Alert archive / Montana / Winter Storm Warnings in 2021

Winter Storm Warning 7, NWS Missoula, MT

February 21, 2021Flathead County, Lake County, Montana

NWS Missoula, MT issued this winter storm warning at Feb 21, 2021, 10:39 AM MST for Flathead County, Lake County, Montana. It took effect at Feb 21, 2021, 3:00 PM MST. It was in force for 5 hr. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Feb 21, 2021, 10:39 AM MST (17:39 UTC)
In effect from
Feb 21, 2021, 3:00 PM MST
Expired
Feb 21, 2021, 7:30 PM MST
In force
5 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 17:36 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.

The nearest sounding before it

Spokane, WA (KOTX), launched 12:00Z, 5.7 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.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Spokane, WA at 12:00Z on 2021-02-21Temperature 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 2021-02-21The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 196 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
717 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
54 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
196 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
272 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

251 
WWUS45 KMSO 211739
WSWMSO

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Missoula MT
1039 AM MST Sun Feb 21 2021

MTZ002-221745-
/O.NEW.KMSO.WS.W.0007.210221T2200Z-210222T1800Z/
West Glacier Region-
1039 AM MST Sun Feb 21 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO
11 AM MST MONDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow
  accumulations of 4 to 7 inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 
  mph.

* WHERE...Marias Pass.

* WHEN...From 3 PM this afternoon to 11 AM MST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected. Widespread blowing snow 
  could significantly reduce visibility. Strong winds could 
  cause tree damage.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

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

&&

$$

MTZ004-006-221745-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0022.000000T0000Z-210223T0600Z/
Lower Clark Fork Region-Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains-
1039 AM MST Sun Feb 21 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST
MONDAY...

* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations of 2 to 13 inches. 
  Winds gusting as high as 50 mph.

* WHERE...I-90 Lookout Pass to Haugan, Highway 93 Sula to Lost 
  Trail Pass, and Lolo Pass.

* WHEN...Until 11 PM MST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Patchy blowing snow 
  could significantly reduce visibility. Gusty winds could bring 
  down tree branches.

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
003 
WWUS45 KMSO 211755 CCA
WSWMSO

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE...CORRECTED
National Weather Service Missoula MT
1055 AM MST Sun Feb 21 2021

MTZ002-221745-
/O.COR.KMSO.WS.W.0007.210221T2200Z-210222T1800Z/
West Glacier Region-
1055 AM MST Sun Feb 21 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO
11 AM MST MONDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow
  accumulations of 3 to 7 inches at Marias Pass, up to 2 inches
  elsewhere. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph. 

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


* WHEN...From 3 PM this afternoon to 11 AM MST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected. Widespread blowing snow
  could significantly reduce visibility especially over Marias
  Pass. Strong winds could cause tree damage.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

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

&&

$$

MTZ004-006-221745-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0022.000000T0000Z-210223T0600Z/
Lower Clark Fork Region-Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains-
1055 AM MST Sun Feb 21 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST
MONDAY...

* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations of 2 to 13 inches. 
  Winds gusting as high as 50 mph.

* WHERE...I-90 Lookout Pass to Haugan, Highway 93 Sula to Lost 
  Trail Pass, and Lolo Pass.

* WHEN...Until 11 PM MST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Patchy blowing snow 
  could significantly reduce visibility. Gusty winds could bring 
  down tree branches.

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.

&&

$$
901 
WWUS45 KMSO 212324
WSWMSO

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Missoula MT
424 PM MST Sun Feb 21 2021

MTZ002-221800-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0007.000000T0000Z-210222T1800Z/
West Glacier Region-
424 PM MST Sun Feb 21 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM MST
MONDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow
  accumulations of 5 to 10 inches between Essex and Marias Pass.
  Total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches at lower elevations.
  Winds gusting as high as 55 mph.

* WHERE...Essex, Swan Lake, Marias Pass, and Polebridge.

* WHEN...Until 11 AM MST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. 
  Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. 
  Strong winds could cause tree damage.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

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

&&

$$

IDZ005-006-222330-
/O.EXA.KMSO.WW.Y.0022.000000T0000Z-210223T0600Z/
Northern Clearwater Mountains-Southern Clearwater Mountains-
324 PM PST Sun Feb 21 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM PST MONDAY ABOVE
4000 FEET...

* WHAT...Snow above 4000 feet. Total snow accumulations 6 to 12
  inches between 4,000 and 4,500 feet, with 1 to 2 feet expected 
  above 4,500 feet. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...Northern Clearwater Mountains and Southern Clearwater 
  Mountains.

