Alert archive / Montana / Winter Storm Warnings in 2016
Winter Storm Warning 11, NWS Missoula, MT
NWS Missoula, MT issued this winter storm warning at Dec 19, 2016, 8:09 AM MST for Flathead County, Lake County, Montana. It was in force for 8 hr. 1 report 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
- Dec 19, 2016, 8:09 AM MST (15:09 UTC)
- Expired
- Dec 19, 2016, 4:06 PM MST
- In force
- 8 hr
- Issued by
- NWS Missoula, MT
Counties Flathead County, MT, Lake County, MT
The radar
The Missoula radar (KMSX), 104 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 15:15 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
| Time | Report | Where | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 19, 12:10 PM MST | SNOW 4 | 1 S Columbia Falls, MT | 4 INCHES OF NEW SNOW THIS MORNING AND STILL SNOWING. |
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, 3.2 hours before the alert went out and 177 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.
- Mixed-layer CAPE
- 0 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- No buoyant parcel
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 1380 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 78 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 445 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 608 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.0
The text
As transmitted.
885 WWUS45 KMSO 191509 WSWMSO URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MISSOULA MT 809 AM MST MON DEC 19 2016 MTZ002-200300- /O.NEW.KMSO.WS.W.0011.161219T1509Z-161220T0000Z/ /O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0066.000000T0000Z-161220T0300Z/ 809 AM MST MON DEC 19 2016 ...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS AFTERNOON FOR MARIAS PASS... ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM MST THIS EVENING... * MARIAS PASS IMPACTS/TIMING: BLOWING SNOW WITH WIND GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH WILL CONTINUE THROUGH MUCH OF TODAY PRODUCING NEAR WHITEOUT CONDITIONS AT MARIAS PASS AT TIMES. * IMPACTS/TIMING: SNOW WILL CONTINUE THROUGH MUCH OF TODAY PRODUCING BOTH LIMITATIONS TO VISIBILITY AS WELL AS SLICK CONDITIONS. * SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 5 TO 10 INCHES AT MARIAS PASS. ELSEWHERE, GENERALLY 2 TO 5 INCHES. * WINDS: WEST TO SOUTHWEST BETWEEN 10 AND 20 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 50 MPH ALONG THE US-2 CORRIDOR EAST OF WEST GLACIER TO MARIAS PASS CAUSING BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW AND REDUCED VISIBILITY. * LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE: THE POOREST TRAVEL CONDITIONS WILL BE OVER MARIAS PASS. OTHER AREAS WITH MORE MODERATE WINTER WEATHER IMPACTS INCLUDE BAD ROCK CANYON, ESSEX, HIGHWAY 83 BIGFORK TO SWAN LAKE, AND POLEBRIDGE $$ MTZ004-201515- /O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0066.000000T0000Z-161220T0300Z/ /O.CON.KMSO.WS.A.0007.161220T0300Z-161221T0000Z/ 809 AM MST MON DEC 19 2016 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM MST THIS EVENING... ...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THIS EVENING THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON... * IMPACTS/TIMING: PERIODS OF LIGHT TO MODERATE SNOW WILL OCCUR THROUGH THIS EVENING. THIS FLUFFY SNOW ON TOP OF BLACK ICE OR PACKED SNOW WILL CREATE DIFFICULT CONDITIONS. * SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: GENERALLY 1 TO 3 INCHES WITH 3 TO 7 INCHES FROM HAUGAN TO LOOKOUT PASS. * WINDS: WEST TO SOUTHWEST WINDS BETWEEN 10 AND 20 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 30 MPH WILL INCREASE TONIGHT IN THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS INCLUDING LOOKOUT PASS. * TUESDAY: A WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR A FOOT OR MORE OF SNOW IN THE MOUNTAINS WITH WINDY CONDITIONS MAKING TRAVEL EXTREMELY DIFFICULT AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AT TIMES. LOOKOUT PASS IS EXPECTED TO GET AROUND A FOOT OF NEW SNOW WITH 3 TO 5 INCHES OF SNOW FROM ALBERTON TO SUPERIOR WITH BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW ALONG INTERSTATE 90. * LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE: EVARO HILL, HIGHWAY 200 THOMPSON FALLS TO PLAINS, HIGHWAY 200 TROUT CREEK TO HERON, AND I- 90 LOOKOUT PASS TO HAUGAN $$ IDZ005-006-MTZ006-201515- /O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0066.000000T0000Z-161220T0300Z/ /O.CON.KMSO.WS.A.0007.161220T0300Z-161221T0000Z/ 809 AM MST MON DEC 19 2016 /709 AM PST MON DEC 19 2016/ ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM MST /7 PM PST/ THIS EVENING... ...