Alert archive / Montana / Winter Storm Warnings in 2017

Winter Storm Warning 10, NWS Missoula, MT

March 9, 20176 counties in Montana

NWS Missoula, MT issued this winter storm warning at Mar 9, 2017, 7:54 AM MST for 6 counties in Montana. It was in force for 5 hr. 11 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
Mar 9, 2017, 7:54 AM MST (14:54 UTC)
Expired
Mar 9, 2017, 1:00 PM MST
In force
5 hr
Issued by
NWS Missoula, MT

Counties Deer Lodge County, MT, Granite County, MT, Missoula County, MT, Powell County, MT, Ravalli County, MT, Silver Bow County, MT

The radar

The Missoula radar (KMSX), 87 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 14:51 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
Mar 9, 8:00 AM MSTSNOW 3.53 Sw Ovando, MTCOCORAHS STATION 2 WSW OVANDO /MT-PW-3/. THE DURATION OF THE SNOW EVENT WAS 24 HOURS.
Mar 9, 8:07 AM MSTSNOW 4.6Lolo, MT.
Mar 9, 8:09 AM MSTSNOW 5.23 Se Corvallis, MT.
Mar 9, 8:16 AM MSTSNOW 6.82 Se Alberton, MT.
Mar 9, 8:28 AM MSTSNOW 7.32 Sw Newcomb, MT4 INCHES FELL LAST EVENING. 3.3 INCHES FELL THIS MORNING. 6300 FEET ELEVATION.
Mar 9, 9:07 AM MSTSNOW 7Anaconda, MT0.38 OF LIQUID MAKING IT A 18 TO 1 SNOW TO LIQUID RATIO. THE DURATION OF THE SNOW EVENT WAS 14 HOURS.
Mar 9, 9:33 AM MSTSNOW 3.52 Wnw Stevensville, MT.
Mar 9, 9:43 AM MSTSNOW 61 Wnw Huson, MT24HR SNOW REPORT.
Mar 9, 9:45 AM MSTSNOW 64 Ssw Missoula, MT12HR SNOW TOTALS.
Mar 9, 11:00 AM MSTSNOW 4.26 Nw Missoula, MT5 INCHES ON THE GROUND WITH 0.60 OF SNOW WATER EQUIVALENT. THE DURATION OF THE SNOW EVENT WAS 18 HOURS.
Mar 9, 12:20 PM MSTSNOW 76 Ssw Lolo Hot Springs, MTSNOW DEPTH IS AROUND 7 FEET. THE DURATION OF THE SNOW EVENT WAS 15 HOURS.

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

The nearest sounding before it

Great_falls, MT (KTFX), launched 12:00Z, 2.9 hours before the alert went out and 241 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, Great_falls, MT at 12:00Z on 2017-03-09Temperature 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 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Great_falls, MT at 12:00Z on 2017-03-09The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 197 square meters per square second.1939587897117Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
633 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
98 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
197 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
273 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

919 
WWUS45 KMSO 091454
WSWMSO

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Missoula MT
754 AM MST Thu Mar 9 2017

MTZ005-091800-
/O.UPG.KMSO.WW.Y.0017.000000T0000Z-170309T1600Z/
/O.NEW.KMSO.WS.W.0010.170309T1454Z-170309T1800Z/
754 AM MST Thu Mar 9 2017

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM MST THIS MORNING
FOR BITTERROOT VALLEY AND MISSOULA...

The Winter Weather Advisory is no longer in effect. 

* Impacts/Timing: Snow, briefly heavy at times, will continue
  through the morning producing very slick conditions in some
  areas. Slushy areas have frozen and made travel this morning
  locally treacherous in the Bitterroot Valley, along east side highway
  and benches. 
  

* Snow accumulations: An additional 1-2 inches with up to 3 inches
  on the benches.



$$

MTZ002-003-101500-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0009.170310T0000Z-170310T1800Z/
754 AM MST Thu Mar 9 2017

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS
AFTERNOON TO 11 AM MST FRIDAY...

