Warning: New Montana Storm, 18″ Snow For Glacier Area

Another powerful storm is headed for some Montana mountain ranges and the heavy, wet snow is still desperately needed. Several of Montana's basins are nowhere near their median water equivalent for the season, with some at only HALF the typical snowpack.

Up to 18" of fresh snow is possible for the Glacier National Park area in northwest Montana, and 2 to 8" of snow likely for mountain regions south of there. The map below is from the USDA, noting Snow Water Equivalent percentages of median for Montana basins. (As of April 28th, 2024)

• A WINTER STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TUESDAY NIGHT TO NOON THURSDAY.
• WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of between 5 and 10 inches, with up to 18 inches over the higher terrain of Glacier National Park.
• Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.
• WHERE...East Glacier Park Region Zone.
• WHEN...From midnight Tuesday Night to noon Thursday.
• IMPACTS...Slush and or snow covered roads could cause very difficult travel conditions.
• Those in the backcountry should ensure they have appropriate knowledge and gear and may want to consider alternate plans.
• ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The worst roadway impacts will occur during the overnight and morning hours.
• The heavy wet snow may cause isolated power outages.
• PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
• The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1 or visiting the MDT Road Report website.

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Another helpful resource about Montana's snowpack levels is the U.S. Drought Monitor. As of this writing, it clearly indicates D3 'Extreme Drought' intensity for the Glacier National Park area.

The southeast portion of Cascade County is also at the D3 'Extreme Drought' intensity level. Other basins in Montana are still in need of much more snow and rain to ensure sufficient reservoir levels.