Alert archive / Montana / Winter Storm Warnings in 2020

Winter Storm Warning 2, NWS Missoula, MT

January 7, 20205 counties in Montana

NWS Missoula, MT issued this winter storm warning at Jan 7, 2020, 8:21 AM MST for 5 counties in Montana. It was in force for 9 hr. 4 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
Jan 7, 2020, 8:21 AM MST (15:21 UTC)
Expired
Jan 7, 2020, 5:00 PM MST
In force
9 hr
Issued by
NWS Missoula, MT

Counties Flathead County, MT, Lake County, MT, Mineral County, MT, Missoula County, MT, Sanders County, MT

The radar

The Missoula radar (KMSX), 67 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 15:24 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
Jan 7, 8:30 AM MSTSNOW 12Seeley Lake, MTSEELEY LAKE RANGER STATION REPORTS 10 TO 12 INCHES OF NEW SNOW OVERNIGHT. RAIN IS NOW FALLING THIS MORNING.
Jan 7, 8:55 AM MSTSNOW 2.31 Sw Columbia Falls, MTRAIN FALLING THIS MORNING.
Jan 7, 10:31 AM MSTSNOW 6Trout Creek, MT6 INCHES OF SNOW OVERNIGHT. MIX OF RAIN AND SNOW THIS MORNING.
Jan 7, 11:10 AM MSTHEAVY SNOW 18Polebridge, MTSNOW STARTED SOMETIME BEFORE 6:30 AM (1/7) & HAS NOT STOPPED. 18 INCHES OF LIGHT POWDER BY LAST NIGHT, THEN SNOW GOT WETTER & IS COMPACTING.

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, 3.4 hours before the alert went out and 148 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 2020-01-07Temperature 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°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Spokane, WA at 12:00Z on 2020-01-07The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 134 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
922 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
46 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
134 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
154 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

826 
WWUS45 KMSO 071521
WSWMSO

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Missoula MT
821 AM MST Tue Jan 7 2020

MTZ003-071630-
/O.CAN.KMSO.WW.Y.0002.000000T0000Z-200107T1600Z/
Flathead/Mission Valleys-
821 AM MST Tue Jan 7 2020

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...



$$

MTZ004-081200-
/O.NEW.KMSO.WS.W.0002.200107T1521Z-200107T1900Z/
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0002.000000T0000Z-200108T1200Z/
Lower Clark Fork Region-
821 AM MST Tue Jan 7 2020

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON MST TODAY...
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...For the Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow. Additional snow
  accumulations of 4 to 7 inches above 4000 feet, including
  Lookout Pass, 1 to 3 inches and a mix of snow and freezing rain
  below 4000 feet. For the Winter Weather Advisory, snow.
  Additional snow accumulations of 4 to 6 inches above 4000 feet
  during the afternoon and evening.

* WHERE...Evaro Hill, Highway 200 Thompson Falls to Plains, 
  Highway 200 Trout Creek to Heron, and I-90 Lookout Pass to 
  Haugan.

* WHEN...For the Winter Storm Warning, until noon MST today. For 
  the Winter Weather Advisory, until 5 AM MST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult west of Saint Regis and
  over Lookout Pass through this morning.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. 

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

MTZ001-071900-
/O.EXT.KMSO.WW.Y.0002.000000T0000Z-200107T1900Z/
Kootenai/Cabinet Region-
821 AM MST Tue Jan 7 2020

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON MST TODAY...

* WHAT...Mixed precipitation. Additional snow accumulations of 1 
  to 3 inches. Light ice accumulations possible. 

* WHERE...Highway 2 Kalispell to Libby, Highway 37 Eureka to 
  Libby, Highway 56 Bull Lake Road, and Highway 93 Eureka to 
  Whitefish.

* WHEN...Until noon MST today.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

MTZ002-081200-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0002.000000T0000Z-200108T1200Z/
West Glacier Region-
821 AM MST Tue Jan 7 2020

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations of 6 to 9 inches
  above 4000 feet, and 2 to 4 inches below 4000 feet. Winds 
  gusting as high as 35 mph.

* WHERE...Bad Rock Canyon, Essex, Highway 83 Bigfork to Swan 
  Lake, Marias Pass, and Polebridge.