* Impacts/Timing: Snow intensity has tapered off quite a bit 
  overnight. And while occasional light snow is still to be 
  expected today, the Advisory is no longer necessary. 

* However, heavier snowfall will return to the area late this 
  afternoon and persist through Friday morning. The combination 
  of snow and gusty east winds will produce dangerous conditions 
  tonight into Friday morning. Thus the Winter Storm Watch has 
  been upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning. 

* Snow accumulations: Today...Up to 2 inches. Tonight through 
  Friday...8 to 14 inches with up to 2 feet possible throughout 
  the higher terrain and over Marias Pass. The main exception 
  will be across the southern Mission Valley...Ronan southward...
  where 2 to 5 inches are likely. 

* Locations impacted include: Bad Rock Canyon, Essex, Highway 83 
  Bigfork to Swan Lake, Marias Pass, Polebridge, Flathead Lake, 
  Flathead Valley, Mission Valley, and Polson

$$

MTZ001-101500-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0009.170310T0000Z-170310T1800Z/
754 AM MST Thu Mar 9 2017

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS
AFTERNOON TO 11 AM MST FRIDAY...

* Impacts/Timing: Light snow will linger throughout the day. 
  However any impacts are likely to remain below Advisory 
  criteria. 

* However, heavier snowfall will return to the area late this 
  afternoon and persist through Friday morning. The combination 
  of snow and gusty east winds will produce dangerous conditions 
  tonight into Friday morning, especially for those traveling 
  along US-2 and US-93. Thus the Winter Storm Watch has been 
  upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning. 

* Snow accumulations: Up to 2 inches today. Tonight through 
  Friday...6 to 12 inches with up to 18 inches over the higher 
  terrain. Accumulations could run heavier or perhaps turn quite 
  wet depending upon the overall progression of warm air Friday 
  morning. 

* Locations impacted include: Highway 2 Kalispell to Libby, 
  Highway 37 Eureka to Libby, Highway 56 Bull Lake Road, and 
  Highway 93 Eureka to Whitefish

$$

IDZ005-006-009-010-MTZ004-006-091700-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0017.000000T0000Z-170309T1700Z/
754 AM MST Thu Mar 9 2017 /654 AM PST Thu Mar 9 2017/

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM MST
/9 AM PST/ THIS MORNING...

* Impacts/Timing: Snow will continue through the morning 
  producing a slick and slushy commute. 

* Snow accumulations: An additional 1 to 2 inches in the valleys 
  with up to 4 additional inches throughout the higher terrain. 

* Locations impacted include: Elk River, Highway 11 Pierce to 
  Headquarters, Pierce, Dixie, Elk City, Highway 12 Lowell to 
  Lolo Pass, Shoup, Bannock Pass, Highway 28 Tendoy to Lone 
  Pine, Highway 93 Lost Trail Pass to Gibbonsville, Lemhi Pass, 
  Salmon, 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, and Lolo Pass

$$

MTZ007-043-091600-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0017.000000T0000Z-170309T1600Z/
754 AM MST Thu Mar 9 2017

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM MST THIS
MORNING...

* Impacts/Timing: Snow will continue through the morning 
  producing a slick and slushy commute. 

* Snow accumulations: An additional 1 to 3 inches.

* Locations impacted include: Butte, Georgetown Lake, Highway 12 
  Garrison to Elliston, Homestake Pass, MacDonald Pass, Highway 
  200 Bonner to Greenough, Highway 83 Seeley Lake to Condon, and 
  I- 90 East Missoula to Bearmouth

$$

IDZ007-091600-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0017.000000T0000Z-170309T1600Z/
654 AM PST Thu Mar 9 2017

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM PST THIS
MORNING...

* Impacts/Timing: Snow will continue through the morning 
  producing a slick and slushy commute. 