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THIS EVENING THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON... * IMPACTS/TIMING: PERIODS OF LIGHT TO MODERATE SNOW WILL OCCUR THROUGH THIS EVENING. THIS FLUFFY SNOW ON TOP OF BLACK ICE OR PACKED SNOW WILL CREATE TREACHEROUS CONDITIONS. VISIBILITY WILL DROP TO THREES QUARTERS OF A MILE AT TIMES DUE TO FALLING SNOW. * SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: GENERALLY 2 TO 4 INCHES, WITH LOCATIONS IN THE IDAHO COUNTY MOUNTAINS GETTING 6 TO 8 INCHES. * WINDS: WINDS IN THE VALLEYS WILL REMAIN LIGHTER, HOWEVER, SOUTHWEST WINDS BETWEEN 15 AND 25 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 40 MPH WILL INCREASE TONIGHT IN THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS PRODUCING SOME BLOWING SNOW ACROSS MOUNTAIN ROADS. * TUESDAY: A WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR A FOOT OR MORE OF SNOW IN THE MOUNTAINS WITH WINDY CONDITIONS MAKING TRAVEL EXTREMELY DIFFICULT AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AT TIMES. ESPECIALLY ALONG HIGHWAY 12 FROM LOLO PASS TO LOWELL ON TUESDAY. * 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, AND LOLO PASS $$ MTZ001-003-200300- /O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0066.000000T0000Z-161220T0300Z/ 809 AM MST MON DEC 19 2016 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM MST THIS EVENING... * IMPACTS/TIMING: PERIODS OF LIGHT TO MODERATE SNOW WILL OCCUR THROUGH THIS EVENING. THIS FLUFFY SNOW ON TOP OF BLACK ICE OR PACKED SNOW WILL CREATE TREACHEROUS CONDITIONS. KALISPELL AND THE MISSION VALLEY WILL SEE LESS SNOW, BUT WILL STILL HAVE DIFFICULTY WITH BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW. * SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: GENERALLY 2 TO 4 INCHES. LOCALLY UP TO 7 INCHES ARE POSSIBLE BY MONDAY EVENING NEAR THE CABINET MOUNTAINS. * WINDS: SOUTHWEST WINDS BETWEEN 10 AND 20 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 30 MPH IN THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS PRODUCING SOME BLOWING SNOW ACROSS ROADS. * LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE: HIGHWAY 2 KALISPELL TO LIBBY, HIGHWAY 37 EUREKA TO LIBBY, HIGHWAY 56 BULL LAKE ROAD, HIGHWAY 93 EUREKA TO WHITEFISH, FLATHEAD LAKE, FLATHEAD VALLEY, MISSION VALLEY, AND POLSON $$ MTZ043-200300- /O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0066.000000T0000Z-161220T0300Z/ 809 AM MST MON DEC 19 2016 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM MST THIS EVENING... * IMPACTS/TIMING: PERIODS OF LIGHT TO MODERATE SNOW WILL OCCUR THROUGH THIS EVENING. THIS FLUFFY SNOW ON TOP OF BLACK ICE OR PACKED SNOW WILL CREATE DIFFICULT DRIVING CONDITIONS. THE WORST CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED ALONG HIGHWAY 200 THROUGH LINCOLN. * SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: GENERALLY 2 TO 4 INCHES. * WINDS: WINDS IN THE VALLEYS WILL REMAIN GENERALLY CALM. HOWEVER, SOUTHWEST WINDS BETWEEN 10 AND 20 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 30 MPH WILL INCREASE TONIGHT IN THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS PRODUCING SOME BLOWING SNOW ACROSS MOUNTAIN ROADS. * LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE: HIGHWAY 200 BONNER TO GREENOUGH, HIGHWAY 83 SEELEY LAKE TO CONDON, AND I-90 EAST MISSOULA TO BEARMOUTH $$ IDZ007-008-201515- /O.CON.KMSO.WS.A.0007.161220T0300Z-161221T0000Z/ 709 AM PST MON DEC 19 2016 ...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THIS EVENING THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON... * IMPACTS/TIMING: SNOW AND WIND WILL COMBINE TO CAUSE POOR VISIBILITY AND SLICK DRIVING CONDITIONS. BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW ARE A CONCERN, ESPECIALLY AT WHITEBIRD HILL AND ON THE CAMAS PRAIRIE. * SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 2 TO 5 INCHES PLUS THE EFFECTS OF BLOWING AND DRIFTING. * WINDS: 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS 30 TO 40 MPH. * LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE: CAMAS PRAIRIE, GRANGEVILLE AND VICINITY, GREER GRADE, HIGHWAY 95 SLATE CREEK TO RIGGINS, AND WHITE BIRD GRADE $$