* WHEN...Until 5 AM MST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

IDZ005-006-081200-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0002.000000T0000Z-200108T1200Z/
Northern Clearwater Mountains-Southern Clearwater Mountains-
721 AM PST Tue Jan 7 2020

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

* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches 
  above 4000 feet.

* WHERE...Elk River, Highway 11 Pierce to Headquarters, Pierce, 
  Dixie, Elk City, and Highway 12 Lowell to Lolo Pass.

* WHEN...Until 4 AM PST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

MTZ006-081200-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0002.000000T0000Z-200108T1200Z/
Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains-
821 AM MST Tue Jan 7 2020

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches.

* WHERE...Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains.

* WHEN...Until 5 AM MST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

MTZ043-081200-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0002.000000T0000Z-200108T1200Z/
Potomac/Seeley Lake Region-
821 AM MST Tue Jan 7 2020

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations of 4 to 6 inches.

* WHERE...Highway 200 Bonner to Greenough, Highway 83 Seeley 
  Lake to Condon, and I-90 East Missoula to Bearmouth.

* WHEN...Until 5 AM MST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$
3 follow-up statements
873 
WWUS45 KMSO 071816
WSWMSO

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Missoula MT
1116 AM MST Tue Jan 7 2020

MTZ002-081200-
/O.EXB.KMSO.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-200108T0000Z/
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0002.000000T0000Z-200108T1200Z/
West Glacier Region-
1116 AM MST Tue Jan 7 2020

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS AFTERNOON...
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...For the Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow. Additional snow
  accumulations of 4 to 8 inches above 4,000 feet, with 1 to 3 
  inches below 4,000 feet. Wind gusts up to 30 mph will cause 
  periodic periods of blowing snow near Marias Pass. For the 
  Winter Weather Advisory, snow. Additional snow accumulations of 
  3 to 6 inches tonight into Wednesday morning. 

* WHERE...Bad Rock Canyon, Essex, Highway 83 Bigfork to Swan 
  Lake, Marias Pass, and Polebridge.

* WHEN...For the Winter Storm Warning, until 5 PM MST this 
  afternoon. For the Winter Weather Advisory, until 5 AM MST 
  Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. 

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

MTZ004-081200-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-200107T1900Z/
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0002.000000T0000Z-200108T1200Z/
Lower Clark Fork Region-
1116 AM MST Tue Jan 7 2020

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON MST TODAY...
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...For the Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow. Additional snow
  accumulations of 1 to 3 inches above 4000 feet, including
  Lookout Pass; Up to one inch and a mix of snow and freezing 
  rain below 4000 feet. For the Winter Weather Advisory, snow. 
  Additional snow accumulations of 4 to 6 inches above 4000 feet 
  during the afternoon and evening.

* WHERE...Evaro Hill, Highway 200 Thompson Falls to Plains, 
  Highway 200 Trout Creek to Heron, and I-90 Lookout Pass to 
  Haugan.

* WHEN...For the Winter Storm Warning, until noon MST today. For 
  the Winter Weather Advisory, until 5 AM MST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult west of Saint Regis 
  and over Lookout Pass through this morning.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency.

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

IDZ005-006-081200-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0002.000000T0000Z-200108T1200Z/
Northern Clearwater Mountains-Southern Clearwater Mountains-
1016 AM PST Tue Jan 7 2020

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

* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches 
  above 4000 feet.

* WHERE...Elk River, Highway 11 Pierce to Headquarters, Pierce, 
  Dixie, Elk City, and Highway 12 Lowell to Lolo Pass.

* WHEN...Until 4 AM PST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

MTZ001-071930-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0002.000000T0000Z-200107T1900Z/
Kootenai/Cabinet Region-
1116 AM MST Tue Jan 7 2020

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON MST
TODAY...

* WHAT...Mixed precipitation. Additional snow accumulations of 1 
  to 3 inches. Light ice accumulations possible.

* WHERE...Highway 2 Kalispell to Libby, Highway 37 Eureka to 
  Libby, Highway 56 Bull Lake Road, and Highway 93 Eureka to 
  Whitefish.

* WHEN...Until noon MST today.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

MTZ006-081200-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0002.000000T0000Z-200108T1200Z/
Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains-
1116 AM MST Tue Jan 7 2020

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches.

* WHERE...Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains.

* WHEN...Until 5 AM MST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

MTZ043-081200-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0002.000000T0000Z-200108T1200Z/
Potomac/Seeley Lake Region-
1116 AM MST Tue Jan 7 2020

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations of 4 to 6 inches.

