National Weather Service meteorologists are warning of heavy, wet snow across parts of Montana early next week as a cold front brings chilly weather into the region.
The NWS office in Great Falls, Montana, issued a winter storm watch early Friday morning. Snow is expected to begin on Monday morning and last until Tuesday evening.
The watch is related to a “rather vigorous upper trough” over the eastern Pacific that is threatening a cold front and windy weather through the Pacific Northwest and into the northern Rockies.
Up to 12 inches of snow is expected in higher elevations in the Continental Divide along the Rocky Mountain Front. During the same time frame, temperatures are expected to fall. Low temperatures in Great Falls are forecast at 40 degrees Fahrenheit, with highs barely breaking 50 degrees. The cool temperatures could contribute to mountain snow at higher elevations.
“Travel could be difficult, especially on backcountry roads. Those in the backcountry should ensure they have appropriate knowledge and gear and may want to consider alternate plans,” the advisory said. “The heavy, wet nature of snow can bring down tree limbs and power lines.”
Newsweek reached out to the NWS office in Great Falls by phone for comment.
NWS Great Falls said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that heavy rain is expected in lower elevation areas.
The heaviest precipitation amounts are forecast over central and north-central Montana. Areas with the greatest chance of seeing rainfall over 2 inches include Havre and Great Falls. Widespread amounts of at least half an inch are more likely.
Areas expecting foul weather early next week include east Glacier Park, Elkhorn and Boulder Mountains, northwest Beaverhead County, Gallatin and Madison County mountains and Centennial Mountains, including Raynolds Pass, Chief Joseph Pass, Corbin, Dewey, Wickes, West Yellowstone, Elk Park Pass, Wisdom, Targhee Pass, Homestake Pass, Big Hole Pass, Montana City, Wise River, Clancy, Big Sky, and Boulder.
The NWS office in Missoula said the biggest concern for their area was that snow would create hazardous backcountry conditions and also increase the risk of power outages as snow adds weight onto vegetation and infrastructure. Rain also could cause some problems.
“Widespread precipitation is expected across lower elevations, with notable rises in streams and creeks,” the office posted on X. “Areas of standing water in poor drainage areas may occur, in addition to rock and/or debris on roadways from steep nearby slopes.”
High winds are expected ahead of the cold weather, gusting up to 65 miles per hour in Montana on Saturday.
“High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles,” the warning said.
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