Alert archive / Montana / Winter Storm Warnings in 2024

Winter Storm Warning 7, NWS Missoula, MT

February 24, 20249 counties in Montana; Clearwater County, Idaho County, Idaho

NWS Missoula, MT issued this winter storm warning at Feb 24, 2024, 12:44 PM MST for 9 counties in Montana; Clearwater County, Idaho County, Idaho. It took effect at Feb 25, 2024, 12:00 PM MST. It was in force for 26 hr. 14 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
Feb 24, 2024, 12:44 PM MST (19:44 UTC)
In effect from
Feb 25, 2024, 12:00 PM MST
Expired
Feb 26, 2024, 2:00 PM MST
In force
26 hr
Issued by
NWS Missoula, MT

Counties Clearwater County, ID, Idaho County, ID, Flathead County, MT, Granite County, MT, Lake County, MT, Lincoln County, MT, Mineral County, MT, Missoula County, MT, Powell County, MT, Ravalli County, MT, Sanders County, MT

The radar

The Missoula radar (KMSX), 38 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 19:41 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
Feb 26, 5:32 AM MSTSNOW 125 Nw East Portal, MT12 inches of snow reported at the base of Lookout Ski area.
Feb 26, 6:30 AM MSTSNOW 46 N Whitefish, MT24 hour total.
Feb 26, 7:08 AM MSTSNOW 64 N Georgetown, MT24 hour snowfall.
Feb 26, 7:46 AM MSTSNOW 10.2Dixie, ID10.2 inches of new snow for the last 24hrs. Heavy snow still occurring at the time of the report. 40 inch SD at the 8AM observation.
Feb 26, 9:00 AM MSTSNOW 49 Ene Eureka, MT0.60 inches of snow water equivalent since 10 am Feb 25. Mesonet station STAM8 10.1 N Fortine (SNOTEL).
Feb 26, 9:00 AM MSTSNOW 912 Ne Noxon, MT1.40 inches of snow water equivalent since 6 am Feb 25. Mesonet station PMNM8 11.6 NE Noxon (SNOTEL).
Feb 26, 9:00 AM MSTSNOW 1010 Nw Logan Pass, MT1.80 inches of snow water equivalent since 11 am Feb 25 Mesonet station Flattop Mtn FTMM8 9.7 NW Logan Pass (SNOTEL).
Feb 26, 9:00 AM MSTSNOW 108 Ene Powell, ID1.00 inches of snow water equivalent at the Lolo Pass SNOTEL since 2pm Feb 25. Mesonet station LPSI1 6.9 SW Lolo Hot Springs (SNOTEL).
Feb 26, 9:00 AM MSTSNOW 10Lost Trail Pass, MTStorm total so far for Lost Trail Ski Area.
Feb 26, 10:00 AM MSTSNOW 46 Se Finley Point, MT1.00 inches of snow water equivalent since 9 am Feb 25. Mesonet station MSPM8 5.9 SE Finley Point (SNOTEL).
Feb 26, 10:00 AM MSTSNOW 614 Wnw Seeley Lake, MT1.60 snow water equivalent at the North Fork Jocko SNOTEL Mesonet station NFJM8 17.8 S Condon.
Feb 26, 10:00 AM MSTSNOW 79 Ene Stark, MT1.00 inches of snow water equivalent since 3 pm Feb 25. Mesonet station SQPM8 9.6 S Dixon (SNOTEL).
Feb 26, 10:00 AM MSTSNOW 1625 Ene Pierce, ID2.50 inches of snow water equivalent since 8 am Feb 25. Mesonet station CRAI1 25.9 NE Musselshell (SNOTEL).
Feb 26, 10:00 AM MSTSNOW 1815 Nw Yaak, MT2.10 inches of snow water equivalent since 10 am Feb 25. Mesonet station HAWM8 10.1 E Eastport (SNOTEL).

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, 7.7 hours before the alert went out and 159 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 2024-02-24Temperature 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°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Spokane, WA at 12:00Z on 2024-02-24The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 23 square meters per square second.19395878Sfc1 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
1329 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
37 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
23 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
69 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

093 
WWUS45 KMSO 241944
WSWMSO

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Missoula MT
1244 PM MST Sat Feb 24 2024

MTZ001-251945-
/O.UPG.KMSO.WS.A.0006.240225T1900Z-240227T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KMSO.WS.W.0007.240225T1900Z-240226T1500Z/
Kootenai/Cabinet Region-
1244 PM MST Sat Feb 24 2024

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON SUNDAY TO 8 AM MST 
MONDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations 1 to 4 inches 
  in the valleys and 10 to 20 inches in the mountains. Winds gusting 
  as high as 50 mph in the valleys and up to 65 mph in the mountains.