* Snow Accumulation: An additional 1 to 2 inches, especially on 
  the valley benches. 

* Locations impacted include: Camas Prairie, Grangeville and 
  vicinity, and Greer Grade

$$
3 follow-up statements
991 
WWUS45 KMSO 091507
WSWMSO

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Missoula MT
807 AM MST Thu Mar 9 2017

MTZ002-003-101515-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0009.170310T0000Z-170310T1800Z/
807 AM MST Thu Mar 9 2017

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS
AFTERNOON TO 11 AM MST FRIDAY...

* Impacts/Timing: Snow intensity has tapered off quite a bit 
  overnight. And while occasional light snow is still to be 
  expected today, the Advisory is no longer necessary. 

* However, heavier snowfall will return to the area late this 
  afternoon and persist through Friday morning. The combination 
  of snow and gusty east winds will produce dangerous conditions 
  tonight into Friday morning. Thus the Winter Storm Watch has 
  been upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning. 

* Snow accumulations: Today...Up to 2 inches. Tonight through 
  Friday...8 to 14 inches with up to 2 feet possible throughout 
  the higher terrain and over Marias Pass. The main exception 
  will be across the southern Mission Valley...Ronan southward...
   where 2 to 5 inches are likely. 

* Locations impacted include: Bad Rock Canyon, Essex, Highway 83 
  Bigfork to Swan Lake, Marias Pass, Polebridge, Flathead Lake, 
  Flathead Valley, Mission Valley, and Polson

$$

MTZ005-091800-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0010.000000T0000Z-170309T1800Z/
807 AM MST Thu Mar 9 2017

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM MST THIS
MORNING FOR BITTERROOT VALLEY AND MISSOULA...

The Winter Weather Advisory is no longer in effect.

* Impacts/Timing: Snow, briefly heavy at times, will continue 
  through the morning producing very slick conditions in some 
  areas. Slushy areas have frozen and made travel this morning 
  locally treacherous in the Bitterroot Valley, along east side 
  highway and benches. 

* Snow accumulations: An additional 1-2 inches with up to 3 
  inches on the benches. 

$$

MTZ001-101515-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0009.170310T0000Z-170310T1800Z/
807 AM MST Thu Mar 9 2017

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS
AFTERNOON TO 11 AM MST FRIDAY...

* Impacts/Timing: Light snow will linger throughout the day. 
  However any impacts are likely to remain below Advisory 
  criteria. 

* However, heavier snowfall will return to the area late this 
  afternoon and persist through Friday morning. The combination 
  of snow and gusty east winds will produce dangerous conditions 
  tonight into Friday morning, especially for those traveling 
  along US-2 and US-93. Thus the Winter Storm Watch has been 
  upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning. 

* Snow accumulations: Up to 2 inches today. Tonight through 
  Friday...6 to 12 inches with up to 18 inches over the higher 
  terrain. Accumulations could run heavier or perhaps turn quite 
  wet depending upon the overall progression of warm air Friday 
  morning. 

* Locations impacted include: Highway 2 Kalispell to Libby, 
  Highway 37 Eureka to Libby, Highway 56 Bull Lake Road, and 
  Highway 93 Eureka to Whitefish

$$

IDZ005-006-009-010-MTZ004-006-091800-
/O.EXT.KMSO.WW.Y.0017.000000T0000Z-170309T1800Z/
807 AM MST Thu Mar 9 2017 /707 AM PST Thu Mar 9 2017/

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM MST /10 AM
PST/ THIS MORNING...

* Impacts/Timing: Snow will continue through the morning 
  producing a slick and slushy commute. 

* Snow accumulations: An additional 1 to 2 inches in the valleys 
  with up to 4 additional inches throughout the higher terrain. 

