A rare late-June winter storm is set to dump heavy snow, bring strong winds, and sharply colder temperatures to parts of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming on June 28, with alerts warning of hazardous travel and potential hypothermia in higher elevations through June
The mountains of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming are bracing for a late-June shift that doesn’t feel seasonal at all: forecasters expect heavy snow, strong winds and temperatures 15 to 20 degrees below normal beginning June 28, with hazardous travel risks stretching through June 29.
The National Weather Service has issued winter storm and weather alerts across portions of Idaho. Montana and Wyoming. particularly in higher elevations along their shared borders. Officials advised residents and visitors to prepare for “winter-like conditions” in the backcountry and at elevations where snow and cold can move in fast and linger.
The storm is being driven by a deep upper-level trough plunging into the Rockies and Intermountain West. pulling in unseasonably cold air. Forecasters said the system could produce unusually heavy snowfall for late June. especially in mountain areas where temperatures are cold enough to keep snow piling up.
Winter storm alerts cover higher elevations, with hazardous travel risks
According to the weather service, cold temperatures, gusty winds and dense, wet snow are expected to combine into dangerous conditions. Officials warned of the risk of hypothermia and blocked roadways, including problems from downed trees.
The disruption could overlap with the busy travel lead-up to the Fourth of July holiday. Alerts are expected to remain in effect through the morning or midday, depending on location.
In Montana and Idaho’s higher country, the heaviest impacts are forecast above roughly 6,500 feet. The Georgetown Lake region and other backcountry and higher elevation areas in Montana could receive 4 to 8 inches of snow, with up to about 12 inches possible at the highest elevations.
Forecasts also note that snow levels may “briefly lower and could produce minor slushy accumulation” at Homestake and MacDonald passes. In northwest Beaverhead County. Montana. the weather service forecast heavy. wet snow. with up to 3 inches expected near pass level and “additional amounts in excess of 6 inches above pass level.”.
In Idaho, the Fourth of July peak could see up to 6 inches of snow over the next few days, the weather service said. In Wyoming, snowfall is expected to be limited mainly to higher elevations, with most mountain areas forecast to pick up around 4 to 6 inches.
Travel warnings emphasize preparedness in backcountry conditions
The weather service urged people to consider delaying travel across the backcountry and higher elevations. If travel is absolutely necessary, officials advised taking a winter storm kit, including items such as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing.
Officials also said to bring water, a first aid kit and any other items that could help if someone becomes stranded.
Wind, rain and thunderstorms also accompany the system
The storm is not only bringing snow. As it moved through the region, it also produced showers and scattered thunderstorms, with embedded bursts of heavier rain that could briefly reduce visibility and bring gusty, erratic winds.
Earlier on June 28, the National Weather Service office in Great Falls, Montana said strong winds were forecast for portions of north-central Montana. It warned that wind speeds were likely to peak early that evening, with a few gusts in excess of 50 mph creating difficult cross-winds.
The weather service also warned of a “slight risk of excessive rainfall amounts” that could lead to flash flooding in Glacier National Park through the night of June 28, with the heaviest rainfall rates expected in the evening.
late-June storm Rocky Mountains winter storm alerts heavy snowfall hazardous travel hypothermia risk Glacier National Park flash flooding Fourth of July travel Idaho Montana Wyoming weather
June snow?? Man climate change is wild lol.
So like is this the same storm that already hit last week? My brother in Montana said it was “just wind” but now it’s snow too??
They say hypothermia risk and 4th of July travel. But wouldn’t hypothermia be more of like… cold for days? I feel like people can’t just “linger in the cold” for 1 night? Either way I’m staying home if roads are blocked.
I don’t get it, why do Idaho/Montana always get the worst weather like it’s normal? Also “downed trees” sounds like they’re blaming the storm but not like, trimming branches. Plus June 28-29… that’s exactly when everyone’s driving to fireworks, so great.