2 follow-up statements
386 WWUS45 KMSO 192101 WSWMSO URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MISSOULA MT 201 PM MST MON DEC 19 2016 IDZ007-008-192215- /O.CAN.KMSO.WS.A.0007.161220T0300Z-161221T0000Z/ 101 PM PST MON DEC 19 2016 ...WINTER STORM WATCH IS CANCELLED... THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MISSOULA HAS CANCELLED THE WINTER STORM WATCH. THE WINTER STORM WATCH HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO A WINTER STORM WARNING. SEE NEXT SEGMENT. $$ MTZ004-202115- /O.UPG.KMSO.WS.A.0007.161220T0300Z-161221T0000Z/ /O.NEW.KMSO.WS.W.0012.161220T0700Z-161221T0600Z/ /O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0066.000000T0000Z-161220T0300Z/ 201 PM MST MON DEC 19 2016 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM MST THIS EVENING... ...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 11 PM MST TUESDAY... THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT. * IMPACTS/TIMING: PERIODS OF LIGHT TO MODERATE SNOW WILL OCCUR INTO EARLY THIS EVENING. SNOW WILL INCREASE AFTER MIDNIGHT AND BECOME HEAVY AT TIMES BY EARLY TUESDAY MORNING. MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOW WILL CONTINUE MUCH OF TUESDAY. IN ADDITION, PATCHY FREEZING RAIN IS POSSIBLE TUESDAY MORNING. THE HEAVY SNOW WILL REDUCE VISIBILITIES AND CREATE VERY SLICK ROAD CONDITIONS. BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW IS EXPECTED OVER THE HIGHER TERRAIN AND LOOKOUT PASS AT TIMES. * SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: GENERALLY 1 TO 3 INCHES INTO THIS EVENING. AN ADDITIONAL 12 TO 14 INCHES OF SNOW IS EXPECTED LATE TONIGHT AND TUESDAY OVER THE TERRAIN AND LOOKOUT PASS. ELSEWHERE...3 TO 5 INCHES OF SNOW IS EXPECTED TUESDAY FROM ALBERTON TO SUPERIOR AS WELL AS EVARO HILL...AND 5 TO 9 INCHES FROM SAINT REGIS TO HAUGAN. * WINDS: WEST TO SOUTHWEST WINDS BETWEEN 10 AND 20 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 30 MPH IS EXPECTED IN THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS INCLUDING LOOKOUT PASS. * LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE: LOOKOUT PASS, EVARO HILL, HIGHWAY 200 THOMPSON FALLS TO PLAINS, HIGHWAY 200 TROUT CREEK TO HERON, AND I-90 LOOKOUT PASS TO HAUGAN $$ MTZ006-202115- /O.UPG.KMSO.WS.A.0007.161220T0300Z-161221T0000Z/ /O.NEW.KMSO.WS.W.0012.161220T0900Z-161221T0600Z/ /O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0066.000000T0000Z-161220T0300Z/ 201 PM MST MON DEC 19 2016 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM MST THIS EVENING FOR HIGHWAY 93 SULA TO LOST TRAIL PASS AND LOLO PASS... ...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 11 PM MST TUESDAY FOR HIGHWAY 93 SULA TO LOST TRAIL PASS AND LOLO PASS... THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT. * IMPACTS/TIMING: PERIODS OF LIGHT TO MODERATE SNOW WILL OCCUR INTO EARLY THIS EVENING. THIS FLUFFY SNOW ON TOP OF BLACK ICE OR PACKED SNOW WILL CREATE SLICK CONDITIONS. SLICK DRIVING CONDITIONS AND LOW VISIBILITIES WILL FURTHER DETERIORATE LATE TONIGHT AND TUESDAY WITH PERIODS OF HEAVY SNOW. * SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: GENERALLY 1 TO 3 INCHES INTO THIS EVENING. AN ADDITIONAL 12 TO 15 INCHES OF SNOW IS EXPECTED LATE TONIGHT AND TUESDAY. * WINDS: WINDS IN THE VALLEYS WILL REMAIN LIGHTER, HOWEVER, SOUTHWEST WINDS BETWEEN 15 AND 25 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 40 MPH WILL INCREASE TONIGHT IN THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS PRODUCING SOME BLOWING SNOW ACROSS MOUNTAIN ROADS. $$ IDZ005-006-202115- /O.UPG.KMSO.WS.A.0007.161220T0300Z-161221T0000Z/ /O.NEW.KMSO.WS.W.0012.161220T0700Z-161221T0600Z/ /O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0066.000000T0000Z-161220T0300Z/ 101 PM PST MON DEC 19 2016 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM PST THIS EVENING... ...