* Locations impacted include: Elk River, Highway 11 Pierce to 
  Headquarters, Pierce, Dixie, Elk City, Highway 12 Lowell to 
  Lolo Pass, Shoup, Bannock Pass, Highway 28 Tendoy to Lone 
  Pine, Highway 93 Lost Trail Pass to Gibbonsville, Lemhi Pass, 
  Salmon, 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, and Lolo Pass

$$

MTZ007-043-091800-
/O.EXT.KMSO.WW.Y.0017.000000T0000Z-170309T1800Z/
807 AM MST Thu Mar 9 2017

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM MST THIS
MORNING...

* Impacts/Timing: Snow will continue through the morning 
  producing a slick and slushy commute. 

* Snow accumulations: An additional 1 to 3 inches.

* Locations impacted include: Butte, Georgetown Lake, Highway 12 
  Garrison to Elliston, Homestake Pass, MacDonald Pass, Highway 
  200 Bonner to Greenough, Highway 83 Seeley Lake to Condon, and 
  I- 90 East Missoula to Bearmouth

$$

IDZ007-091800-
/O.EXT.KMSO.WW.Y.0017.000000T0000Z-170309T1800Z/
707 AM PST Thu Mar 9 2017

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PST THIS
MORNING...

* Impacts/Timing: Snow will continue through the morning 
  producing a slick and slushy commute. 

* Snow Accumulation: An additional 1 to 2 inches, especially on 
  the valley benches. 

* Locations impacted include: Camas Prairie, Grangeville and 
  vicinity, and Greer Grade

$$
237 
WWUS45 KMSO 091546
WSWMSO

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Missoula MT
846 AM MST Thu Mar 9 2017

MTZ007-092000-
/O.UPG.KMSO.WW.Y.0017.000000T0000Z-170309T1800Z/
/O.EXB.KMSO.WS.W.0010.000000T0000Z-170309T2000Z/
846 AM MST Thu Mar 9 2017

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM MST THIS AFTERNOON...

The Winter Weather Advisory is no longer in effect. 

* Impacts/Timing: Snow, heavy at times, will continue through the
  morning and early afternoon. Very difficult travel will occur on
  interstates as well as secondary roads. To make travel more
  difficult, arctic air is expected to move across the divide 
  later this morning which will increase easterly winds thus 
  producing blowing snow and lowering visibility. 

* Snow accumulations: An additional 2 to 4 inches.

* Locations impacted include: Butte, Georgetown Lake, Highway 12 
  Garrison to Elliston, Homestake Pass, and MacDonald Pass

$$

MTZ002-003-101600-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0009.170310T0000Z-170310T1800Z/
846 AM MST Thu Mar 9 2017

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS
AFTERNOON TO 11 AM MST FRIDAY...

* Impacts/Timing: Snow intensity has tapered off quite a bit 
  overnight. And while occasional light snow is still to be 
  expected today, the Advisory is no longer necessary. 

* However, heavier snowfall will return to the area late this 
  afternoon and persist through Friday morning. The combination 
  of snow and gusty east winds will produce dangerous conditions 
  tonight into Friday morning. Thus the Winter Storm Watch has 
  been upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning. 

* Snow accumulations: Today...Up to 2 inches. Tonight through 
  Friday...8 to 14 inches with up to 2 feet possible throughout 
  the higher terrain and over Marias Pass. The main exception 
  will be across the southern Mission Valley...Ronan southward...
   where 2 to 5 inches are likely. 

* Locations impacted include: Bad Rock Canyon, Essex, Highway 83 
  Bigfork to Swan Lake, Marias Pass, Polebridge, Flathead Lake, 
  Flathead Valley, Mission Valley, and Polson

$$

MTZ005-091800-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0010.000000T0000Z-170309T1800Z/
846 AM MST Thu Mar 9 2017

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM MST THIS
MORNING FOR BITTERROOT VALLEY AND MISSOULA...

The Winter Weather Advisory is no longer in effect.

