Weather
This forecast was created at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18
A mild and unsettled stretch is on tap for the Northern Rockies, with an initial round of midweek snow transitioning into a warmer pattern punctuated by a heavier round of precipitation late this weekend. Expect snow levels to rise substantially by Sunday and Monday, leading to rain in some mid-elevation locations and continued mountain snow through the start of next week.
The midweek storm will continue impacting the region through Thursday. Lingering snow showers will persist overnight into Thursday morning, with moderate accumulations concentrated in higher terrain from western Montana down into southwestern and central Idaho, as well as western Wyoming. Lower elevations, especially in Idaho valleys, may see mixed rain and snow where temperatures hover near freezing. Winds in exposed locations will gradually increase, but the main concern will be a quick shot of fresh snow before conditions taper into Thursday afternoon.
A brief lull sets in Friday into early Saturday, though pockets of light snowfall may persist in mountain areas. Rising temperatures and increasing southwest flow will bump snow levels into the 4500–5500 ft range or higher, limiting valley snow potential. Most mountain locations will see only minor additional accumulations Friday into Saturday, but milder daytime temperatures in the valleys could make for variable snow conditions. By late Saturday, a weak disturbance may spark scattered showers over the higher elevations before the more significant moisture surge arrives Sunday.
The main event arrives Sunday into Monday, bringing warmer air and a moderate surge of Pacific moisture. Snow levels will climb above 5000–6000 ft in many areas, favoring rain at lower elevations and heavier snow at the higher peaks. Areas in west-central Idaho and the Montana/Idaho border could see the most notable precipitation totals, with strong winds potentially affecting exposed ridges and passes. Another system may follow Monday night or Tuesday, keeping conditions unsettled into midweek. Looking further ahead, a generally mild pattern is expected to persist, with above-average temperatures likely over much of the region and periodic chances of precipitation shifting around the northern tier.
Resort Forecast Totals
- Brundage – 7″–16” total (2″–4” Wed (02/19) – Thu (02/20) + 5″–12” Sat night (02/22) – Mon (02/24))
- Grand Targhee – 4″–11” total (2″–4” Wed night (02/19) – Thu night (02/20) + 2″–7” Sun (02/23) – Mon (02/24))
- Jackson Hole – 4″–9” total (1″–2” Wed night (02/19) – Thu (02/20) + 3″–7” Sun (02/23) – Mon (02/24))
- Bogus Basin – 4″–6” Wed (02/19) – Thu (02/20)
- Schweitzer – 2″–4” Fri night (02/21) – Sun (02/23)
- Big Sky – 1″–3” Wed night (02/19) – Thu night (02/20)
- Whitefish Mountain – 1″–2” Sat night (02/22) – Sun (02/23)
- Bridger Bowl – 1″–2” Wed night (02/19) – Thu night (02/20)