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

* WHEN...From noon Sunday to 8 AM MST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The 
  hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening 
  commutes. Very strong winds could cause extensive damage to trees 
  and power lines.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The strongest winds and heaviest snowfall 
  will be during the late afternoon and evening hours.

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.

&&

$$

MTZ002-251945-
/O.UPG.KMSO.WS.A.0006.240225T1900Z-240227T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KMSO.WS.W.0007.240225T1900Z-240226T1500Z/
West Glacier Region-
1244 PM MST Sat Feb 24 2024

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON SUNDAY TO 8 AM MST 
MONDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations 2 to 6 inches 
  in the valleys and 12 to 24 inches in the mountains including 
  Marias Pass. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph in the valleys and up 
  to 70 mph in the mountains.

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

* WHEN...From noon Sunday to 8 AM MST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The 
  hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening 
  commutes. Very strong winds could cause extensive damage to trees 
  and power lines.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The strongest winds and heaviest snowfall 
  will be during the late afternoon and evening hours.

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.

&&

$$

MTZ004-251945-
/O.UPG.KMSO.WS.A.0006.240225T1900Z-240227T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KMSO.WS.W.0007.240225T1900Z-240226T1800Z/
Lower Clark Fork Region-
1244 PM MST Sat Feb 24 2024

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON SUNDAY TO 11 AM MST 
MONDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations 1 to 3 inches 
  in the valleys and 10 to 20 inches in mountains including Lookout 
  pass. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph in the valleys and up to 60 
  mph in the mountains.

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

* WHEN...From noon Sunday to 11 AM MST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The 
  hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening 
  commutes. Strong winds could cause extensive damage to trees and 
  power lines.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The strongest winds and heaviest snowfall 
  will be during the evening and early morning hours.

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.

&&

$$

MTZ043-251945-
/O.UPG.KMSO.WS.A.0006.240225T1900Z-240227T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KMSO.WS.W.0007.240225T1900Z-240226T1800Z/
Potomac/Seeley Lake Region-
1244 PM MST Sat Feb 24 2024

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON SUNDAY TO 11 AM MST 
MONDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations 1 to 3 inches 
  in the valleys and 12 to 24 inches in the mountains. Winds gusting 
  as high as 40 mph in the valleys and up to 70 mph in the mountains.

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

* WHEN...From noon Sunday to 11 AM MST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The 
  hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening 
  commutes. Very strong winds could cause extensive damage to trees 
  and power lines.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The strongest winds and heaviest snowfall 
  will be during the evening and early morning hours.

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-MTZ006-251945-
/O.UPG.KMSO.WS.A.0006.240226T0600Z-240227T0600Z/
/O.NEW.KMSO.WS.W.0007.240226T0000Z-240226T2100Z/
Northern Clearwater Mountains-Southern Clearwater Mountains-
Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains-
1244 PM MST Sat Feb 24 2024 /1144 AM PST Sat Feb 24 2024/

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM MST /4 PM PST/ SUNDAY TO 
2 PM MST /1 PM PST/ MONDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations 2 to 6 inches 
  in the valleys and 10 to 20 inches in the mountains including Lolo 
  and Lost Trail passes. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph in the 
  valleys and up to 60 mph in the mountains.

* WHERE...Pierce, Elk City, Lolo Pass, Highway 93 Sula to Lost Trail 
  Pass, Highway 12 Lowell to Lolo Pass, Dixie, Elk River, and 
  Highway 11 Pierce to Headquarters.

* WHEN...From 5 PM MST /4 PM PST/ Sunday to 2 PM MST /1 PM PST/ 
  Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The 
  hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening 
  commutes. Strong winds could cause extensive damage to trees and 
  power lines.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The strongest winds and heaviest snowfall 
  will be during overnight into the morning hours.

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.

&&

$$
4 follow-up statements
260 
WWUS45 KMSO 251819
WSWMSO

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Missoula MT
1119 AM MST Sun Feb 25 2024

MTZ001-261500-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0007.240225T1900Z-240226T1500Z/
Kootenai/Cabinet Region-
1119 AM MST Sun Feb 25 2024

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM MST MONDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations 1 to 4 inches 
  in the valleys and 10 to 20 inches in the mountains. Winds gusting 
  as high as 55 mph in the valleys and up to 65 mph in the mountains.

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

* WHEN...Until 8 AM MST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The 
  hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute. Very 
  strong winds could cause extensive damage to trees and power lines.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The strongest winds and heaviest snowfall 
  will be during the late afternoon and evening hours.

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.