* Impacts/Timing: Snow, briefly heavy at times, will continue 
  through the morning producing very slick conditions in some 
  areas. Slushy areas have frozen and made travel this morning 
  locally treacherous in the Bitterroot Valley, along east side 
  highway and benches. 

* Snow accumulations: An additional 1-2 inches with up to 3 
  inches on the benches. 

$$

MTZ001-101600-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0009.170310T0000Z-170310T1800Z/
846 AM MST Thu Mar 9 2017

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS
AFTERNOON TO 11 AM MST FRIDAY...

* Impacts/Timing: Light snow will linger throughout the day. 
  However any impacts are likely to remain below Advisory 
  criteria. 

* However, heavier snowfall will return to the area late this 
  afternoon and persist through Friday morning. The combination 
  of snow and gusty east winds will produce dangerous conditions 
  tonight into Friday morning, especially for those traveling 
  along US-2 and US-93. Thus the Winter Storm Watch has been 
  upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning. 

* Snow accumulations: Up to 2 inches today. Tonight through 
  Friday...6 to 12 inches with up to 18 inches over the higher 
  terrain. Accumulations could run heavier or perhaps turn quite 
  wet depending upon the overall progression of warm air Friday 
  morning. 

* Locations impacted include: Highway 2 Kalispell to Libby, 
  Highway 37 Eureka to Libby, Highway 56 Bull Lake Road, and 
  Highway 93 Eureka to Whitefish

$$

IDZ005-006-009-010-MTZ004-006-091800-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0017.000000T0000Z-170309T1800Z/
846 AM MST Thu Mar 9 2017 /746 AM PST Thu Mar 9 2017/

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM MST
/10 AM PST/ THIS MORNING...

* Impacts/Timing: Snow will continue through the morning 
  producing a slick and slushy commute. 

* Snow accumulations: An additional 1 to 2 inches in the valleys 
  with up to 4 additional inches throughout the higher terrain. 

* Locations impacted include: Elk River, Highway 11 Pierce to 
  Headquarters, Pierce, Dixie, Elk City, Highway 12 Lowell to 
  Lolo Pass, Shoup, Bannock Pass, Highway 28 Tendoy to Lone 
  Pine, Highway 93 Lost Trail Pass to Gibbonsville, Lemhi Pass, 
  Salmon, 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, and Lolo Pass

$$

MTZ043-091800-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0017.000000T0000Z-170309T1800Z/
846 AM MST Thu Mar 9 2017

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM MST THIS
MORNING...

* Impacts/Timing: Snow will continue through the morning 
  producing a slick and slushy commute. 

* Snow accumulations: An additional 1 to 3 inches.

* Locations impacted include: Highway 200 Bonner to Greenough, 
  Highway 83 Seeley Lake to Condon, and I-90 East Missoula to 
  Bearmouth

$$

IDZ007-091800-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0017.000000T0000Z-170309T1800Z/
746 AM PST Thu Mar 9 2017

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PST THIS
MORNING...

* Impacts/Timing: Snow will continue through the morning 
  producing a slick and slushy commute. 

* Snow Accumulation: An additional 1 to 2 inches, especially on 
  the valley benches. 

* Locations impacted include: Camas Prairie, Grangeville and 
  vicinity, and Greer Grade

$$
052 
WWUS45 KMSO 091755
WSWMSO

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Missoula MT
1055 AM MST Thu Mar 9 2017

MTZ005-091900-
/O.CAN.KMSO.WS.W.0010.000000T0000Z-170309T1800Z/
1055 AM MST Thu Mar 9 2017

...WINTER STORM WARNING IS CANCELLED...

The National Weather Service in Missoula has cancelled the Winter
Storm Warning. 


$$

IDZ005>007-009-010-MTZ004-006-091900-
/O.CAN.KMSO.WW.Y.0017.000000T0000Z-170309T1800Z/
1055 AM MST Thu Mar 9 2017 /955 AM PST Thu Mar 9 2017/

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

The National Weather Service in Missoula has cancelled the Winter
Weather Advisory. 



$$

MTZ007-092000-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0010.000000T0000Z-170309T2000Z/
1055 AM MST Thu Mar 9 2017

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON...

