5 Winter Terms You Should Know When Living In Montana

Winter has arrived here in Montana as well as the surrounding states. You will constantly be hearing about road conditions, road closures, accidents, and total snow fall for the next few months.

There will also be terms that you hear throughout our winter season that you are not as familiar with, or think you might know what they mean but could use a little refresh. We put together 5 winter terms that anyone living in a snowy state, should all be aware of.

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Winter Storm Watch

Typically, a Winter Storm Watch will be issued in advance of the storm (usually at least 24 hours). Usually a winter storm watch is telling you that there is a risk of a hazardous winter weather event has increased, meaning at least a 50% chance of the winter event happening. There is not always a specific targeted areas, which is why winter storm watches are issued 24 hours in advance, to give you enough time to make travel decisions.

A watch is issued when weather conditions are favorable for a storm to take place. It is a way to give advance notice to prepare for unfavorable winter conditions to occur.

Winter Storm Warning

This goes into effect when:

• heavy snow of at least 6 inches in 12 hours or
• at least 8 inches in 24 hours, can be expected

This warning can also be issued if sleet, (a form of precipitation consisting of ice pellets, often mixed with rain or snow), accumulation will be at least half an inch.

Winter Weather Advisory

An advisory is typically issued when at least one of the following is determined to happen:

• Snow of 3 to 5 inches in 12 hours
• sleet accumulation up to 1/4 inch
• freezing rain in combination with sleet and/or snow
• blowing snow

Blizzard Warning 

A blizzard warning indicates that blizzard conditions, such as low visibility of less than 1/4 mile due to falling and/or blowing snow, and winds that are at least 35 mph, are expected for a minimum of 3 hours.

Black Ice

Black Ice is sometimes called clear ice, is a thin coating of ice on a surface, especially on streets and highways. The ice itself is not black, but visually transparent making the often black road below to be seen through it. Black ice is incredibly dangerous and the cause of many accidents every winter.

We want everyone to stay as safe as possible this winter, so familiarize yourself with these terms so you are able to make appropriate accommodations in your day to day travel.

cc: National Weather Service, Wikipedia