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 PM PST TUESDAY... THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT. * IMPACTS/TIMING: PERIODS OF LIGHT TO MODERATE SNOW WILL OCCUR INTO THIS EVENING. THIS FLUFFY SNOW ON TOP OF BLACK ICE OR PACKED NOW WILL CREATE WINTER DRIVING CONDITIONS. SLICK DRIVING CONDITIONS AND LOW VISIBILITIES WILL FURTHER DETERIORATE LATE TONIGHT AND TUESDAY WITH PERIODS OF HEAVY SNOW. * SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 1 TO 3 INCHES INTO THIS EVENING. AN ADDITIONAL 12 TO 20 INCHES OF SNOW IS EXPECTED OVER THE HIGHER TERRAIN LATE TONIGHT AND TUESDAY. IN THE VALLEYS 4 TO 12 INCHES OF SNOW IS EXPECTED TUESDAY. * WINDS: WINDS IN THE VALLEYS WILL REMAIN LIGHTER, HOWEVER, SOUTHWEST WINDS BETWEEN 15 AND 25 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 40 MPH WILL INCREASE TONIGHT IN THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS PRODUCING SOME BLOWING SNOW ACROSS MOUNTAIN ROADS. * LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE: ELK RIVER, HIGHWAY 11 PIERCE TO HEADQUARTERS, PIERCE, DIXIE, ELK CITY, AND HIGHWAY 12 LOWELL TO LOLO PASS $$ MTZ002-202115- /O.NEW.KMSO.WW.Y.0067.161220T1000Z-161221T0700Z/ /O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0011.000000T0000Z-161220T0000Z/ /O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0066.000000T0000Z-161220T0300Z/ 201 PM MST MON DEC 19 2016 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS AFTERNOON... ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM MST THIS EVENING... ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TUESDAY TO MIDNIGHT MST TUESDAY NIGHT... * MARIAS PASS IMPACTS/TIMING: BLOWING SNOW WITH WIND GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH WILL CONTINUE THROUGH MUCH OF TODAY PRODUCING NEAR WHITEOUT CONDITIONS AT MARIAS PASS AT TIMES. THE SNOW WILL DECREASE LATER THIS EVENING...BUT AGAIN INCREASE TUESDAY WITH AREAS OF BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW OVER THE HIGHER TERRAIN AND MOUNTAIN PASSES. * IMPACTS/TIMING: SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW WILL CONTINUE THROUGH MUCH OF TODAY PRODUCING NEAR ZERO VISIBILITY AT TIMES AS WELL AS SLICK CONDITIONS. ANOTHER MODERATE SNOW EVENT IS EXPECTED TUESDAY CREATING MORE SLICK WINTRY DRIVING CONDITIONS. LOCAL BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW WILL OCCUR TUESDAY, BUT MAINLY OVER MARIAS PASS AND HIGHER TERRAIN. * SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 5 TO 10 INCHES AT MARIAS PASS TODAY. ELSEWHERE, GENERALLY 2 TO 5 INCHES. AN ADDITIONAL 4 TO 6 INCHES IS EXPECTED IN THE VALLEYS TUESDAY AND 8 TO 10 INCHES OVER THE TERRAIN AND MOUNTAIN PASSES. * WINDS: WEST TO SOUTHWEST BETWEEN 10 AND 20 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 50 MPH ALONG THE US-2 CORRIDOR EAST OF WEST GLACIER TO MARIAS PASS CAUSING BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW AND REDUCED VISIBILITY. * LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE: BAD ROCK CANYON, ESSEX, HIGHWAY 83 BIGFORK TO SWAN LAKE, MARIAS PASS, AND POLEBRIDGE $$ MTZ001-003-202115- /O.NEW.KMSO.WW.Y.0067.161220T1000Z-161221T0100Z/ /O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0066.000000T0000Z-161220T0300Z/ 201 PM MST MON DEC 19 2016 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM MST THIS EVENING... ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 6 PM MST TUESDAY... * IMPACTS/TIMING: PERIODS OF LIGHT SNOW WILL OCCUR INTO EARLY THIS EVENING. THIS LIGHT FLUFFY SNOW ON TOP OF BLACK ICE OR PACKED SNOW WILL CREATE SLICK DRIVING CONDITIONS. KALISPELL AND THE MISSION VALLEY WILL SEE LESS SNOW, BUT WILL STILL HAVE DIFFICULTY WITH LOCAL BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW. ANOTHER PERIOD OF MODERATE LIGHT TO MODERATE SNOW IS EXPECTED TUESDAY. IN ADDITION, PATCHY FREEZING LIGHT RAIN IS POSSIBLE TUESDAY MORNING. * SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: GENERALLY 2 TO 4 INCHES MONDAY. LOCALLY UP TO 7 INCHES ARE POSSIBLE BY MONDAY EVENING NEAR THE CABINET MOUNTAINS. AN ADDITIONAL 2 TO 4 INCHES OF SNOW IS EXPECTED TUESDAY, EXCEPT UP TO 8 TO 10 INCHES OVER THE HIGHER TERRAIN. * WINDS: SOUTHWEST WINDS BETWEEN 10 AND 20 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 30 MPH IN THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS PRODUCING SOME BLOWING SNOW ACROSS ROADS. * LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE: HIGHWAY 2 KALISPELL TO LIBBY, HIGHWAY 37 EUREKA TO LIBBY, HIGHWAY 56 BULL LAKE ROAD, HIGHWAY 93 EUREKA TO WHITEFISH, FLATHEAD LAKE, FLATHEAD VALLEY, MISSION VALLEY, AND POLSON $$ MTZ043-202115- /O.NEW.KMSO.WW.Y.0067.161220T1000Z-161221T0700Z/ /O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0066.000000T0000Z-161220T0300Z/ 201 PM MST MON DEC 19 2016 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM MST THIS EVENING... ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TUESDAY TO MIDNIGHT MST TUESDAY NIGHT... * IMPACTS/TIMING: PERIODS OF LIGHT SNOW AND SLICK WINTRY DRIVING CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE INTO EARLY THIS EVENING. ANOTHER PERIOD OF MODERATE SNOW AND SLICK WINTRY DRIVING CONDITIONS IS EXPECTED AT TIMES ON TUESDAY. * SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: GENERALLY 2 TO 4 INCHES INTO EARLY THIS EVENING. AN ADDITIONAL 5 TO 9 INCHES IS EXPECTED TUESDAY. * WINDS: WINDS IN THE VALLEYS WILL REMAIN GENERALLY CALM. HOWEVER, SOUTHWEST WINDS BETWEEN 10 AND 20 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 30 MPH WILL INCREASE TONIGHT IN THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS PRODUCING SOME BLOWING SNOW ACROSS MOUNTAIN ROADS. * LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE: HIGHWAY 200 BONNER TO GREENOUGH, HIGHWAY 83 SEELEY LAKE TO CONDON, AND I-90 EAST MISSOULA TO BEARMOUTH $$ IDZ009-010-201900- /O.NEW.KMSO.WW.Y.0067.161220T1000Z-161220T1900Z/ 201 PM MST MON DEC 19 2016 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO NOON MST TUESDAY... * IMPACTS/TIMING: ANOTHER PERIOD OF LIGHT TO MODERATE SNOW AND SLICK WINTRY DRIVING CONDITIONS IS EXPECTED LATE TONIGHT AND TUESDAY. IN ADDITIONAL, PATCHY FREEZING RAIN IS POSSIBLE FROM THE SALMON AREA TO NORTH FORK STORE. * SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 2 TO 4 INCHES OF SNOW IN THE VALLEYS AND 6 TO 12 INCHES OVER THE HIGHER TERRAIN TUESDAY. * LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE: SHOUP, BANNOCK PASS, HIGHWAY 28 TENDOY TO LONE PINE, HIGHWAY 93 LOST TRAIL PASS TO GIBBONSVILLE, LEMHI PASS, AND SALMON $$ MTZ005-201700- /O.NEW.KMSO.WW.Y.0067.161220T1000Z-161220T1700Z/ 201 PM MST MON DEC 19 2016 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 10 AM MST TUESDAY FOR BITTERROOT VALLEY AND MISSOULA... * IMPACTS/TIMING: A WINTRY MIX OF LIGHT SNOW AND INTERMITTENT FREEZING RAIN IS EXPECTED TUESDAY MORNING. ROADS, ESPECIALLY SECONDARY ROADS, ARE EXPECTED TO BECOME QUITE SLICK. * SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 1 TO 2 INCHES OF SNOW TUESDAY MORNING. * LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE: MISSOULA, FLORENCE, STEVENSVILLE, CORVALLIS, HAMILTON AND FRENCHTOWN. $$
809 WWUS45 KMSO 192306 WSWMSO URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MISSOULA MT 406 PM MST MON DEC 19 2016 MTZ002-202315- /O.CAN.KMSO.WS.W.0011.000000T0000Z-161220T0000Z/ /O.CAN.KMSO.WW.Y.0066.000000T0000Z-161220T0300Z/ /O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0067.161220T1000Z-161221T0700Z/ 406 PM MST MON DEC 19 2016 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TUESDAY TO MIDNIGHT MST TUESDAY NIGHT... ...WINTER STORM WARNING IS CANCELLED... ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED... THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MISSOULA HAS CANCELLED THE WINTER STORM WARNING. THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY HAS BEEN CANCELLED. * IMPACTS/TIMING: PERIODS OF SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW ARE POSSIBLE ALONG US-2 THIS EVENING AND ESPECIALLY OVER MARIAS PASS. HOWEVER SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS ARE NO LONGER ANTICIPATED THIS EVENING. ANOTHER MODERATE SNOW EVENT IS EXPECTED TUESDAY CREATING MORE SLICK WINTRY DRIVING CONDITIONS. LOCAL BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW WILL OCCUR TUESDAY, BUT MAINLY OVER MARIAS PASS AND HIGHER TERRAIN AND THUS A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY GOES INTO EFFECT AT 3 AM TUESDAY MORNING. * SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 1 TO 2 INCHES THROUGH TONIGHT. AN ADDITIONAL 4 TO 6 INCHES IS EXPECTED IN THE VALLEYS TUESDAY AND 8 TO 10 INCHES OVER THE TERRAIN AND MOUNTAIN PASSES. * WINDS: WEST TO SOUTHWEST BETWEEN 10 AND 20 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 50 MPH ALONG THE US-2 CORRIDOR EAST OF WEST GLACIER TO MARIAS PASS CAUSING BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW AND REDUCED VISIBILITY. * LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE: BAD ROCK CANYON, ESSEX, HIGHWAY 83 BIGFORK TO SWAN LAKE, MARIAS PASS, AND POLEBRIDGE $$ MTZ006-202315- /O.CAN.KMSO.WW.Y.0066.000000T0000Z-161220T0300Z/ /O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0012.161220T0900Z-161221T0600Z/ 406 PM MST MON DEC 19 2016 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 11 PM MST TUESDAY FOR HIGHWAY 93 SULA TO LOST TRAIL PASS AND LOLO PASS... ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED... THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MISSOULA HAS CANCELLED THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY. * IMPACTS/TIMING: PERIODS OF LIGHT TO MODERATE SNOW WILL OCCUR INTO EARLY THIS EVENING. THIS FLUFFY SNOW ON TOP OF BLACK ICE OR PACKED SNOW WILL CREATE SLICK CONDITIONS. SLICK DRIVING CONDITIONS AND LOW VISIBILITY WILL FURTHER DETERIORATE LATE TONIGHT AND TUESDAY WITH PERIODS OF HEAVY SNOW. * SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: GENERALLY 1 TO 3 INCHES INTO THIS EVENING. AN ADDITIONAL 12 TO 15 INCHES OF SNOW IS EXPECTED LATE TONIGHT AND TUESDAY. * WINDS: WINDS IN THE VALLEYS WILL REMAIN LIGHTER, HOWEVER, SOUTHWEST WINDS BETWEEN 15 AND 25 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 40 MPH WILL INCREASE TONIGHT IN THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS PRODUCING SOME BLOWING SNOW ACROSS MOUNTAIN ROADS. $$ MTZ004-202315- /O.CAN.KMSO.WW.Y.0066.000000T0000Z-161220T0300Z/ /O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0012.161220T0700Z-161221T0600Z/ 406 PM MST MON DEC 19 2016 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 11 PM MST TUESDAY... ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED... THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MISSOULA HAS CANCELLED THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY. * IMPACTS/TIMING: SNOW WILL INCREASE AFTER MIDNIGHT AND BECOME HEAVY AT TIMES BY EARLY TUESDAY MORNING WITH PERIODS OF HEAVY SNOW CONTINUING THROUGH MUCH OF TUESDAY. PATCHES OF FREEZING RAIN IS POSSIBLE TUESDAY MORNING AS WELL. THE HEAVY SNOW WILL REDUCE VISIBILITY AND CREATE VERY SLICK ROAD CONDITIONS. BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW IS EXPECTED AT TIMES OVER THE HIGHER TERRAIN AND LOOKOUT PASS. * SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: AN ADDITIONAL 12 TO 14 INCHES OF SNOW IS EXPECTED BEGINNING LATE TONIGHT AND CONTINUING THROUGH TUESDAY OVER THE TERRAIN AND LOOKOUT PASS. ELSEWHERE...3 TO 5 INCHES OF SNOW IS EXPECTED TUESDAY FROM ALBERTON TO SUPERIOR AS WELL AS EVARO HILL...AND 5 TO 9 INCHES FROM SAINT REGIS TO HAUGAN. * WINDS: WEST TO SOUTHWEST WINDS BETWEEN 10 AND 20 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 30 MPH IS EXPECTED IN THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS INCLUDING LOOKOUT PASS. * LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE: EVARO HILL, HIGHWAY 200 THOMPSON FALLS TO PLAINS, HIGHWAY 200 TROUT CREEK TO HERON, AND I- 90 LOOKOUT PASS TO HAUGAN $$ IDZ005-006-202315- /O.CAN.KMSO.WW.Y.0066.000000T0000Z-161220T0300Z/ /O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0012.161220T0700Z-161221T0600Z/ 306 PM PST MON DEC 19 2016 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 PM PST TUESDAY... ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED... THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MISSOULA HAS CANCELLED THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY. * IMPACTS/TIMING: SLICK DRIVING CONDITIONS AND LOW VISIBILITY WILL FURTHER DETERIORATE LATE TONIGHT AND TUESDAY WITH PERIODS OF HEAVY SNOW. * SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: AN ADDITIONAL 12 TO 20 INCHES OF SNOW IS EXPECTED OVER THE HIGHER TERRAIN LATE TONIGHT AND TUESDAY. IN THE VALLEYS 4 TO 12 INCHES OF SNOW IS EXPECTED TUESDAY. * WINDS: WINDS IN THE VALLEYS WILL REMAIN LIGHTER, HOWEVER, SOUTHWEST WINDS BETWEEN 15 AND 25 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 40 MPH WILL INCREASE TONIGHT IN THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS PRODUCING SOME BLOWING SNOW ACROSS MOUNTAIN ROADS. * LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE: ELK RIVER, HIGHWAY 11 PIERCE TO HEADQUARTERS, PIERCE, DIXIE, ELK CITY, AND HIGHWAY 12 LOWELL TO LOLO PASS $$ MTZ001-003-202315- /O.CAN.KMSO.WW.Y.0066.000000T0000Z-161220T0300Z/ /O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0067.161220T1000Z-161221T0100Z/ 406 PM MST MON DEC 19 2016 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 6 PM MST TUESDAY... ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED... THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MISSOULA HAS CANCELLED THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY. * IMPACTS/TIMING: SNOW WILL CONTINUE TO DECREASE THIS EVENING AND THUS THE FIRST WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY HAS BEEN CANCELLED. HOWEVER, ANOTHER PERIOD OF MODERATE SNOWFALL IS EXPECTED TUESDAY. THE SNOW MAY TRANSITION TO A WINTRY MIX AT TIMES WITH PATCHES OF FREEZING LIGHT RAIN POSSIBLE TUESDAY MORNING. * SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: AN ADDITIONAL 2 TO 4 INCHES OF SNOW IS EXPECTED TUESDAY, EXCEPT UP TO 8 TO 10 INCHES OVER THE HIGHER TERRAIN. * WINDS: SOUTHWEST WINDS BETWEEN 10 AND 20 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 30 MPH IN THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS PRODUCING SOME BLOWING SNOW ACROSS ROADS. * LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE: HIGHWAY 2 KALISPELL TO LIBBY, HIGHWAY 37 EUREKA TO LIBBY, HIGHWAY 56 BULL LAKE ROAD, HIGHWAY 93 EUREKA TO WHITEFISH, FLATHEAD LAKE, FLATHEAD VALLEY, MISSION VALLEY, AND POLSON $$ MTZ043-202315- /O.CAN.KMSO.WW.Y.0066.000000T0000Z-161220T0300Z/ /O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0067.161220T1000Z-161221T0700Z/ 406 PM MST MON DEC 19 2016 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TUESDAY TO MIDNIGHT MST TUESDAY NIGHT... ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED... THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MISSOULA HAS CANCELLED THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY. * IMPACTS/TIMING: PERIODS OF LIGHT SNOW AND SLICK WINTRY DRIVING CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE INTO EARLY THIS EVENING. HOWEVER ADDITIONAL IMPACTS WILL BE MINIMAL AND THUS THE FIRST WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY HAS BEEN CANCELLED. ANOTHER PERIOD OF MODERATE SNOW AND SLICK WINTRY DRIVING CONDITIONS IS EXPECTED AT TIMES ON TUESDAY. * SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: AN ADDITIONAL 5 TO 9 INCHES IS EXPECTED TUESDAY. * WINDS: WINDS IN THE VALLEYS WILL REMAIN GENERALLY CALM. HOWEVER, SOUTHWEST WINDS BETWEEN 10 AND 20 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 30 MPH WILL INCREASE TONIGHT IN THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS PRODUCING SOME BLOWING SNOW ACROSS MOUNTAIN ROADS. * LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE: HIGHWAY 200 BONNER TO GREENOUGH, HIGHWAY 83 SEELEY LAKE TO CONDON, AND I-90 EAST MISSOULA TO BEARMOUTH $$ IDZ009-010-201900- /O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0067.161220T1000Z-161220T1900Z/ 406 PM MST MON DEC 19 2016 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO NOON MST TUESDAY... * IMPACTS/TIMING: ANOTHER PERIOD OF LIGHT TO MODERATE SNOW AND SLICK WINTRY DRIVING CONDITIONS IS EXPECTED LATE TONIGHT AND TUESDAY. IN ADDITIONAL, PATCHY FREEZING RAIN IS POSSIBLE FROM THE SALMON AREA TO NORTH FORK STORE. * SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 2 TO 4 INCHES OF SNOW IN THE VALLEYS AND 6 TO 12 INCHES OVER THE HIGHER TERRAIN TUESDAY. * LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE: SHOUP, BANNOCK PASS, HIGHWAY 28 TENDOY TO LONE PINE, HIGHWAY 93 LOST TRAIL PASS TO GIBBONSVILLE, LEMHI PASS, AND SALMON $$ MTZ005-201700- /O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0067.161220T1000Z-161220T1700Z/ 406 PM MST MON DEC 19 2016 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 10 AM MST TUESDAY FOR BITTERROOT VALLEY AND MISSOULA... * IMPACTS/TIMING: A WINTRY MIX OF LIGHT SNOW AND INTERMITTENT FREEZING RAIN IS EXPECTED TUESDAY MORNING. ROADS, ESPECIALLY SECONDARY ROADS, ARE EXPECTED TO BECOME QUITE SLICK. * SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 1 TO 2 INCHES OF SNOW TUESDAY MORNING. $$
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 Dec 19, 4:03 AM MST, 4 hours 6 minutes earlier.
Area forecast discussion, Dec 19, 4:03 AM MST, 4 hours 6 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Missoula MT
403 AM MST Mon Dec 19 2016
.DISCUSSION...Today will bring wind and snow for many locations.
Idaho county will be hardest hit from Elk River through Pierce and
Powell with 3 to 7 inches of new snow today. Wind will also be a
concern for those at higher elevations in the back country, but
should be as much of an impact along the mostly sheltered Hwy 12.
A winter weather advisory has been issued for this event.
