Montana residents, particularly in the Absaroka/Beartooth and Crazy Mountains, as well as Gallatin and Madison County Mountains, need to brace for a significant winter storm predicted to hit Sunday evening through Monday afternoon, with possible heavy snow accumulations ranging from 6 inches to 2 feet, and winds that may gust up to 50 mph. Travel could become very difficult, and the risk of tree damage and power outages due to the heavy, wet snow is high. Additionally, a Hydrologic Outlook warns of potential flooding due to rapid snowmelt and rainfall, which could impact small creeks and streams, leading to hazardous conditions in low-lying areas. Residents are advised to prepare for these conditions, avoid traveling during the storm, and stay informed on evolving weather updates.
* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations up to 10
inches at and below pass level, with up to two feet above pass
level.
* WHERE...Gallatin and Madison County Mountains and Centennial
Mountains.
* WHEN...From 6 PM Sunday to noon MDT Monday.
* IMPACTS...The weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines
and could cause sporadic power outages. Tire chains may be
required for some vehicles if traveling through mountain passes.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels will vary quite significantly
across the area, resulting in significant north to south
discrepancies in amounts across similar elevations. Areas most
favored for the heaviest snow are across the Tobacco Roots and
northern Madison and Gallatin ranges. The snow is forecast to be a
heavy and wet variety, which will be difficult to shovel.
* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 1-3 feet
with greatest totals on north and east facing aspects. Winds could
gust as high as 50 mph.
* WHERE...Absaroka/Beartooth Mountains and Crazy Mountains.
* WHEN...From 6 PM Sunday to 6 PM MDT Monday.
* IMPACTS...Recreation in the high country could be impacted by
heavy accumulating and blowing snow. Avalanche danger may increase.
* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 10-18
inches. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph.
* WHERE...In Montana, Pryor/Northern Bighorn Mountains. In Wyoming,
Northeast Bighorn Mountains.
* WHEN...From Monday morning through Monday evening.
* IMPACTS...Travel may be hazardous on US-14. Recreation in the high
country could be impacted by heavy accumulating snow.
Runoff from a combination of heavy rain and some mid elevation snow
melt may cause minor flooding of streams and low lying areas near
the foothills.
* WHAT...Flooding caused by rain and snowmelt is possible.
* WHERE...A portion of south central Montana, including the
following areas, Absaroka/Beartooth Mountains, Beartooth
Foothills, Crazy Mountains, Livingston Area, Melville Foothills,
Northern Carbon, Northern Park, Northern Stillwater, Northern
Sweet Grass, Paradise Valley, Red Lodge Foothills and Southeastern
Carbon.
* WHEN...From Sunday afternoon through Monday afternoon.
* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in minor flooding of streams
and other low-lying and flood-prone locations close to the
foothills. Some roads may become impassable. Now is the time to
move equipment and livestock to higher ground away from waterways.
Recent burn scars may be more susceptible to produce flooding,
including the Robertson Draw south of Red Lodge.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- Rain and high elevation snow is expected to develop Sunday
afternoon and continue through Monday morning. Rainfall
amounts are expected to range from 1 to 3 inches, while
elevations above 7000 feet see heavy snow. There remains
uncertainty regarding exact snow levels and how much snowmelt
occurs with this system. Snow levels may fall enough to
produce some wet snow at Red Lodge and Nye.
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Runoff from a combination of heavy rain and some mid elevation snow
melt may cause minor flooding of streams and low lying areas near
the foothills.
* WHAT...Flooding caused by rain and snowmelt is possible.
* WHERE...Portions of south central Montana, including the following
areas, Bighorn Canyon, Pryor/Northern Bighorn Mountains and
Southern Big Horn and north central Wyoming, including the
following areas, Northeast Bighorn Mountains and Sheridan
Foothills.
* WHEN...From Sunday evening through Monday evening.
* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in minor flooding of streams
and other low-lying and flood-prone locations close to the
foothills. Some roads may become impassable. Now is the time to
move equipment and livestock to higher ground away from waterways.
Recent burn scars may be more susceptible to produce flooding,
including the Elk west of Dayton and Sheridan.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- Rain and high elevation snow is expected to develop Sunday
night and continue into Monday afternoon. Rainfall amounts
are expected to range from 1 to 2 inches, while elevations
above 6000 feet see heavy snow. There remains uncertainty
regarding exact snow levels and how much snowmelt occurs with
this system. Snow levels may fall enough to produce some wet
snow at Story and Aberdeen Hill.
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
SNOFLO