&&

$$

MTZ002-261500-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0007.240225T1900Z-240226T1500Z/
West Glacier Region-
1119 AM MST Sun Feb 25 2024

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM MST MONDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations 2 to 6 inches 
  in the valleys and 12 to 24 inches in the mountains including 
  Marias Pass. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph in the valleys and up 
  to 70 mph in the mountains.

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

* WHEN...Until 8 AM MST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The 
  hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute. Very 
  strong winds could cause extensive damage to trees and power lines.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The strongest winds and heaviest snowfall 
  will be during the late afternoon and evening hours.

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.

&&

$$

MTZ004-261800-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0007.240225T1900Z-240226T1800Z/
Lower Clark Fork Region-
1119 AM MST Sun Feb 25 2024

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

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations 1 to 3 inches 
  in the valleys and 10 to 20 inches in mountains including Lookout 
  Pass. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph in the valleys and up to 60 
  mph in the mountains.

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

* WHEN...Until 11 AM MST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The 
  hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute. Very 
  strong winds could cause extensive damage to trees and power lines.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The strongest winds and heaviest snowfall 
  will be during the evening and early morning hours.

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.

&&

$$

MTZ043-261800-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0007.240225T1900Z-240226T1800Z/
Potomac/Seeley Lake Region-
1119 AM MST Sun Feb 25 2024

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

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations 1 to 3 inches 
  in the valleys and 12 to 24 inches in the mountains. Winds gusting 
  as high as 40 mph in the valleys and up to 70 mph in the mountains.

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

* WHEN...Until 11 AM MST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The 
  hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute. Very 
  strong winds could cause extensive damage to trees and power lines.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The strongest winds and heaviest snowfall 
  will be during the evening and early morning hours.

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-MTZ006-262100-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0007.240226T0000Z-240226T2100Z/
Northern Clearwater Mountains-Southern Clearwater Mountains-
Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains-
1119 AM MST Sun Feb 25 2024 /1019 AM PST Sun Feb 25 2024/

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM MST /4 PM PST/ 
THIS AFTERNOON TO 2 PM MST /1 PM PST/ MONDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations 2 to 6 inches 
  in the valleys and 10 to 20 inches in the mountains including Lolo 
  and Lost Trail Passes. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph in the 
  valleys and up to 60 mph in the mountains.

* WHERE...Highway 93 Sula to Lost Trail Pass, Dixie, Lolo Pass, 
  Pierce, Elk City, Highway 11 Pierce to Headquarters, Highway 12 
  Lowell to Lolo Pass, and Elk River.

* WHEN...From 5 PM MST /4 PM PST/ this afternoon to 2 PM MST /1 PM 
  PST/ Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The 
  hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute. 
  Strong winds could cause extensive damage to trees and power lines.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The strongest winds and heaviest snowfall 
  will be during overnight into the morning hours.

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.

&&

$$
154 
WWUS45 KMSO 261452
WSWMSO

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Missoula MT
752 AM MST Mon Feb 26 2024

MTZ001-002-261600-
/O.EXP.KMSO.WS.W.0007.000000T0000Z-240226T1500Z/
Kootenai/Cabinet Region-West Glacier Region-
752 AM MST Mon Feb 26 2024

...WINTER STORM WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 8 AM MST THIS MORNING...

$$

IDZ005-006-MTZ006-262100-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0007.000000T0000Z-240226T2100Z/
Northern Clearwater Mountains-Southern Clearwater Mountains-
Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains-
752 AM MST Mon Feb 26 2024 /652 AM PST Mon Feb 26 2024/

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 PM MST /1 PM PST/ 
THIS AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations between 2 and 4 
  inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.

* WHERE...Highway 12 Lowell to Lolo Pass, Pierce, Elk River, Elk 
  City, Dixie, Lolo Pass, Highway 93 Sula to Lost Trail Pass, and 
  Highway 11 Pierce to Headquarters.

* WHEN...Until 2 PM MST /1 PM PST/ this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous 
  conditions could impact the Monday morning commute.

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.

&&

$$

MTZ004-261800-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0007.000000T0000Z-240226T1800Z/
Lower Clark Fork Region-
752 AM MST Mon Feb 26 2024

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM MST THIS 
MORNING...

* WHAT...Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations 1 to 3 inches. 
  Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.

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

* WHEN...Until 11 AM MST this morning.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous 
  conditions could impact the Monday morning commute.

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.

&&

$$

MTZ043-261800-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0007.000000T0000Z-240226T1800Z/
Potomac/Seeley Lake Region-
752 AM MST Mon Feb 26 2024

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM MST THIS 
MORNING...