* Impacts/Timing: Snow, moderate to heavy at times, will continue
  through the morning and early afternoon. Very difficult travel
  will occur on interstates as well as secondary roads. To make
  travel more difficult, arctic air is expected to move across the
  divide later this morning which may increase east to northeast
  winds producing blowing snow and lowering visibility.

* Snow accumulations: An additional 1 to 3 inches.

* Locations impacted include: Butte, Georgetown Lake, Highway 12 
  Garrison to Elliston, Homestake Pass, and MacDonald Pass

$$

MTZ002-003-101800-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0009.170310T0000Z-170310T1800Z/
1055 AM MST Thu Mar 9 2017

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS
AFTERNOON TO 11 AM MST FRIDAY...

* Impacts/Timing: Snow intensity has tapered off quite a bit 
  overnight. And while occasional light snow is still to be 
  expected today, the Advisory is no longer necessary. 

* However, heavier snowfall will return to the area late this 
  afternoon and persist through Friday morning. The combination 
  of snow and gusty east winds will produce dangerous conditions 
  tonight into Friday morning. Thus the Winter Storm Watch has 
  been upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning. 

* Snow accumulations: Today...Up to 2 inches. Tonight through 
  Friday...8 to 14 inches with up to 2 feet possible throughout 
  the higher terrain and over Marias Pass. The main exception 
  will be across the southern Mission Valley...Ronan southward...
   where 2 to 5 inches are likely. 

* Locations impacted include: Bad Rock Canyon, Essex, Highway 83 
  Bigfork to Swan Lake, Marias Pass, Polebridge, Flathead Lake, 
  Flathead Valley, Mission Valley, and Polson

$$

MTZ001-101800-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0009.170310T0000Z-170310T1800Z/
1055 AM MST Thu Mar 9 2017

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS
AFTERNOON TO 11 AM MST FRIDAY...

* Impacts/Timing: Light snow will linger throughout the day. 
  However any impacts are likely to remain below Advisory 
  criteria. 

* However, heavier snowfall will return to the area late this 
  afternoon and persist through Friday morning. The combination 
  of snow and gusty east winds will produce dangerous conditions 
  tonight into Friday morning, especially for those traveling 
  along US-2 and US-93. Thus the Winter Storm Watch has been 
  upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning. 

* Snow accumulations: Up to 2 inches today. Tonight through 
  Friday...6 to 12 inches with up to 18 inches over the higher 
  terrain. Accumulations could run heavier or perhaps turn quite 
  wet depending upon the overall progression of warm air Friday 
  morning. 

* Locations impacted include: Highway 2 Kalispell to Libby, 
  Highway 37 Eureka to Libby, Highway 56 Bull Lake Road, and 
  Highway 93 Eureka to Whitefish

$$

MTZ043-092000-
/O.EXT.KMSO.WW.Y.0017.000000T0000Z-170309T2000Z/
1055 AM MST Thu Mar 9 2017

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON...

* Impacts/Timing: Snow will continue through the early afternoon
  hours producing continued partial snow covered roads and slick 
  conditions, especially around the I-90 Bearmouth canyon area. 
 
* Snow accumulations: An additional 1 to 3 inches.

* Locations impacted include: Highway 200 Bonner to Greenough, 
  Highway 83 Seeley Lake to Condon, and I-90 East Missoula to 
  Bearmouth

$$

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 Mar 9, 4:29 AM MST, 3 hours 25 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Mar 9, 4:29 AM MST, 3 hours 25 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Missoula MT
429 AM MST Thu Mar 9 2017

...SIGNIFICANT WIDESPREAD SNOWFALL ACROSS NORTHWEST MONTANA THIS
EVENING THROUGH FRIDAY...

