Late-Season Winter Storm Brings Snow Warnings Across Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming
A significant late-April winter storm is hammering portions of the Northern Rockies, prompting the National Weather Service to issue Winter Weather Advisories across wide portions of Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming through Friday.
The heaviest impacts are expected at elevation. Mountain passes and high terrain throughout the region could see snowfall totals exceeding 12 inches, with valley accumulations generally ranging from 1 to 5 inches depending on location. Wind gusts in some areas may reach 60 mph, compounding dangerous travel conditions.
In Montana, the Butte and Blackfoot region, the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains, and the Potomac and Seeley Lake area are all under advisory through noon Friday. The Big Belt, Bridger, and Castle Mountains could see an additional 3 to 7 inches at pass level, with even higher totals above that. Helena and surrounding areas face accumulations up to 8 inches in the mountains alongside wind gusts up to 40 mph.
In north-central Montana, advisories for the Bears Paw Mountains, Snowy and Judith Mountains, and Cascade County remain in effect through this evening. Great Falls itself is expected to see little accumulation, though surrounding areas face slush-covered and snow-covered roads.
The Gallatin Valley, Madison River Valley, and Canyon Ferry area are bracing for 1 to 3 inches of snow with gusts up to 35 mph, with the advisory running from this evening through Friday morning.
In Idaho, the Southern Clearwater Mountains and ranges near Island Park and Victor are under advisory through Friday, with up to 12 inches possible in the highest terrain. Wyoming’s Absaroka Mountains and Yellowstone National Park are also seeing impacts, with up to 10 inches at higher elevations and gusts approaching 65 mph near the Absarokas.
Travelers should plan for hazardous road conditions through Friday. Call 511 for the latest road reports in your state.
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