Blizzard Warning 1, NWS Missoula, MT

455 
WWUS45 KMSO 121109
WSWMSO

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Missoula MT
509 AM MDT Thu Mar 12 2026

MTZ002-131115-
/O.CON.KMSO.BZ.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260312T1500Z/
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0003.260312T1500Z-260314T1800Z/
West Glacier Region-
509 AM MDT Thu Mar 12 2026

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM MDT THIS MORNING...
...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THIS MORNING TO 
NOON MDT SATURDAY...

* WHAT...For the first Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow expected. 
  Total snow accumulations up to 6 inches. For the Blizzard Warning, 
  blizzard conditions expected. There is a high likelihood of 
  extreme impacts from strong winds and falling and/or blowing snow 
  on US Highway 2 east of West Glacier to Marias Pass and in 
  backcountry and mountain areas. Wind gusts up to 80 mph but up to 
  100 mph in the mountains. For the second Winter Storm Warning, 
  heavy snow expected. There is a likelihood of major winter weather 
  impacts. Total snow accumulations between 5 and 20 inches. Winds 
  gusting as high as 40 mph.

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

* WHEN...For the Blizzard Warning, until 9 AM MDT this morning. For 
  the Winter Storm Warning, from 9 AM this morning to noon MDT 
  Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel 
  treacherous and potentially life-threatening through Thursday 
  morning. For EXTREME winter storm impacts, expect substantial 
  disruptions to normal activities. Extremely dangerous or 
  impossible traveling conditions. Travel in the impacted areas is 
  not advised. Extensive and widespread closures and disruptions to 
  infrastructure may occur. Life saving actions may be needed. Very 
  strong winds could cause extensive tree damage. Visibilities may 
  drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...High winds will impact all elevations through 
  this morning with wind gusts of 60 to 80 mph, though gusts to 100 
  mph are possible on the highest peaks.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Persons should consider delaying all travel. If travel is absolutely 
necessary, drive with extreme caution. Consider taking a winter 
storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, 
booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing. 
Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help 
you survive in case you become stranded.

A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are 
expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds 
are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions, making travel 
extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If you must travel, have a 
winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay in your 
vehicle.



&&

$$

IDZ005-131115-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-260314T1800Z/
Northern Clearwater Mountains-
409 AM PDT Thu Mar 12 2026

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM PDT SATURDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. There is a likelihood of extreme 
  winter storm impacts. Total snow accumulations 2 to 8 inches in 
  the lower elevations and 20 to 50 inches in the higher terrain. 
  Winds gusting as high as 50 mph Thursday morning, then up to 35 
  mph thereafter.

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

* WHEN...Until 11 AM PDT Saturday.

* IMPACTS...For EXTREME winter storm impacts, expect substantial 
  disruptions to normal activities. Extremely dangerous or 
  impossible traveling conditions in the higher terrain and 
  backcountry. Travel in the impacted areas is not advised. Life 
  saving actions may be needed. The hazardous conditions could 
  impact the Thursday morning commutes, especially over higher 
  passes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely 
necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden 
changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the 
motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your 
destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially 
cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is 
winterized and in good working order.

Do not touch downed lines and report any power outages to your 
electric company. Travel is highly discouraged due to slick roadways 
and the possibility of downed trees and power lines.

&&

$$

IDZ006-131115-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-260314T1800Z/
Southern Clearwater Mountains-
409 AM PDT Thu Mar 12 2026

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM PDT SATURDAY 
ABOVE 5000 FEET...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected above 5000 feet. There is a likelihood 
  of extreme winter storm impacts. Total snow accumulations between 
  3 and 8 inches in the lower elevations and 2 to 5 feet of snow 
  above 5,000 feet. Winds gusting of 40 to 60 mph.

* WHERE...Pierce, Highway 11 Pierce to Headquarters, and backcountry 
  mountain areas.

* WHEN...Until 11 AM PDT Saturday.

* IMPACTS...For MAJOR winter weather impacts, expect considerable 
  disruptions to normal activities. Dangerous or impossible 
  traveling conditions. Avoid travel in the impacted areas if 
  possible. Widespread closures and disruptions to infrastructure 
  may occur. For EXTREME winter storm impacts, expect substantial 
  disruptions to normal activities. Extremely dangerous or 
  impossible traveling conditions. Travel in the impacted areas is 
  not advised. Extensive and widespread closures and disruptions to 
  infrastructure may occur. Life saving actions may be needed. 
  Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The 
  hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday morning and evening 
  commutes, especially over higher passes. Strong winds could cause 
  tree damage.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely 
necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden 
changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the 
motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your 
destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially 
cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is 
winterized and in good working order.

Do not touch downed lines and report any power outages to your 
electric company. Travel is highly discouraged due to slick roadways 
and the possibility of downed trees and power lines.

