Up to 8 inches of snow is forecast for the high country under a winter weather advisory from the National Weather Service, with the heaviest bursts expected during the Wednesday evening drive.
Which Areas Are Under the Advisory?
The NWS Great Falls winter weather advisory covers the East Glacier Park region of Montana, from 3 p.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Thursday MDT. East Glacier Park, Marias Pass, Kiowa, Logan Pass, St. Mary and Babb all sit inside it.
Snowfall totals depend on elevation. Marias Pass, where US 2 crosses the Continental Divide, is forecast to receive 2 to 4 inches, while the advisory puts totals at 4 to 8 inches above 6,000 feet.
When Does the Heaviest Snow Arrive?
The National Weather Service in Great Falls expects periods of heavier snow rather than steady snowfall.
“Snowfall rates in excess of one half inch per hour are possible Wednesday afternoon and evening during brief periods of heavy snowfall.”
The office ties those hours directly to the drive home:
“Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions will impact the Wednesday evening commute.”
Anyone crossing Marias Pass on Wednesday night should expect visibility and road surfaces to change quickly once one of the heavier bands moves through. Montana’s 511 service provides current road conditions by phone at 800-226-7623, at 511mt.net and through the MDT 511 Travel Info app.
Can You Still Drive Into the Park?
Only partway. Glacier National Park’s current conditions page lists Going-to-the-Sun Road as closed for the season, with closures at Avalanche Creek on the west side and Jackson Glacier Overlook on the east side. Logan Pass lies on the closed stretch between the two gates, so the snow forecast there matters for skiers and snowshoers rather than drivers.
The park warns that even the open sections are not a sure thing this time of year:
“Travel on open sections of the road may change at any time due to winter weather conditions. Visitors should check road conditions before their arrival and be prepared for winter weather.”
The park also notes that few businesses operate next to Glacier in winter, so anyone heading up after the snow should plan to get fuel and food before leaving town.
What Comes After the Snow?
West of the Divide, NBC Montana meteorologist Brooke Foster expects colder Canadian air to drop snow levels to around 3,000 feet along Highway 2 by Thursday morning, enough for some valleys to pick up half an inch to an inch before sunrise.
KTVH chief meteorologist Ryan Dennis forecasts Thursday highs in the mid to upper 30s in some areas and the low to mid 40s in others.
The advisory expires at 6 a.m. Thursday, and the National Weather Service’s Great Falls forecast office page provides regular updates.
