An updated winter storm warning and winter weather advisory for the Idaho, Montana and Wyoming border region calls for up to three feet of heavy, wet snow in parts of Montana and winter-travel conditions through Monday night. Officials urge people to delay bac
By Saturday night, the backcountry could start looking like winter again—fast.
The National Weather Service issued an updated winter storm warning and winter weather advisory for the regions where Idaho. Montana and Wyoming border each other. The timing lands during a period when many people in the area are also shifting attention to preparations for the 250th birthday of the United States as millions get ready for the 4th of July.
In its warning, the National Weather Service asked residents and visitors to consider delaying travel across the backcountry “this weekend and into the early portion of the week.” The guidance was blunt: persons should consider delaying travel across the backcountry and higher elevations.
If travel is absolutely necessary, the National Weather Service said people should take a winter storm kit. The list includes tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing. It also stressed the need for water. a first aid kit. and “anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded.”.
For parts of Montana, the forecast is the reason the warning feels urgent. Specific regions in Montana are expected to see “heavy. wet” snow. and the Georgetown Lake region could see as much as three feet of snow fall from Saturday night through Tuesday. Those in the region are warned to prepare for dangerous conditions.
The warning spells out what that danger can look like: plan for winter-like conditions in the backcountry and higher elevations. Cold temperatures, wind, and wet snow are expected to elevate the risk of hypothermia. Heavy wet snow may down trees, blocking access to backcountry roadways.
The storm won’t affect only one corner of the border region. In Idaho, the 4th of July peak is expected to see around a foot of snow over the next three days. In Wyoming, Pitchstone Plateau is expected to receive the most snowfall, with eight inches coming over the next few days.
Not all areas will stay under the same intensity at the same time. Along the border of Montana and Wyoming near the Beartooth Mountains. the snow will lighten or even stop for a time Sunday afternoon into Sunday evening. Then it will redevelop Sunday night and continue into Monday and Tuesday morning.
Snow is only half of the problem. In addition to heavy snowfall, there will also be significant 55 mph winds that could cause travel issues.
The winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories run through Monday night—leaving the early days of the holiday period under a cloud of risk, especially for anyone tempted to test road access or push deeper into higher elevations while preparations for Independence Day are underway.
winter storm warning Idaho Montana Wyoming border heavy wet snow Georgetown Lake Pitchstone Plateau Beartooth Mountains 55 mph winds backcountry travel hypothermia risk winter storm kit
3 feet?? That’s insane. Idk who’s even driving out there.
So they’re warning us and also talking about the 4th of July?? I’m confused, are we supposed to go celebrate or not. Seems like they just want everyone to buy winter stuff for no reason.
Wait, “through Monday night” but it says weekend and early portion of the week… so is it Friday or Tuesday?? Also “delay travel” like people can just cancel plans. Just put on the tire chains and send it I guess. Hypothermia is no joke though.
Heavy wet snow in July vibes is wild. I feel like this is going to ruin somebody’s birthday trip to Yellowstone or whatever. They keep saying water and blankets and first aid kits like everyone has that in their trunk. Half the time people don’t even charge their phones… then they get stranded and surprised.