&&

$$

MTZ004-131115-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-260314T1800Z/
Lower Clark Fork Region-
509 AM MDT Thu Mar 12 2026

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON MDT SATURDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow expected. There is a likelihood 
  of extreme winter storm impacts. Total snow accumulations 2 to 6 
  inches in the lower elevations and 1 to 2 feet on I-90 over 
  Lookout Pass and the higher terrain. Wind gusts of 45 to 65 mph.

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

* WHEN...Until noon MDT Saturday.

* IMPACTS...For EXTREME winter storm impacts, expect substantial 
  disruptions to normal activities. Extremely dangerous or 
  impossible traveling conditions. Travel in the impacted areas is 
  not advised. Extensive and widespread closures and disruptions to 
  infrastructure may occur.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Strong and potentially damaging winds will 
  impact all elevations this morning. Periods of blizzard conditions 
  will impact Lookout Pass and the higher elevations this morning.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely 
necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden 
changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the 
motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your 
destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially 
cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is 
winterized and in good working order.

Do not touch downed lines and report any power outages to your 
electric company. Travel is highly discouraged due to slick roadways 
and the possibility of downed trees and power lines.

&&

$$

MTZ006-131115-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-260314T1800Z/
Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains-
509 AM MDT Thu Mar 12 2026

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON MDT SATURDAY 
ABOVE 5000 FEET...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected above 5000 feet. There is a likelihood 
  of major winter weather impacts to isolated extreme winter storm 
  impacts. Total snow accumulations between 3 to 8 inches in the 
  lower elevations, with 2 to 5 feet above 5,000 feet. Wind gusts 
  between 50 to 70 mph, with gusts of 80 mph or greater along the 
  Bitterroot Crest through this afternoon, then gusts 40 to 55 mph 
  tonight through Friday.

* WHERE...Highway 93 Sula to Lost Trail Pass and Lolo Pass.

* WHEN...Until noon MDT Saturday.

* IMPACTS...For EXTREME winter storm impacts, expect substantial 
  disruptions to normal activities. Extremely dangerous or 
  impossible traveling conditions. Travel in the impacted areas is 
  not advised. Extensive and widespread closures and disruptions to 
  infrastructure may occur. Life saving actions may be needed. The 
  hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday morning and evening 
  commutes, especially over higher passes.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Strong and potentially damaging winds along 
  with periods of blizzard conditions will impact all elevations 
  this morning.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely 
necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden 
changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the 
motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your 
destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially 
cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is 
winterized and in good working order.

Do not touch downed lines and report any power outages to your 
electric company. Travel is highly discouraged due to slick roadways 
and the possibility of downed trees and power lines.

&&

$$

MTZ007-131115-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-260314T1800Z/
Butte/Blackfoot Region-
509 AM MDT Thu Mar 12 2026

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON MDT SATURDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow expected. There is a likelihood 
  of major winter weather impacts to isolated extreme winter storm 
  impacts. Total snow accumulations of 10 to 20 inches for Highway 
  12 over MacDonald Pass and Georgetown Lake and the higher terrain. 
  Total snow accumulations of 1 to 6 inches at lower elevations. 
  Winds gusts between 40 to 60 mph, with gusts of 60 to 80 mph at 
  higher elevations.

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

* WHEN...Until noon MDT Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and 
  blowing snow. The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs 
  may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages. For 
  MAJOR winter weather impacts, expect considerable disruptions to 
  normal activities. Dangerous or impossible traveling conditions. 
  Avoid travel in the impacted areas if possible. Widespread 
  closures and disruptions to infrastructure may occur. For EXTREME 
  winter storm impacts, expect substantial disruptions to normal 
  activities. Extremely dangerous or impossible traveling 
  conditions. Travel in the impacted areas is not advised. Extensive 
  and widespread closures and disruptions to infrastructure may 
  occur. Life saving actions may be needed. The hazardous conditions 
  could impact the Thursday morning and evening commutes, especially 
  over higher passes. Very strong winds could cause extensive tree 
  damage.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The greatest concern for strong and damaging 
  winds across lower elevations is focused along the Interstate 90 
  corridor between Garrison Junction and Anaconda. Periods of 
  blizzard conditions will impact MacDonald Pass, the Georgetown 
  Lake area, and the higher elevations this morning.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely 
necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden 
changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the 
motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your 
destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially 
cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is 
winterized and in good working order.

Do not touch downed lines and report any power outages to your 
electric company. Travel is highly discouraged due to slick roadways 
and the possibility of downed trees and power lines.

&&

$$

MTZ043-131115-
/O.CON.KMSO.WS.W.0002.260313T0000Z-260314T1800Z/
Potomac/Seeley Lake Region-
509 AM MDT Thu Mar 12 2026

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 
NOON MDT SATURDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. There is a likelihood of major winter 
  storm impacts. Total snow accumulations between 6 to 12 inches, 
  with 1 to 3 feet of snow in the mountains. Winds gusting as high 
  as 45 mph.

