

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST
WEDNESDAY...

A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST
WEDNESDAY. 

* IMPACTS: ROAD CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE TO BE TREACHEROUS IN
  SPOTS TONIGHT, WITH FRESH SNOW ON TOP OF ICE IN MANY LOCATIONS.
  BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW IS POSSIBLE.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: A FEW LINGERING SNOW SHOWERS COULD BRING A
  TRACE UP TO AN INCH OVERNIGHT.

* WINDS: NORTHEAST 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 35 MPH. LOCALLY 
  HIGHER GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH THROUGH BAD ROCK CANYON. STRONG EAST 
  WINDS ALSO POSSIBLE OVER FLATHEAD LAKE. 

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

$$

MTZ004-043-251200-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0008.000000T0000Z-151125T1200Z/
1048 PM MST TUE NOV 24 2015

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST
WEDNESDAY...

A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST
WEDNESDAY. 

* IMPACTS: ROAD CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE TO BE TREACHEROUS IN
  SPOTS TONIGHT, WITH FRESH SNOW ON TOP OF ICE IN MANY LOCATIONS.
  BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW IS POSSIBLE.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: A FEW LINGERING SNOW SHOWERS COULD BRING A
  TRACE UP TO AN INCH OVERNIGHT.

* WINDS: EAST 15-25 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 35 MPH IN MOST AREAS.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...EVARO HILL...HIGHWAY 200 THOMPSON 
  FALLS TO PLAINS...HIGHWAY 200 TROUT CREEK TO HERON...I-90 
  LOOKOUT PASS TO HAUGAN...HIGHWAY 200 BONNER TO GREENOUGH...
  HIGHWAY 83 SEELEY LAKE TO CONDON...I-90 EAST MISSOULA TO 
  BEARMOUTH

$$

MTZ005>007-251200-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0008.000000T0000Z-151125T1200Z/
1048 PM MST TUE NOV 24 2015

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST
WEDNESDAY...

A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST
WEDNESDAY. 

* IMPACTS: ROAD CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE TO BE TREACHEROUS IN
  SPOTS TONIGHT, WITH FRESH SNOW ON TOP OF ICE IN MANY LOCATIONS.
  BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW IS POSSIBLE.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: A FEW LINGERING SNOW SHOWERS COULD BRING A
  TRACE UP TO AN INCH OVERNIGHT FOR THE MISSOULA AND BITTERROOT
  AREAS. FROM PHILIPSBURG TO THE BUTTE BLACKFOOT CORRIDOR AND
  INTERSTATE 90 EAST OF GARRISON JUNCTION, 1 TO 3 INCHES
  ADDITIONAL ACCUMULATION.

* WINDS: 15-25 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 40 MPH IN MOST AREAS. SOME
  WIND-PRONE AREAS SUCH AS HELLGATE CANYON AND EVARO HILL MAY SEE
  WINDS UP TO 45 MPH WITH BLOWING SNOW.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...BITTERROOT VALLEY...MISSOULA... 
  HIGHWAY 93 SULA TO LOST TRAIL PASS...LOLO PASS...BUTTE... 
  GEORGETOWN LAKE...HIGHWAY 12 GARRISON TO ELLISTON...HOMESTAKE 
  PASS...MACDONALD PASS

$$

IDZ005>008-251200-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0043.000000T0000Z-151125T1200Z/
948 PM PST TUE NOV 24 2015

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM PST
WEDNESDAY...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM PST
WEDNESDAY. 

* IMPACTS: SLICK ROAD CONDITIONS POSSIBLE TONIGHT, ESPECIALLY
  ABOVE 4,000 FEET ELEVATION.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: OVERNIGHT SNOW SHOWERS COULD BRING A TRACE
  TO AN INCH FOR VALLEYS. WHITE BIRD HILL SUMMIT COULD SEE
  ANOTHER 1 TO 3 INCHES OVERNIGHT.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...ELK RIVER...HIGHWAY 11 PIERCE TO 
  HEADQUARTERS...PIERCE...DIXIE...ELK CITY...HIGHWAY 12 LOWELL 
  TO LOLO PASS...CAMAS PRAIRIE...GRANGEVILLE AND VICINITY...
  GREER GRADE...HIGHWAY 95 SLATE CREEK TO RIGGINS...WHITE BIRD 
  GRADE

$$
294 
WWUS45 KMSO 251151
WSWMSO

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MISSOULA MT
451 AM MST WED NOV 25 2015


IDZ005>008-251300-
/O.EXP.KMSO.WW.Y.0043.000000T0000Z-151125T1200Z/
351 AM PST WED NOV 25 2015

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT 4 AM PST EARLY THIS
MORNING...

THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT 4 AM PST EARLY THIS
MORNING. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: SNOW HAS DIMINISHED ACROSS THE AREA THIS
  MORNING, AND HAS MOSTLY BEEN LIMITED TO ELEVATIONS ABOUT 4,000
  FEET. A FEW MORE SHOWERS CAN BE EXPECTED THIS MORNING, BUT
  SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS TO AREA ROADS ARE NOT EXPECTED.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...ELK RIVER...HIGHWAY 11 PIERCE TO 
  HEADQUARTERS...PIERCE...DIXIE...ELK CITY...HIGHWAY 12 LOWELL 
  TO LOLO PASS...CAMAS PRAIRIE...GRANGEVILLE AND VICINITY...
  GREER GRADE...HIGHWAY 95 SLATE CREEK TO RIGGINS...WHITE BIRD 
  GRADE

$$

MTZ002-003-251700-
/O.EXT.KMSO.WS.W.0008.000000T0000Z-151125T1700Z/
451 AM MST WED NOV 25 2015

...WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM MST THIS
MORNING...

THE WINTER STORM WARNING IS NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM MST THIS
MORNING. 

* IMPACTS: ROAD CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE TO BE TREACHEROUS IN
  PLACES THIS MORNING, WITH FRESH SNOW ON TOP OF ICE IN SOME LOCATIONS.
  BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW IS POSSIBLE.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: NO ADDITIONAL SNOWFALL IS EXPECTED, THOUGH
  BLOWING SNOW MAY CAUSE EXTRA ACCUMULATION ON ROADS.

* WINDS: NORTHEAST 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 35 MPH IN THE
  KALISPELL AREA. EQUALLY STRONG WINDS ALONG THE EAST SIDE OF
  FLATHEAD LAKE. ELSEWHERE, NORTHEAST WINDS 10 TO 20 MPH.

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

$$

MTZ004-043-251700-
/O.EXT.KMSO.WS.W.0008.000000T0000Z-151125T1700Z/
451 AM MST WED NOV 25 2015

...WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM MST THIS MORNING...

THE WINTER STORM WARNING IS NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM MST THIS MORNING.

* IMPACTS: ROAD CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE TO BE TREACHEROUS IN
  PLACES THIS MORNING, WITH FRESH SNOW ON TOP OF ICE IN SOME
  LOCATIONS. BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW IS POSSIBLE.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: NO ADDITIONAL SNOWFALL IS EXPECTED, THOUGH
  BLOWING SNOW MAY CAUSE EXTRA ACCUMULATION ON ROADS.

* WINDS: EAST 15-25 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 35 MPH, ESPECIALLY IN
  EAST TO WEST ORIENTED CANYONS.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...EVARO HILL...HIGHWAY 200 THOMPSON
  FALLS TO PLAINS... HIGHWAY 200 TROUT CREEK TO HERON...I-90
  LOOKOUT PASS TO HAUGAN... HIGHWAY 200 BONNER TO GREENOUGH...
  HIGHWAY 83 SEELEY LAKE TO CONDON...I-90 EAST MISSOULA TO
  BEARMOUTH


$$

MTZ005>007-251700-
/O.EXT.KMSO.WS.W.0008.000000T0000Z-151125T1700Z/
451 AM MST WED NOV 25 2015

...WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM MST THIS MORNING...

THE WINTER STORM WARNING IS NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM MST
THIS MORNING.

* IMPACTS: ROAD CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE TO BE TREACHEROUS IN
  PLACES THIS MORNING, WITH FRESH SNOW ON TOP OF ICE IN SOME
  LOCATIONS. BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW IS POSSIBLE.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: NO ADDITIONAL SNOW FOR THE MISSOULA AND
  BITTERROOT AREAS, THOUGH BLOWING SNOW MAY CAUSE ADDITIONAL
  ACCUMULATIONS IN SOME AREAS. FROM PHILIPSBURG TO THE BUTTE
  BLACKFOOT CORRIDOR AND INTERSTATE 90 EAST OF GARRISON JUNCTION,
  EXPECT 1 TO 3 INCHES ADDITIONAL ACCUMULATION.

* WINDS: 15-25 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 35 MPH IN MOST AREAS. SOME
  WIND- PRONE AREAS SUCH AS HELLGATE CANYON MAY SEE WINDS UP TO 45
  MPH.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...BITTERROOT VALLEY...MISSOULA...
  HIGHWAY 93 SULA TO LOST TRAIL PASS...LOLO PASS...BUTTE...
  GEORGETOWN LAKE...HIGHWAY 12 GARRISON TO ELLISTON... HOMESTAKE
  PASS...MACDONALD PASS

$$

IDZ010-260600-
/O.NEW.KMSO.WW.Y.0044.151125T1200Z-151126T0600Z/
451 AM MST WED NOV 25 2015

...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, BLOWING SNOW, AND SLICK ROADS...WHICH
IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS EVENING.

* IMPACTS: HIGHWAY 28 FROM AROUND LEADORE TO GILMORE SUMMIT WILL
  SEE SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW, LEADING TO DETERIORATING ROAD
  CONDITIONS.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 3 TO 6 INCHES POSSIBLE, ESPECIALLY NEAR
  GILMORE SUMMIT.