Further west on the Camas Prairie down to Grangeville and Riggins
it will be very windy, and winds have already started gusting this
morning over 35 mph at some locations. Later today and this
evening gusts near 50 mph are possible at times. Down sloping with
the strong winds is expected to prevent significant snow in these
areas today.
In northwest Montana, snow has already started falling with 2 to 5
inches of new snow expected in Lincoln county and 3 to 7 inches
from West Glacier to Marias Pass. Much less snow is expected in
the Flathead and Mission valleys, but these areas are exposed to
enough wind that some difficulties are expected due to blowing and
drifting snow today. Advisories have also been issued in these
areas.
Elsewhere in western Montana, wind will be an issue. Winds are
already gusting this morning near 40 mph from Garrison Junction
through Deer Lodge and Anaconda. Blowing and drifting snow has
been a concern for this area, but so far none has been observed,
so we opted for a wind advisory for today in this area where
little to no new snow is expected.
Just as the advisories for today's weather are winding down
tonight, a winter weather watch goes into effect. A strong, warmer
system with a lot of wind and moisture impacts the region. The
Clearwater and Bitterroot Mountains of central Idaho and western
Montana will get pummeled with between 1 and 2 feet of new, wet
snow. This will be accompanied by a lot of wind, which will have
huge impacts for avalanche risks. In the valleys, the cold air
currently in place will get scoured out with temperatures rising
to around freezing for the first time in several days. The strong
winds will downslope, causing the valleys to get much less
moisture. Still, the southern and western portions of the
Bitterroot Valley could see 4 to 10 inches of new snow, while the
northern Bitterroot and Missoula valleys may only see a couple
inches of new snow and a lot of wind. The Mission and Swan
Mountains will also see a lot of new snow, with around 4 inches
in the lower elevations of Northwest Montana. Lookout and Lolo
Passes will both be hit with over a foot of snow. Travel over
mountain passes, especially over Lolo Pass into central Idaho will
very likely be dangerous Tuesday. As a result several watches
have been issued for this period. The area from Garrison Junction
through Anaconda and Butte during the Tuesday system is expected
to be windy again, with less than an inch of snow in the
forecast.
Wednesday through Thursday morning currently looks like a mostly
dry period in the wake of Tuesday's snowy system. Some showers
will remain in the terrain of northwest Montana, but these are
not expected to be impactful. Thursday evening through Friday
brings increasing moisture in westerly flow. Valleys may be
somewhat sheltered, but will still likely see light accumulating
snow.
Friday into Saturday and Sunday, models have come into slightly
better agreement regarding the next impactful weather system.
Current trends focus most of the energy to the south.
Nevertheless, west central Montana, southwest Montana, and Lemhi
county currently look to be the areas most likely to see
significant snow. That being said, model uncertainty is still
high, so stay tuned if planning to travel on or around Christmas.
&&
.AVIATION...Snow showers will likely affect visibility at KGPI and
KMSO this afternoon as a quick-moving system moves through. By
19/2000z, many sites could begin seeing gusty winds ahead of the
large trough of low pressure that comes in Tuesday. Snow totals
for today are forecast to be light, roughly 1 to 2 inches for
most valleys, with winds potentially adding a blowing component
to the wintry weather. Expect widespread mountain obscurations
with lowered ceilings and snow showers in the terrain.
&&
.MSO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MT...Winter Weather Advisory until 8 PM MST this evening
Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains.
Winter Storm Watch from this evening through Tuesday afternoon
Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains...Lower Clark Fork Region.
Winter Weather Advisory until 8 PM MST this evening
Flathead/Mission Valleys...Kootenai/Cabinet Region.
Winter Weather Advisory until 8 PM MST this evening West Glacier
Region.
Winter Weather Advisory until 8 PM MST this evening
Potomac/Seeley Lake Region.
Wind Advisory until 5 PM MST this afternoon Butte/Blackfoot
Region.
Winter Weather Advisory until 8 PM MST this evening Lower Clark
Fork Region.
ID...Winter Weather Advisory until 7 PM PST this evening Northern
Clearwater Mountains...Southern Clearwater Mountains.
Winter Storm Watch from this evening through Tuesday afternoon
Lower Hells Canyon/Salmon River Region...Northern
Clearwater Mountains...Orofino/Grangeville Region...
Southern Clearwater Mountains.
&&The office that day
Everything else NWS Missoula, MT issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 19, 4:14 AM MST | Winter Storm Watch | MSO | Granite, Mineral, Missoula, Ravalli, Sanders | 10 hr |
| Dec 19, 4:20 AM MST | Wind Advisory | MSO | Deer Lodge, Granite, Powell, Silver Bow | 12 hr |
| Dec 19, 2:01 PM MST | Winter Storm Warning | MSO | Granite, Mineral, Missoula, Ravalli, Sanders | 28 hr |
| Dec 19, 2:01 PM MST | Winter Weather Advisory | MSO | Deer Lodge, Flathead, Granite, Lake, Lincoln, Missoula and 4 more | 34 hr |
Nearby
Winter Storm Warnings in Montana, 2016Every winter storm warning in 2016
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.