* WHEN...Until 10 PM PST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected. The combination of heavy
  snow and strong winds will create dangerous backcountry travel
  conditions. 

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.

&&

$$

MTZ006-222330-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0022.000000T0000Z-210223T0600Z/
Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains-
424 PM MST Sun Feb 21 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST
MONDAY...

* WHAT...Snow. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches for Lost
  Trail Pass and the Sapphire Mountains, with 1 to 2 feet expected
  above 4,500 feet in the Bitterroot Mountains. Winds gusting as 
  high as 50 mph.

* WHERE...Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains.

* WHEN...Until 11 PM MST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected. The combination of heavy
  snow and strong winds will create dangerous backcountry travel
  conditions, particularly in the Bitterroot Mountains. 

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.

&&

$$

MTZ004-222330-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0022.000000T0000Z-210223T0600Z/
Lower Clark Fork Region-
424 PM MST Sun Feb 21 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST
MONDAY ABOVE 4000 FEET...

* WHAT...Snow above 4000 feet. Total snow accumulations of 7 to 12
  inches for Lookout Pass. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...Lower Clark Fork Region.

* WHEN...Until 11 PM MST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected. Patchy areas of blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility. Gusty winds could 
  bring down tree branches.

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.

&&

$$
079 
WWUS45 KMSO 220230
WSWMSO

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Missoula MT
730 PM MST Sun Feb 21 2021

MTZ002-230230-
/O.CAN.KMSO.WS.W.0007.000000T0000Z-210222T1800Z/
/O.NEW.KMSO.WS.W.0008.210222T1200Z-210223T1200Z/
West Glacier Region-
730 PM MST Sun Feb 21 2021

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

* WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow
  accumulations of 5 to 10 inches between Essex and Marias Pass.
  Total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches at lower elevations.
  Winds gusting as high as 55 mph.

* WHERE...Essex, Swan Lake, Marias Pass, and Polebridge.

* WHEN...From 5 AM Monday to 5 AM MST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible.
  Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility.
  Strong winds could cause tree damage.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

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

&&

$$

MTZ006-230230-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0022.000000T0000Z-210223T0600Z/
Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains-
730 PM MST Sun Feb 21 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST
MONDAY...

* WHAT...Snow. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches for 
  Lost Trail Pass and the Sapphire Mountains, with 1 to 2 feet 
  expected above 4,500 feet in the Bitterroot Mountains. Winds 
  gusting as high as 50 mph.

* WHERE...Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains.

* WHEN...Until 11 PM MST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected. The combination of heavy 
  snow and strong winds will create dangerous backcountry travel 
  conditions, particularly in the Bitterroot Mountains.

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.

&&

$$

IDZ005-006-230230-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0022.000000T0000Z-210223T0600Z/
Northern Clearwater Mountains-Southern Clearwater Mountains-
630 PM PST Sun Feb 21 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM PST
MONDAY ABOVE 4000 FEET...

* WHAT...Snow above 4000 feet. Total snow accumulations 6 to 12 
  inches between 4,000 and 4,500 feet, with 1 to 2 feet expected 
  above 4,500 feet. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...Northern Clearwater Mountains and Southern Clearwater 
  Mountains.

* WHEN...Until 10 PM PST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected. The combination of heavy 
  snow and strong winds will create dangerous backcountry travel 
  conditions.

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.

&&

$$

MTZ004-230230-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0022.000000T0000Z-210223T0600Z/
Lower Clark Fork Region-
730 PM MST Sun Feb 21 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST
MONDAY ABOVE 4000 FEET...

* WHAT...Snow above 4000 feet. Total snow accumulations of 7 to 
  12 inches for Lookout Pass. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...Lower Clark Fork Region.

* WHEN...Until 11 PM MST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected. Patchy areas of blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility. Gusty winds could 
  bring down tree branches.

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.

&&

$$

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Feb 21, 8:20 AM MSTWinter Weather AdvisoryMSODeer Lodge, Flathead, Granite, Lake, Lincoln, Mineral and 5 more71 hr
Feb 21, 10:42 AM MSTHigh Wind WarningMSOFlathead, Lincoln, Sanders24 hr
Feb 21, 10:42 AM MSTWind AdvisoryMSOFlathead, Lake, Sanders36 hr

Nearby

Winter Storm Warnings in Montana, 2021Every winter storm warning in 2021

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.