* WINDS: NORTHERLY WINDS 15 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 30 MPH
  POSSIBLE.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...BANNOCK PASS...HIGHWAY 28 TENDOY
  TO LONE PINE...LEMHI PASS


$$
604 
WWUS45 KMSO 251555
WSWMSO

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MISSOULA MT
855 AM MST WED NOV 25 2015


MTZ002>007-043-251700-
/O.CAN.KMSO.WS.W.0008.000000T0000Z-151125T1700Z/
855 AM MST WED NOV 25 2015

...WINTER STORM WARNING IS CANCELLED...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MISSOULA HAS CANCELLED THE WINTER
STORM WARNING. 



$$

IDZ010-251700-
/O.CAN.KMSO.WW.Y.0044.000000T0000Z-151126T0600Z/
855 AM MST WED NOV 25 2015

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

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



$$

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 Nov 23, 7:39 AM MST, 6 hours 30 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Nov 23, 7:39 AM MST, 6 hours 30 minutes before
AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION...CORRECTED
National Weather Service Missoula MT
739 AM MST MON NOV 23 2015

...ARCTIC FRONT WITH SNOW, WIND, AND COLD TUESDAY...
...DRY AND COLD FOR THANKSGIVING DAY...

.DISCUSSION...
Benign weather will continue today as a weak ridge of high
pressure lies over the Northern Rockies. A few clouds will round
the top of the ridge and drift overhead from around Lost Trail
Pass northward. Continued subsidence with the ridge may cause a
few valley inversions to persist, particularly in the Missoula
Valley. Areas that partially or fully break out of the inversion
will warm up nicely, with some upper 40s possible for western
Montana valleys.

Big changes will be underway by late tonight as deep and cold
upper level low dives southward along the Pacific NW coastline
and pushes an initial band of precipitation towards our area.
Models have trended slower and a bit drier with this initial
round, but continue to show precipitation reaching the Camas
Prairie region of Idaho by daybreak Tuesday.

Tuesday and Wednesday: A strong Canadian cold front will push
south during the day Tuesday across most areas and into Lemhi
County by early Wednesday morning. Weather models have really
trended the Pacific system further south with each run and
therefore weakening the moist overrunning setup we had been
anticipating. What this means for us is less precipitation
amounts and a fast, south moving front. This explains why we have
lowered snowfall amounts in the forecast. There still could be
areas that see high impact weather...those areas that receive
accumulating snowfall over wet roads then freezing up. This could
make for slick holiday travel Tuesday evening. While the strong
wind gradient will help keep snow amounts down with downsloping,
there could be wind gusts near 50 mph at Bad Rock Canyon, Flathead
Lake especially from the Narrows to Yellow Bay, Hellgate Canyon,
Helmville and MacDonald Pass. These areas could experience some
blowing snow with the initial frontal passage but due to minimal
snowfall, visibility will likely improve with time.

With cold temperatures being 10 to 15 degrees colder than normal
and winds staying up in some locations especially in constricted
terrain and gaps, wind chills will dip into the negative single
digits and teens Wednesday into Thursday morning. Please be
prepared when driving through Montana and central Idaho by
carrying warm gear and other emergency items in your vehicle just
in case you break down.

Overall, we have continued the winter storm watches for the whole
area as we still don't have a lot of confidence on which
locations will see the most impacts. This may be changed to
advisories or warnings by this afternoon. Stay tuned!

For Thanksgiving Day, expect mostly clear and cold conditions
across the Northern Rockies. A few wrap-around showers may linger
in the morning hours across southwest MT and along the Continental
Divide, but otherwise quiet weather is expected by the afternoon.
The one exception could be lake-effect snow showers in vicinity of
Flathead Lake, potentially causing locally slick roads. With some
lingering light east winds, expect wind chills to be quite cold
(near or below zero), especially over the higher terrain of
western Montana.

Looking ahead to next weekend, the upper-level low is expected to
meander over the Great Basin as a Rex Block type of pattern sets
up over the Western US. This means mostly dry and continued cold
weather for our area, with valley inversions becoming more
pronounced each day, especially over western Montana. Air quality
issues could emerge by the weekend, with an increasing chance of
patchy freezing fog as well. After prolonged cold, we may start to
see some early season ice jams in favored areas such as the Salmon
River in Lemhi County.

&&

.AVIATION...High pressure will bring good flying conditions
today with light to calm winds. Clouds will begin to increase from
the west by late today as a colder weather system takes aim at the
area for Tuesday.

&&

.MSO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MT...Winter Storm Watch from Tuesday afternoon through late Tuesday
     night Butte/Blackfoot Region...Lower Clark Fork Region...
     Missoula/Bitterroot Valleys...Potomac/Seeley Lake Region.

     Winter Storm Watch from Tuesday afternoon through late Tuesday
     night Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains.

     Winter Storm Watch from Tuesday morning through late Tuesday
     night Flathead/Mission Valleys...Kootenai/Cabinet Region.

     Winter Storm Watch from late Monday night through late Tuesday
     night West Glacier Region.

ID...Winter Storm Watch from Tuesday afternoon through late Tuesday
     night Eastern Lemhi County...Western Lemhi County.

     Winter Storm Watch from Tuesday afternoon through late Tuesday
     night Lower Hells Canyon/Salmon River Region...Northern
     Clearwater Mountains...Orofino/Grangeville Region...
     Southern Clearwater Mountains.

&&

Nearby

Winter Storm Warnings in Montana, 2015Every winter storm warning in 2015

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.