* WHAT...Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations 1 to 3 inches. 
  Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

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

* WHEN...Until 11 AM MST this morning.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous 
  conditions could impact the Monday morning commute. Gusty winds 
  could bring down tree branches.

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.

&&

$$
528 
WWUS45 KMSO 261747
WSWMSO

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Missoula MT
1047 AM MST Mon Feb 26 2024

MTZ004-043-261900-
/O.EXP.KMSO.WS.W.0007.000000T0000Z-240226T1800Z/
Lower Clark Fork Region-Potomac/Seeley Lake Region-
1047 AM MST Mon Feb 26 2024

...WINTER STORM WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 11 AM MST THIS MORNING...

$$

IDZ005-006-MTZ006-262100-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0007.000000T0000Z-240226T2100Z/
Northern Clearwater Mountains-Southern Clearwater Mountains-
Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains-
1047 AM MST Mon Feb 26 2024 /947 AM PST Mon Feb 26 2024/

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 PM MST /1 PM PST/ 
THIS AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations up to two inches.

* WHERE...Highway 12 Lowell to Lolo Pass, Pierce, Elk River, Elk 
  City, Dixie, Lolo Pass, Highway 93 Sula to Lost Trail Pass, and 
  Highway 11 Pierce to Headquarters.

* WHEN...Until 2 PM MST /1 PM PST/ this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road 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.

&&

$$

IDZ009-010-270000-
/O.NEW.KMSO.WW.Y.0020.240226T1800Z-240227T0000Z/
Western Lemhi County-Eastern Lemhi County-
1047 AM MST Mon Feb 26 2024

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations up to 3 inches. 
  Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...Highway 93 Lost Trail Pass to Gibbonsville, Williams Creek 
  Summit, Salmon, Lemhi Pass, Bannock Pass, Highway 28 Tendoy to 
  Lone Pine, and Shoup.

* WHEN...Until 5 PM MST this afternoon.

* 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.

&&

$$

MTZ002-271500-
/O.NEW.KMSO.WW.Y.0020.240226T1800Z-240227T1500Z/
West Glacier Region-
1047 AM MST Mon Feb 26 2024

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM MST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 1 and 4 
  inches. 2 to 6 inches at Marias pass. Winds gusting as high as 35 
  mph.

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

* WHEN...Until 8 AM MST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected. 

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Arctic air will cause gusty east winds with a 
  rapid temperature drop.  Flash freeze on wet surfaces will be 
  possible.

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.

&&

$$

MTZ007-270000-
/O.NEW.KMSO.WW.Y.0020.240226T1800Z-240227T0000Z/
Butte/Blackfoot Region-
1047 AM MST Mon Feb 26 2024

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations up to two inches. 
  Winds gusting as high as 35 mph.

* WHERE...Georgetown Lake, MacDonald Pass, Highway 12 Garrison to 
  Elliston, Butte, and Homestake Pass.

* WHEN...Until 5 PM MST this afternoon.

* 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.

&&

$$
528 
WWUS45 KMSO 262047
WSWMSO

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Missoula MT
147 PM MST Mon Feb 26 2024

IDZ005-006-MTZ006-271800-
/O.EXP.KMSO.WS.W.0007.000000T0000Z-240226T2100Z/
/O.EXB.KMSO.WW.Y.0020.240226T2100Z-240227T1800Z/
Northern Clearwater Mountains-Southern Clearwater Mountains-
Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains-
147 PM MST Mon Feb 26 2024 /1247 PM PST Mon Feb 26 2024/

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM MST /10 AM PST/ 
TUESDAY...
...WINTER STORM WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 2 PM MST /1 PM PST/ THIS 
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 1 to 4 
  inches in the lower elevations and 3 to 8 inches in the higher 
  terrain.

* WHERE...Highway 12 Lowell to Lolo Pass, Pierce, Elk River, Elk 
  City, Dixie, Lolo Pass, Highway 93 Sula to Lost Trail Pass, and 
  Highway 11 Pierce to Headquarters.

* WHEN...Until 11 AM MST /10 AM PST/ Tuesday.

* 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.

&&

$$

MTZ043-271800-
/O.EXB.KMSO.WW.Y.0020.240227T0000Z-240227T1800Z/
Potomac/Seeley Lake Region-
147 PM MST Mon Feb 26 2024

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 11 
AM MST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 1 to 4 
  inches in the valleys and 3 to 6 inches in the higher terrain.

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

* WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 11 AM MST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected. 

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Arctic air will cause temperatures to drop 
  into low to mid teens tonight potentially allowing for freeze up 
  of wet surfaces.

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.

