Winter Storm Watch 5, NWS Missoula, MT

417 
WWUS45 KMSO 242034
WSWMSO

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Missoula MT
134 PM MST Wed Feb 24 2021

MTZ002-252045-
/O.EXA.KMSO.WW.Y.0025.210225T1500Z-210226T1500Z/
West Glacier Region-
134 PM MST Wed Feb 24 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM THURSDAY TO 8 AM
MST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 9 inches
  at Marias Pass, while 2 to 4 inches west of Essex. Winds 
  gusting as high as 35 mph may blow around snow, reducing 
  visibility, and drifting over roads.

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

* WHEN...From 8 AM Thursday to 8 AM MST Friday.

* 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.

&&

$$

MTZ001-252045-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0025.210225T1500Z-210226T1500Z/
Kootenai/Cabinet Region-
134 PM MST Wed Feb 24 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM THURSDAY
TO 8 AM MST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 
  inches. Snow showers or snow bands could create periods of 
  high snowfall rates, possibly up to an inch an hour at times. 
  Expect low visibility and gusty winds blowing snow during 
  these showers.

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

* WHEN...From 8 AM Thursday to 8 AM MST Friday.

* 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.

&&

$$

MTZ004-252045-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0025.210225T1500Z-210227T0000Z/
Lower Clark Fork Region-
134 PM MST Wed Feb 24 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM THURSDAY
TO 5 PM MST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 8 to 12 
  inches at Lookout Pass, while 2 to 5 inches at lower 
  elevations. There will be periods of snow showers and snow 
  bands creating at times 1-2" per hour snow rates. These 
  showers will be capable of low visibilities and gusty winds 
  blowing snow.

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

* WHEN...From 8 AM Thursday to 5 PM MST Friday.

* 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.

&&

$$

IDZ007-252045-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0025.210226T0000Z-210226T1500Z/
Orofino/Grangeville Region-
1234 PM PST Wed Feb 24 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THURSDAY
TO 7 AM PST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 5 
  inches.

* WHERE...Camas Prairie, Grangeville and vicinity, and Greer 
  Grade.

* WHEN...From 4 PM Thursday to 7 AM PST Friday.

* 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.

&&

$$

IDZ008-252045-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0025.210226T0000Z-210226T1500Z/
Lower Hells Canyon/Salmon River Region-
1234 PM PST Wed Feb 24 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THURSDAY
TO 7 AM PST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 5 
  inches at Whitebird Hill and 1 to 3 inches elsewhere.

* WHERE...Lower Hells Canyon/Salmon River Region.

* WHEN...From 4 PM Thursday to 7 AM PST Friday.

* 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.

&&

$$

IDZ005-006-252045-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.A.0005.210225T1500Z-210227T0000Z/
Northern Clearwater Mountains-Southern Clearwater Mountains-
1234 PM PST Wed Feb 24 2021

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING
THROUGH FRIDAY AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 11 to 
  20 inches possible, potential of 2 to 3 feet in the highest 
  terrain. High probability of 1" per hour snow rates between 
  2pm and 5pm PST and again from 10pm through 6am PST Friday. 
  Backcountry users are highly encouraged to use ITD avalanche 
  sources for up to the minute information on changing 
  conditions.

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

* WHEN...From Thursday morning through Friday afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

&&

$$

117 
WWUS45 KMSO 251116
WSWMSO

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Missoula MT
416 AM MST Thu Feb 25 2021

IDZ005-261200-
/O.UPG.KMSO.WS.A.0005.210225T1500Z-210227T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KMSO.WS.W.0009.210225T1600Z-210227T0000Z/
Northern Clearwater Mountains-
316 AM PST Thu Feb 25 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM THIS MORNING TO 4 PM
PST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow
  accumulations of 12 to 20 inches, with up to three feet of snow
  above 6,000 feet. Winds gusts up to 40 mph will cause areas of
  blowing and drifting snow, particularly Thursday night into 
  Friday morning. 

* WHERE...Elk River, Highway 11 Pierce to Headquarters, and 
  Pierce.

* WHEN...From 8 AM this morning to 4 PM PST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Areas of 
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility.

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.

&&

$$

IDZ006-261200-
/O.UPG.KMSO.WS.A.0005.210225T1500Z-210227T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KMSO.WS.W.0009.210225T1600Z-210227T0000Z/
Southern Clearwater Mountains-
316 AM PST Thu Feb 25 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM THIS MORNING TO 4 PM
PST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow
  accumulations of 12 to 20 inches, with up to three feet of snow
  above 6,000 feet. Winds gusts up to 40 mph will cause areas of
  blowing and drifting snow, particularly Thursday night into 
  Friday morning. 

* WHERE...Dixie, Elk City, and Highway 12 Lowell to Lolo Pass.

* WHEN...From 8 AM this morning to 4 PM PST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Areas of
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. Backcountry
  users are highly encouraged to reference ITD avalanche sources 
  for up to the minute information on changing conditions.

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.