* WHERE...Highway 200 Bonner to Greenough, Highway 83 Seeley 
  Lake to Condon, and I-90 East Missoula to Bearmouth.

* WHEN...Until 5 AM MST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$
957 
WWUS45 KMSO 071854
WSWMSO

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Missoula MT
1154 AM MST Tue Jan 7 2020

MTZ004-081200-
/O.EXP.KMSO.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-200107T1900Z/
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0002.000000T0000Z-200108T1200Z/
Lower Clark Fork Region-
1154 AM MST Tue Jan 7 2020

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches 
  tonight into Wednesday morning above 4000 feet.

* WHERE...Evaro Hill, Highway 200 Thompson Falls to Plains, 
  Highway 200 Trout Creek to Heron, and I-90 Lookout Pass to 
  Haugan.

* WHEN...Winter Weather Advisory, until 5 AM MST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

MTZ001-072000-
/O.EXP.KMSO.WW.Y.0002.000000T0000Z-200107T1900Z/
Kootenai/Cabinet Region-
1154 AM MST Tue Jan 7 2020

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT NOON MST TODAY...



$$

MTZ002-081200-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-200108T0000Z/
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0002.000000T0000Z-200108T1200Z/
West Glacier Region-
1154 AM MST Tue Jan 7 2020

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON...
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...For the Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow. Additional snow
  accumulations of 3 to 7 inches above 4,000 feet, with 1 to 3 
  inches below 4,000 feet. Wind gusts up to 30 mph will cause 
  periodic periods of blowing snow near Marias Pass. For the 
  Winter Weather Advisory, snow. Additional snow accumulations of 
  3 to 6 inches tonight into Wednesday morning.

* WHERE...Bad Rock Canyon, Essex, Highway 83 Bigfork to Swan 
  Lake, Marias Pass, and Polebridge.

* WHEN...For the Winter Storm Warning, until 5 PM MST this 
  afternoon. For the Winter Weather Advisory, until 5 AM MST 
  Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. 

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

IDZ005-006-081200-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0002.000000T0000Z-200108T1200Z/
Northern Clearwater Mountains-Southern Clearwater Mountains-
1054 AM PST Tue Jan 7 2020

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

* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches 
  above 4000 feet tonight.

* WHERE...Elk River, Highway 11 Pierce to Headquarters, Pierce, 
  Dixie, Elk City, and Highway 12 Lowell to Lolo Pass.

* WHEN...Until 4 AM PST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

MTZ006-081200-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0002.000000T0000Z-200108T1200Z/
Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains-
1154 AM MST Tue Jan 7 2020

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches
  tonight.

* WHERE...Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains.

* WHEN...Until 5 AM MST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

MTZ043-081200-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0002.000000T0000Z-200108T1200Z/
Potomac/Seeley Lake Region-
1154 AM MST Tue Jan 7 2020

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches.

* WHERE...Highway 200 Bonner to Greenough, Highway 83 Seeley 
  Lake to Condon, and I-90 East Missoula to Bearmouth.

* WHEN...Until 5 AM MST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$
957 
WWUS45 KMSO 072342
WSWMSO

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Missoula MT
442 PM MST Tue Jan 7 2020

MTZ002-081200-
/O.EXP.KMSO.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-200108T0000Z/
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0002.000000T0000Z-200108T1200Z/
West Glacier Region-
442 PM MST Tue Jan 7 2020

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST
WEDNESDAY...
...WINTER STORM WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 5 PM MST THIS AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations of 3 to 5 inches.

* WHERE...Bad Rock Canyon, Essex, Highway 83 Bigfork to Swan 
  Lake, Marias Pass, and Polebridge.

* WHEN...Until 5 AM MST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected.


&&

$$

IDZ005-006-MTZ004-006-043-080045-
/O.CAN.KMSO.WW.Y.0002.000000T0000Z-200108T1200Z/
Northern Clearwater Mountains-Southern Clearwater Mountains-
Lower Clark Fork Region-Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains-
Potomac/Seeley Lake Region-
442 PM MST Tue Jan 7 2020 /342 PM PST Tue Jan 7 2020/

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...


$$

Nearby

Winter Storm Warnings in Montana, 2020Every winter storm warning in 2020

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.