.DISCUSSION...Snowfall across the area continues to decrease in
both coverage and intensity early this morning in response to the
exiting jet stream. But not before having left behind plenty of
slick and slushy conditions this morning. Thus Winter Weather
Advisories remain in effect where these conditions and continued
snowfall are likely this morning.

Farther north a close evaluation of weather stations along the
Continental Divide overnight have shown that the arctic air mass,
well entrenched east of the mountains, has made it over Marias
Pass, past Essex and recently into Polebridge early this morning.
This appears to line up well with the more aggressive models and
certainly adds confidence to the significant heavy snowfall event
for NW Montana we've been talking about these past few days.
Therefore, since there were no significant model changes overnight
and the arctic is thus far following the more extreme model
solutions, we have decided to upgrade the Winter Storm Watch to a
Winter Storm Warning for all of NW Montana. Our highest
confidence for the heaviest snowfall remains throughout the West
Glacier Region, across the Flathead Valley and northward into the
Tobacco Valley. Here, accumulations of 8 to 14 inches with up to 2
feet across the higher terrain are likely.

However the forecast turns quite a bit more challenging as you
head farther west across NW Montana towards the Idaho border.
Arctic air typically struggles to advance this far west and given
the quick return of moist, westerly flow aloft, we believe
snowfall totals nearer to the Idaho border could be somewhat
subdued early Friday morning. But regardless of these
possibilities, there still remains high confidence that 6 to 8
inches will occur in Libby, Troy and Yaak and thus the Winter
Storm Watch was upgraded to a Warning. It is worth noting that an
additional 2 to 4 inches could be possible upon the previously
mentioned totals if the warm air is delayed or weaker than the
models suggest. Though this could prove somewhat irrelevant since
the combination of overall snowfall intensity tonight combined
with a transition to a wetter snowfall Friday morning will still
result in significant and potential hazardous conditions
throughout these areas.

Steady precipitation will transition into a more showery regime
Friday into Friday night as a cold front works its way across the
region. Breezy winds are expected, especially over the higher
terrain in advance of this front. But significantly drier air
behind the overnight front will result in a notable decrease in
precipitation by Saturday morning.

Model guidance suggests that an active Pacific jet stream over the
western US will keep the Northern Rockies in a wet pattern this
weekend through next week. As a contrast with the current winter
weather across the region, conditions will slowly warm over the
extended forecast period. Valley locations will experience mostly
rain/snow mix, with mountain passes continue to be impacted by
periodic snow accumulations. Patchy hazardous winter driving
conditions will peak nearly every overnight and early morning
period. Model timing for each surge of Pacific moisture is tenuous
at best, however it seems that there is agreement upon this
Saturday being mostly dry. Bottom line: the mountain snow pack
will increase significantly over the next week, while low
elevations begin to melt out.

&&

.AVIATION...Snow showers will continue to impact area terminals
KMSO and KBTM through 09/1600Z. Snow and rain mix will return to
KMSO after 09/2000Z. Snow will exist near KBTM, KGPI, and KSMN
after 09/2300Z. Main impacts with the snow visibilities and
lowered ceilings. KGPI will likely experience extended very low
visibility and ceiling due to snow 10/0300Z through 10/1500Z.
Terrain obscurations will be common across the Northern Rockies
during the next 24 hours.

&&

.MSO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MT...Winter Weather Advisory until 10 AM MST this morning
     Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains...Lower Clark Fork Region.

     Winter Weather Advisory until 9 AM MST this morning
     Butte/Blackfoot Region...Potomac/Seeley Lake Region.

     Winter Weather Advisory until 9 AM MST this morning
     Missoula/Bitterroot Valleys.

     Winter Storm Warning from 5 PM this afternoon to 11 AM MST
     Friday Flathead/Mission Valleys...West Glacier Region.