&&

$$

IDZ007-261200-
/O.EXT.KMSO.WW.Y.0025.210225T1600Z-210227T0000Z/
Orofino/Grangeville Region-
316 AM PST Thu Feb 25 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM THIS MORNING
TO 4 PM PST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snowfall accumulations of 2 to 5
  inches below 2,500 feet, including Orofino and Kooskia. Total
  snowfall accumulations of 6 to 10 inches, including bench areas
  of above Orofino, Grangeville, Woodland, and Weippe.

* WHERE...Camas Prairie, Grangeville and vicinity, and Greer 
  Grade.

* WHEN...From 8 AM this morning to 4 PM PST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected. Gusty south winds up to 50
  mph will cause areas of blowing and drifting snow in the 
  vicinity of Grangeville from 9 am to 2 pm PST Thursday. 


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.

&&

$$

IDZ008-261200-
/O.EXT.KMSO.WW.Y.0025.210225T1600Z-210227T0000Z/
Lower Hells Canyon/Salmon River Region-
316 AM PST Thu Feb 25 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM THIS MORNING
TO 4 PM PST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches
  for Whitebird Hill and elevations above 3,000 feet. Total snow
  accumulations of 2 to 4 inches below 3,000 feet.

* WHERE...Lower Hells Canyon/Salmon River Region.

* WHEN...From 8 AM this morning to 4 PM PST Friday.

* 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.

&&

$$

MTZ001-261200-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0025.210225T1500Z-210226T1500Z/
Kootenai/Cabinet Region-
416 AM MST Thu Feb 25 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM THIS
MORNING TO 8 AM MST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches.
  Localized snow bands will produce snowfall rates up to one inch
  per hour Thursday night into Friday morning.

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

* WHEN...From 8 AM Thursday to 8 AM MST Friday.

* 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.

&&

$$

MTZ004-261200-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0025.210225T1500Z-210227T0000Z/
Lower Clark Fork Region-
416 AM MST Thu Feb 25 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM THIS
MORNING TO 5 PM MST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 10 to 16
  inches from Saltese to Lookout Pass on I-90. Total snow
  accumulations of 3 to 6 inches at lower elevations. Localized 
  snow bands will produce snowfall rates up to one inch per hour 
  Thursday night into Friday morning.

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

* WHEN...From 8 AM Thursday to 5 PM MST Friday.

* 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.

&&

$$

MTZ002-261200-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0025.210225T1500Z-210226T1500Z/
West Glacier Region-
416 AM MST Thu Feb 25 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM THIS
MORNING TO 8 AM MST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 7 inches,
  with locally higher amounts east of Essex to Marias Pass. Winds
  gusting as high as 40 mph.

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

* WHEN...From 8 AM Thursday to 8 AM MST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected. Areas of blowing and
  drifting snow are possible between Essex and Marias Pass. 

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.

&&

$$

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Missoula MT
411 AM MST Wed Feb 24 2021

.DISCUSSION...A plume of snow continues to move southward over
parts of north central Idaho and west central Montana this
morning. These areas could anticipate to receive another 1 to 2
inches of new snow by noon today. Several winter weather
advisories remain in affect due to the last night's snowfall and
its impact on this morning's commute. The shower activity will
diminish by this afternoon as a weak ridge of high pressure slides
over the area.

A cold front is still on track to push through the Northern
Rockies on Thursday. This front will bring gusty westerly winds
and widespread snow. Winds could gust up into the 30 mph range
during the passage of the front. Ahead of the front, southerly
winds are expected to develop over the Camas Prairie in
Grangeville Idaho by mid to late Thursday morning. The prairie
around Grangeville could experience gusts as high as 50 mph. The
snow associated with the front will be the start of an extended
period of precipitation for parts of the Northern Rockies. The
mountains along the Montana/Idaho border along with areas around
Glacier National Park could see snow falling from Thursday until
Sunday morning. The mountains appear to receive feet of new snow
during this time frame while the valleys appear to receive 1 to 4
inches of new snow accumulations.

The models are hinting at an arctic airmass that will glance along
the Continental Divide Friday night into Saturday. The current
thinking is that the bulk of the cold air will stay east of the
divide, but some cold air could make its way over Marias Pass and
filtrate into Columbia Falls.

The models diverge on the first part of next week, but the overall
pattern is expected to remain fairly active.

&&

.AVIATION...A plume of snow continues to move through portions of
north central Idaho and west central Montana this morning. The
areas under this plume will have reduced visibilities and lowered
ceilings through the morning hours with KBTM having the biggest
impact of the area terminals. The shower activity appears to
diminish by this afternoon.

&&

.MSO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MT...Winter Weather Advisory until 9 AM MST this morning
     Missoula/Bitterroot Valleys.

     Winter Weather Advisory until 9 AM MST this morning
     Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains.

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

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

     Winter Weather Advisory until 9 AM MST this morning Lower Clark
     Fork Region.

ID...Winter Weather Advisory until 8 AM PST this morning Lower Hells
     Canyon/Salmon River Region.

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

     Winter Weather Advisory until 8 AM PST this morning Northern
     Clearwater Mountains...Southern Clearwater Mountains.

&&