Weather Service Forecasts Snow Winds and Freeze for Northwest Montana

Northwest Montana is preparing for colder winter-like conditions as strong winds, mountain snow and a hard freeze are forecast to affect the region this weekend, according to the National Weather Service in Missoula and NBC Montana. Friday will bring gusty west-southwest winds, with common gusts of 30 to 40 mph expected, according to the Flathead Beacon. Winds may create choppy water on Flathead Lake and other area lakes.

The National Weather Service in Missoula said winds will shift northeast Saturday afternoon and continue through Sunday, with gusts of 25 to 35 mph across western Montana. Higher gusts are possible near the east side of Flathead Lake, Swan Lake and Lake Blaine, with isolated power outages and dock damage possible.

Snow levels are expected to fall through Saturday and reach valley floors by Sunday morning, according to the Flathead Beacon. Mountain passes in western Montana could receive 3 to 5 inches, while higher passes along the Continental Divide could see 6 to 10 inches.

NBC Montana reported that some mountain areas could receive up to 12 inches of snow, with winter weather advisories and watches issued for several locations. The forecast includes possible slick roads, hazardous travel and risks from heavy wet snow affecting trees and power lines. Southwest Montana also faces fire weather concerns before the colder system arrives. NBC Montana reported that low humidity, warm temperatures in the low 80s and wind gusts up to 45 mph could create erratic fire behavior in areas under a Red Flag Warning.

Flathead Lake was placed under a Lake Wind Advisory from noon to 9 PM Friday, according to NBC Montana. Southwest winds of 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph were expected to create rough waves and small craft hazards. Cold air will settle behind the storm system, with a hard freeze forecast for Monday morning. The National Weather Service in Missoula said temperatures are expected to reach the upper teens to low 20s across much of western Montana, including valley areas.

Another cool and showery system is expected Wednesday, while the Climate Prediction Center outlook for Oct. 15-21 favors warmer and drier than normal conditions, according to the Flathead Beacon.