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

* WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to noon MDT Saturday.

* IMPACTS...For MAJOR winter weather impacts, expect considerable 
  disruptions to normal activities. Dangerous or impossible 
  traveling conditions. Avoid travel in the impacted areas if 
  possible. Widespread closures and disruptions to infrastructure 
  may occur.

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.

Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely 
necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden 
changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the 
motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your 
destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially 
cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is 
winterized and in good working order.


&&

$$

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Missoula MT
315 AM MDT Wed Mar 11 2026

.DISCUSSION...

KEY MESSAGES:

  - Prolonged atmospheric river event from Wednesday night through
    Saturday.

   -Strong and potentially damaging winds late Wednesday night
    through Thursday, with the strongest gusts expected across
    northwest Montana and along the Continental Divide.

   -Very difficult backcountry conditions due to strong winds and
    heavy snow, leading to localized blizzard conditions.

Forecast Changes Over Last 24-Hours:

As with all forecasts they evolve over time, this forecast is no
different. Winds appear to have slightly weakened from 24-hours
ago, yet will still attain strong to damaging speeds. Peak winds
will still happen just after midnight tonight through Thursday
afternoon. Be prepared for the potential of downed trees and power
outages, as soils are not frozen and soil moisture is high for
this time of year. Precipitation amounts have increased,
especially in the Clearwater, Bitterroot, and Sapphire MTNS.

Small streams and creeks will likely see rapid rises and need to
be monitored, please check local conditions if planning outdoor
activities. Additionally, low lying and poor drainage areas may
have ponding of water issues.

Short Term Forecast:

Satellite is showing a long fetch of subtropical moisture streaming
into the Pacific northwest, this system will begin to affect our
region this evening lasting into Saturday. Precipitation coverage
and intensity will increase this evening as snow levels rise.
North of I-90 snow levels will rise between 4000 and 4500 feet,
before lowering into the valleys through Saturday. Elsewhere, snow
levels will initially rise 4500 to 6000 feet, before lowering
again by Thursday evening. The highest snow levels will occur in
north- central ID, this is also the locations that will have
largest variation in snow levels throughout the storm. Valleys
even in northwest MT will be effected by downsloping, higher sun
angles, and longer days. The only valleys that will likely receive
snow accumulations will be northwest MT and only during overnight
periods. Each morning Friday and Saturday a wet, heavy
accumulation of trace to 3 inches is possible, depending on
elevation.

All of our mountains are still on track to receive multiple feet
of snow, lowest storm totals currently are in Lemhi County ID and
the mountains of southwest MT. Blizzard conditions will be
possible at times on Thursday, mainly in the mountains but
potentially at Lolo and Marias Passes as well. The constant west
winds and heavy, wet nature of the snow will produce avalanche
concerns. Please check your local avalanche center recommendations
before traveling or recreating in the back country.

Long Term Forecast:

The moisture plume appears to exit the region by late Saturday,
but the Northern Rockies will remain in a breezy and active
weather pattern through the remainder of the weekend and into next
week.

&&

.AVIATION...Winds have weakened across the Northern Rockies due to
the Jet Stream sagging south, but will begin to increase late
this afternoon as the Jet Stream pushes north and increases in
intensity. Additionally, after 12/0000z low level wind shear will
be present at most terminals due to the increase in ridge top
winds.

An atmospheric river is pushing into the region this evening,
bringing increased precipitation coverage. Precipitation is
expected to start as snow before transitioning to rain as snow
levels rise.

Late Wednesday through Saturday, the Northern Rockies airspace
will be impacted by a high intensity Atmospheric River system.

&&

.MSO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MT...Winter Storm Warning from 6 PM this evening to noon MDT Saturday
     for Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains...Lower Clark Fork
     Region...West Glacier Region.

     High Wind Warning from midnight tonight to midnight MDT Thursday
     night for Butte/Blackfoot Region.

     High Wind Warning from midnight tonight to 6 PM MDT Thursday for
     Flathead/Mission Valleys...Kootenai/Cabinet Region...
     Missoula/Bitterroot Valleys...Potomac/Seeley Lake Region.

     Winter Weather Advisory until 6 PM MDT this evening for West
     Glacier Region.

ID...Winter Storm Warning from 5 PM this afternoon to 11 AM PDT
     Saturday for Northern Clearwater Mountains...Southern
     Clearwater Mountains.

     Wind Advisory from 8 PM this evening to 11 AM PDT Thursday for
     Lower Hells Canyon/Salmon River Region...
     Orofino/Grangeville Region.

     High Wind Warning from midnight tonight to midnight MDT Thursday
     night for Eastern Lemhi County...Western Lemhi County.

&&