&&

$$

IDZ009-010-270000-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0020.000000T0000Z-240227T0000Z/
Western Lemhi County-Eastern Lemhi County-
147 PM MST Mon Feb 26 2024

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS 
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations up to two inches. Winds 
  gusting as high as 35 mph.

* WHERE...Highway 93 Lost Trail Pass to Gibbonsville, Williams Creek 
  Summit, Salmon, Lemhi Pass, Bannock Pass, Highway 28 Tendoy to 
  Lone Pine, and Shoup.

* WHEN...Until 5 PM MST this afternoon.

* 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.

&&

$$

MTZ002-271500-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0020.000000T0000Z-240227T1500Z/
West Glacier Region-
147 PM MST Mon Feb 26 2024

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM MST 
TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations between 2 and 4 inches.

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

* WHEN...Until 8 AM MST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected. 

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Arctic air will cause gusty east winds with a 
  rapid temperature drop.  Flash freeze on wet surfaces will be 
  possible.

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.

&&

$$

MTZ007-270000-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0020.000000T0000Z-240227T0000Z/
Butte/Blackfoot Region-
147 PM MST Mon Feb 26 2024

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS 
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations up to three inches. 
  Winds gusting as high as 35 mph.

* WHERE...Georgetown Lake, MacDonald Pass, Highway 12 Garrison to 
  Elliston, Butte, and Homestake Pass.

* WHEN...Until 5 PM MST this afternoon.

* 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.

&&

$$

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 Feb 24, 1:50 AM MST, 10 hours 54 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Feb 24, 1:50 AM MST, 10 hours 54 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Missoula MT
150 AM MST Sat Feb 24 2024

.DISCUSSION...Northwesterly flow today will cause a few mountain
showers across the region through Sunday, ahead of a much more
rigorous storm system set to impact the Northern Rockies late
Sunday through the middle of the week.

Confidence continues to increase in a powerful winter storm that
will bring abundant and much needed snowfall to the mountain
ranges across north central Idaho and western Montana. Three day
snowfall total estimates continue to be in the one to two foot
range for elevations of 5000 feet and higher across the bulk of
the Northern Rockies Sunday evening through Tuesday night, with
lingering light snow continuing into Wednesday. Strong upper level
winds will cause fantastic conditions for orographic snow in the
mountains, while lower elevations will miss out on appreciable
snowfall due to downsloping effects from the strong winds. Light
precipitation is possible, yes, but high snow amounts are unlikely
for valleys as a result.

Strong winds up to 60 mph in mountainous terrain, combined with
moderate to heavy snowfall, will create dangerous backcountry
conditions above 5000 feet. Even at lower elevations down to 4000
feet, expect gusty winds and snow to create periods of difficult
travel, particularly over area mountain passes. For most valley
locations, wind speeds of 20 to 40 mph range with gusts up to 45
mph will occur early Monday morning through Monday evening.

In addition, conditions will be ripe for the development of snow
squalls Monday, which can cause intense snowfall rates resulting
in rapidly dropping visibility and quickly degrading travel
conditions. As of now, the area that has the best potential to
experience snow squall activity continues to be southwest
Montana into Lemhi County, ID.

Snow and winds will taper off on Wednesday, but may not
completely end in the mountainous terrain. Lingering accumulations
above 4500 feet are likely through Thursday before another wintry
storm system impacts our region. This storm looks to last into
next weekend, producing additional cold, snowy, and windy
conditions.

&&

.AVIATION...VFR conditions with breezy conditions are expected
today. Clouds will increase and a few showers will be possible,
mainly in the mountains of northwest Montana, possibly down to
valley floors including GPI.

&&

.MSO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MT...Winter Storm Watch from Sunday evening through Monday evening
     for Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains.

     High Wind Watch from Sunday afternoon through Monday morning for
     Butte/Blackfoot Region.

     Winter Storm Watch from Sunday afternoon through Monday
     afternoon for Kootenai/Cabinet Region...Lower Clark Fork
     Region...Potomac/Seeley Lake Region...West Glacier Region.

ID...Winter Storm Watch from Sunday evening through Monday evening
     for Northern Clearwater Mountains...Southern Clearwater
     Mountains.

     High Wind Watch from Sunday afternoon through Monday morning for
     Eastern Lemhi County...Western Lemhi County.

&&

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Feb 24, 1:06 PM MSTHigh Wind WarningMSODeer Lodge, Granite, Powell, Silver Bow46 hr
Feb 24, 1:06 PM MSTWind AdvisoryMSOFlathead, Lake, Missoula, Ravalli, Sanders46 hr

Nearby

Winter Storm Warnings in Montana, 2024Winter Storm Warnings in Idaho, 2024Every winter storm warning in 2024

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.