The Northern Rockies are no stranger to big winter storms. However, an early season snow impacting the high country continues to bring widespread and historic impacts. According to the National Weather Service in Great Falls, MT, a fall storm like this hasn’t hit this region since 1934.
THE SET-UP
Through this weekend, a surface low pressure system will swing southward from Canada. A trough of low pressure in the mid and upper levels of the atmosphere will also deepen the push of cold air across the west. Temperatures will drop twenty or more degrees below average, to potential record low levels.
STORM TIMELINE
As low pressure at the earth’s surface intensifies, winds will strengthen, rain and snow will develop, and temperatures will continue to fall. The system will slowly push south, allowing for widespread snow and rain across much of the northwestern U.S., especially in the higher terrain. Persistent, west snow will continue through the weekend and into Monday.
STORM IMPACTS
Snowfall totals within the Winter Storm Warning will reach up to 1-3 feet in the mountains. Some of the highest peaks may see locally higher reports. Temperatures will be so chilly, that snow levels will plummet into the valleys. Accumulations of 3-9″ are possible even in lower elevations.
Powerful winds could gust as high as 80 mph along the Rocky Mountain Front, prompting wind alerts in western Montana. These westerly surface winds will be strong enough to cause tree and power-line damage will ushering in cooler air. Travel will be difficult, if not impossible in certain situations.
WeatherNation spoke with NWS Missoula, MT to talk about some of the local impacts to the area, stressing the impact to livestock and agriculture.
9-25_Montana's Economical Impacts From Snow
Heavy snow, wind & cold in late September will have agricultural and economical impacts in the Northwest. Meteorologist Leeann Allegretto from US National Weather Service Missoula Montana explains.
Posted by WeatherNation on Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Time of year is expected to enhance any potential impacts for several reasons. The amount of foliage still left on the trees only gives more surface area for the heavy, wet Fall snow to accumulate. This will likely cause more damaged to trees and power-lines, especially when paired with winds. Widespread power outages are anticipated with this storm.
For more on agricultural and livestock implications, click here.
Throughout Saturday, local officials and ski areas have been taking to social media to talk about what they are seeing.
Current road conditions on Macdonald Pass outside Helena. Watch you speed and remember distance between you and the car ahead of you is your friend. #mtwx #snow #RoadSafety pic.twitter.com/4FLBajXa5p
— Trooper Amanda Villa (@TrooperAVilla) September 28, 2019
740AM: This photo was taken from the @MontanaDES Central District Field Officer ~7:30am near Browning on Hwy 2 with up to a foot of snow on the road. If you are caught outdoors or become stranded while traveling, this could become a life threatening situation. #mtwx pic.twitter.com/HPoZm1V1JI
— NWS Great Falls (@NWSGreatFalls) September 28, 2019
Something is happening up at #MtSpokane! #SnowCapSaturday pic.twitter.com/99r503ljLY
— NWS Spokane (@NWSSpokane) September 28, 2019
It has begun 🙂 ❄️❄️❄️#schweitzerlife #snow #snowing #winter #weather pic.twitter.com/e1BYxpgMqP
— Schweitzer Mountain (@SchweitzerID) September 27, 2019
Picked up a few inches of snow! Due to the recent snowfall, we are suspending operations for today: Saturday, Sept. 28. We will continue to reassess whether we may be able to operate tomorrow. Thank you for your patience. pic.twitter.com/VtHV57ZgPW
— Stevens Pass (@StevensPass) September 28, 2019
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