BOZEMAN – More snow than expected for SW Montana today. Forecast models underperformed snow totals with this storm with 2”-5” reported for many areas today. That’s ok! We need the snow and this snow storm produced a wet heavy snow helping boost water content in the mountain snowpack but it could also produce avalanche hazards.
Travel conditions will be wet and icy through this evening. Most mountain passes Thursday afternoon continued to see light steady snow but most road surfaces were wet with snow covered passing lanes. These wet roads will turn icy after sunset as temperatures drop below freeze.
A very weak Pacific disturbance will produce another shot of mostly mountain snow Friday night into Saturday morning. Forecast models again are estimating very little to no snow for lower valleys and a better chance for snow over mountains and passes. Although forecast models are estimating low snow totals with this system there is always a chance for more snow than expected so watch for wintry travel conditions Saturday morning.
The National Weather Service has issued a WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY for Gallatin, Meagher, Cascade and Fergus counties through 8 pm Thursday.
An additional 1”-4” of snow is possible through midnight and wintry travel conditions are likely through Friday morning.
