High Wind Watch 1, NWS Missoula, MT

656 
WWUS75 KMSO 282119
NPWMSO

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MISSOULA MT
319 PM MDT MON MAR 28 2016

...STRONG AND POSSIBLY DAMAGING WINDS EXPECTED ON TUESDAY FOR
PARTS OF WESTERN MONTANA...

MTZ002-007-282230-
/O.CAN.KMSO.HW.A.0001.160329T1700Z-160330T0300Z/
WEST GLACIER REGION-BUTTE/BLACKFOOT REGION-
319 PM MDT MON MAR 28 2016

...HIGH WIND WATCH IS CANCELLED...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MISSOULA HAS CANCELLED THE HIGH
WIND WATCH. HOWEVER WINDY CONDITIONS ALONG WITH FALLING SNOW WILL
CREATE IMPACTS TO TRAVEL THROUGHOUT THE AREA AND THUS ARE BEING
HIGHLIGHTED THROUGH A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY. PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE FOR FURTHER DETAILS.

$$

MTZ003-005-006-043-292130-
/O.UPG.KMSO.HW.A.0001.160329T1700Z-160330T0300Z/
/O.NEW.KMSO.WI.Y.0005.160329T1700Z-160330T0300Z/
FLATHEAD/MISSION VALLEYS-MISSOULA/BITTERROOT VALLEYS-
BITTERROOT/SAPPHIRE MOUNTAINS-POTOMAC/SEELEY LAKE REGION-
319 PM MDT MON MAR 28 2016

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 9 PM MDT TUESDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MISSOULA HAS ISSUED A WIND
ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 9 PM MDT TUESDAY. THE
HIGH WIND WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT. 

* IMPACTS/TIMING: EAST TO NORTHEAST WINDS WILL STEADILY INCREASE
  LATE TUESDAY MORNING AND REMAIN GUSTY THROUGH THE AFTERNOON.
  SUSTAINED WINDS OF 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 45 MPH ARE
  EXPECTED WHICH MAY RESULT IN BROKEN TREE BRANCHES AND DISPLACED
  UNSECURED OBJECTS. CROSS WINDS ON AREA HIGHWAYS COULD MAKE
  DRIVING DIFFICULT AT TIMES.

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

$$

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Missoula MT
423 AM MDT MON MAR 28 2016

...Variable road conditions due to snow at Lookout Pass this AM...
...Snow, blowing and drifting snow to develop at Marias Pass later
today...

.DISCUSSION...Satellite imagery reveals an upper level low
circulation centered over northwest Montana with light to moderate
shower activity over eastern Washington and the Idaho panhandle.
Some of these showers have been able to drift eastwards over
Lookout Pass causing slick conditions at times this morning.
Numerous showers are expected along Interstate 90 in the vicinity
of Lookout Pass towards Haugan through this morning so we have
hoisted a winter weather advisory. This upper level feature is
expected to track slowly southwards with time.

This will equate to shower activity drifting south into north-
central Idaho including the Orofino area to the Camas Prairie
region. Snow levels will generally be around 2500 feet there
rising a little bit above 3000 feet by this afternoon. This could
mean that locations along Highway 11 including Greer Grade could
see some wet snow with possible slush on the roads for this
morning.

Another wave will bring an increased chance for showers across
northwest Montana this afternoon and evening, especially from
Eureka south towards US-2 between Troy and Marion. Snow levels
will generally be around 3000 feet, so some locations may
experience an intense snow shower bringing slush to the roads for
a period but then melt away. Watch out for variable road
conditions in these locations.

Moderate to heavy snow showers are expected for the Glacier
National Park region, developing this afternoon and continuing
through tonight. Easterly winds will likely intensify tonight causing
drifting and blowing snow. Travel will likely be affected through
the US-2 corridor.

Tuesday: Wrap-around moisture from a low pressure system located
over northern Utah is expected to affect southwest Montana and
Lemhi County. There continues to be a question in how far north
this moisture will end up, but one area that continues to get hit
with strong winds and measurable snow (by successive weather
model runs)is southeastern Lemhi County. Highway 28 may south of
Leadore may be under the gun with snow, drifting and blowing snow
starting early Tuesday morning and ending sometime by Tuesday
night. Also other areas that may see measurable snowfall include
Georgetown Lake, MacDonald Pass, Homestake Pass and the I-15
corridor north and south of Butte.

Precipitation will continue Wednesday into Thursday along the
Continental Divide as a system dives south through central
Montana. However, drying will begin for all of the northern
Rockies by late Thursday as a warm upper ridge builds over the
Western U.S. Lots of sunshine and well above normal temperatures
will be the result.

&&

.AVIATION...Numerous rain and snow showers are expected across
northcentral Idaho and northwest Montana through at least
29/0600z. KGPI and KMSO will see the greatest chances for shower
activity. Expect variable ceiling and visibility with the showers.
Snow with gusty winds are expected in the Glacier National Park
area including Marias pass especially between 28/1800z and
29/1200z. Wind gusts to 30 knots are possible at Marias Pass
causing blowing snow and reduced visibility there. Wrap-around
snow from a Utah low pressure system will move into southwest
Montana and Lemhi County by 29/1200z. Strong northeasterly winds
to 50 knots are possible at ridge-tops and to a lesser degree in
the valleys.

&&

.MSO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MT...Winter Weather Advisory until noon MDT today Lower Clark Fork
     Region.

     Winter Weather Advisory from noon today to 6 PM MDT Tuesday
     ABOVE 4000 FEET for the West Glacier Region.

ID...None.
&&