Forecast calls for deep snow in Northwest Montana

The National Weather Service in Missoula a major snowstorm over the next few days, beginning with light density snow through Sunday.

An “atmospheric river” or moist plume will hit much of the region Sunday night into Monday morning, NWS said. Snow densities will become heavier as temperatures warm into the 20s to lower 30s.

Very strong westerly winds at ridge-top are expected along the Continental Divide, with blowing and drifting snow on Marias Pass and MacDonald Pass. A moist northwest flow is forecasted to continue on Monday with some valleys experiencing a changeover to mixed precipitation.

“There could be pockets of freezing rain, but it looks to be less of an issue than previous forecasted,” NWS said. “A more focused area of heavy snow may be possible across west-central Montana between Kalispell and Missoula, but confidence remains low. The Seeley/Swan area could continue with moderate snowfall rates throughout the day.”

Northwest Montana could see 1 to 3 inches of snow on Sunday and 1 to 2 feet around Glacier National Park by Sunday night, including the U.S. 2, Swan Lake and Seeley Lake areas, and 8 to 14 inches in the Flathead Valley.

“Confidence is lower on snowfall amounts for Monday night into Tuesday across western Montana, while the Glacier Park area, Seeley and Swan to MacDonald Pass areas will likely see steady snowfall,” NWS said.