Winter Weather Advisory and up to 6″ Summer Snow Forecast in Northern Montana

The calendar might say summer, but the weather is saying winter.

A cold front is moving through the region, bringing rain and cooler temperatures. The main weather concerns today and tonight are strong winds and snow accumulation in certain areas.

• Related: Old Farmer’s Almanac Winter 2024-25 Forecast: A Calmer, Gentler Winter – Here’s Where it Will Snow

Winter weather advisories have been issued from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday across Glacier National Park, US Highway 2 over Marias Pass, and the Mission/Swan Mountains above 5,000 feet.

Wind Conditions

Strong winds are expected, especially along the Rocky Mountain Front and nearby plains. Some areas may experience gusts strong enough to meet High Wind Warning criteria. The winds will be particularly strong near the Rocky Mountain Front, the I-15 corridor, and parts of Glacier, Toole, Pondera, and Liberty Counties.

Precipitation and Temperature

• Rain showers are likely throughout the day and night across North Central Montana.
• Snow is expected in higher elevations, particularly Glacier National Park above 5000 feet.
• Today, temperatures will be cooler than normal, with highs in the 50s to near 70°F in lower elevations and 30s to 40s in the mountains.
• Temperatures will warm slightly on Thursday, reaching the mid-60s to mid-70s in lower areas.

Mountain Conditions

A winter weather wdvisory is in effect for the East Glacier Park Region. Travelers and hikers in Glacier National Park should be prepared for:

• Slippery road conditions above 5,000 feet.
• Snow-covered and slippery backcountry trails.
• Limited visibility due to snow and strong winds.

The weather will improve on Thursday, with drier conditions and decreasing winds. Looking ahead to the weekend and early next week, temperatures will fluctuate between near normal and above normal, with a chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms developing.

East Glacier Park Region-
Including the following locations: Kiowa, Babb, Saint Mary, Logan
Pass, Marias Pass, and East Glacier Park
200 AM MDT Wed Aug 28 2024

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM
MDT THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Snow expected above 5000 feet. Total snow accumulations up
  to 6 inches. Winds gusting as high as 60 mph.

* WHERE...East Glacier Park Region Zone.

* WHEN...From 6 AM this morning to 6 PM MDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Slushy and slippery conditions on roadways above 5000
  feet. Backcountry trails, especially over mountain passes, will
  become snow covered and slippery. Strong winds combined with the
  falling snow will lead to periods of limited visibility.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Backcountry users of Glacier National Park should be prepared for
winter conditions, which could make trail conditions hazardous.


Remember, a Winter Weather Advisory means that there is at least an
80% chance of minor impacts due to winter weather conditions during
the advisory period.

Last night’s cold front, along with a period of clear skies, allowed temperatures to drop near to below freezing this morning for the higher valleys of Clearwater and Idaho counties.

Showdown Montana ski area shared webcam images of snow beginning to accumulate on its slopes this morning.