     Winter Storm Warning from 5 PM this afternoon to 11 AM MST
     Friday Kootenai/Cabinet Region.

ID...Winter Weather Advisory until 10 AM MST /9 AM PST/ this morning
     Eastern Lemhi County...Northern Clearwater Mountains...
     Southern Clearwater Mountains...Western Lemhi County.

     Winter Weather Advisory until 8 AM PST this morning
     Orofino/Grangeville Region.

&&

In the hours before

Local storm report, Mar 9, 6:51 AM MST, 1 hour 3 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MISSOULA MT
651 AM MST THU MAR 9 2017

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0617 AM     SNOW             5 NW EAST PORTAL        47.45N 115.70W
03/09/2017  M8.0 INCH        MINERAL            MT   PUBLIC

            LOOKOUT PASS SKI RESORT IN THE LAST 12
            HOURS. 20" IN THE LAST 24 HOURS.

&&

NWS MISSOULA MT
IRIS SYSTEM
Local storm report, Mar 9, 6:53 AM MST, 1 hour 1 minute before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MISSOULA MT
653 AM MST THU MAR 9 2017

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0550 AM     SNOW             1 SSW LOST TRAIL PASS   45.69N 113.95W
03/09/2017  M6.0 INCH        RAVALLI            MT   PUBLIC

            LOST TRAIL SKI RESORT IN THE LAST 12 HOURS.
            11 INCHES IN THE LAST 24 HOURS.

&&

NWS MISSOULA MT
IRIS SYSTEM
Local storm report, Mar 9, 6:54 AM MST, 1 hour before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MISSOULA MT
654 AM MST THU MAR 9 2017

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0600 AM     SNOW             5 N WHITEFISH           48.48N 114.36W
03/09/2017  M3.0 INCH        FLATHEAD           MT   PUBLIC

            WHITEFISH MOUNTAIN RESORT. . THE DURATION OF
            THE SNOW EVENT WAS 24 HOURS.

&&

NWS MISSOULA MT
IRIS SYSTEM
Local storm report, Mar 9, 7:13 AM MST, 41 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MISSOULA MT
713 AM MST THU MAR 9 2017

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0712 AM     SNOW             2 SSE BUTTE             45.98N 112.51W
03/09/2017  E6.0 INCH        SILVER BOW         MT   PUBLIC

            . THE DURATION OF THE SNOW EVENT WAS 12
            HOURS.

&&

NWS MISSOULA MT
IRIS SYSTEM
Local storm report, Mar 9, 7:16 AM MST, 38 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MISSOULA MT
716 AM MST THU MAR 9 2017

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0715 AM     SNOW             6 NW MISSOULA           46.92N 114.09W
03/09/2017  M3.5 INCH        MISSOULA           MT   OFFICIAL NWS OBS

            . THE DURATION OF THE SNOW EVENT WAS 14
            HOURS.

&&

NWS MISSOULA MT
IRIS SYSTEM
Local storm report, Mar 9, 7:19 AM MST, 35 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MISSOULA MT
719 AM MST THU MAR 9 2017

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0617 AM     SNOW             5 NW EAST PORTAL        47.45N 115.70W
03/09/2017  M8.0 INCH        MINERAL            MT   PUBLIC

            LOOKOUT PASS SKI RESORT IN THE LAST 12
            HOURS. 20" IN THE LAST 24 HOURS. THE
            DURATION OF THE SNOW EVENT WAS 12 HOURS.

&&

NWS MISSOULA MT
IRIS SYSTEM

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Mar 9, 4:06 AM MSTWinter Storm WarningMSOFlathead, Lake, Lincoln, Sanders31 hr
Mar 9, 3:06 PM MSTWinter Weather AdvisoryMSODeer Lodge, Flathead, Granite, Lake, Mineral, Missoula and 4 more23 hr

Nearby

Winter Storm Warnings in Montana, 2017Every winter storm warning in 2017

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.