National Weather Service: Heavy snow for some Sunday through Tuesday

A moist westerly flow is expected to develop Sunday and persist through Tuesday, according to an update issued today by the National Weather Service out of Missoula, MT.

This flow pattern normally produces periods of heavy snow for the northern Clearwaters and higher terrain of northwest Montana. Area mountain passes, such as Lolo, Lookout, and Marias Passes may see heavy snow at times.

There should be enough cold air persisting across northwest Montana valleys and higher valleys of north central Idaho early in the event, possibly followed by another weak surge of colder air Tuesday in northwest Montana that may support moderate to heavy snow in the valleys.

At this time it appears the main valley threat areas for significant snow are Pierce, Headquarters, Libby, Yaak, Troy, Eureka, West Glacier and Essex.

Other areas, such as Kalispell, Whitefish, Orofino and Seeley Lake may also see periods of snow. At this time the amounts are not expected to be excessive.

Travelers should be prepared for another round of snow across much of the northwest Montana and the Clearwaters of Idaho Sunday into Tuesday. 

Across west central Montana from Missoula to Drummond and southward, temperatures should slowly moderate into Monday; however, some light snow may create hazardous morning travel.