Avalanche Watch issued March 11 at 8:18AM MDT by NWS Missoula MT
Issue date: 2026-03-11T14:18+00:00
AVAMSO The following message is transmitted at the request of the West Central Montana Avalanche Center Missoula MT ...AVALANCHE WATCH ISSUED BY THE WEST CENTRAL MONTANA AVALANCHE CENTER... 07:53 MDT Wed Mar 11 2026 The West Central Montana Avalanche Center in Missoula has issued a BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE WATCH for the following areas: NWS Missoula MT - MTZ006 (MTZ006)...MTZ043 (MTZ043) * WHAT...A large winter storm will impact all zones starting Wednesday night with significant snowfall and high wind. * WHERE...The mountains around Seeley Lake, the Rattlesnake, and the Bitterroot Mountains from Lolo Pass to Lost Trail Pass. * WHEN...In effect from Wed 07:53 MDT to Thu 07:53 MDT. * IMPACTS...Snow and strong wind Wednesday night into Thursday Morning will rapidly increase avalanche danger. Avalanche danger could reach HIGH by Thursday morning. Large avalanches may fail naturally as buried weak layers become overloaded by the new snow and wind. * PRECAUTIONARY / PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...Exceptionally dangerous avalanche conditions may develop. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. Avalanches may run long distances and can run into mature forests, valley floors, or flat terrain. Consult https://missoulaavalanche.org/ or www.avalanche.org for more detailed information. Similar avalanche danger may exist at locations outside the coverage area of this or any avalanche center.
High Wind Warning issued March 10 at 11:47PM MDT until March 12 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Missoula MT
Issue date: 2026-03-11T05:47+00:00
* WHAT...West winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 55 mph expected. * WHERE...Missoula/Bitterroot Valleys. * WHEN...From midnight Wednesday Night to 6 PM MDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
Winter Storm Warning issued March 10 at 11:57AM MDT until March 14 at 12:00PM MDT by NWS Missoula MT
Issue date: 2026-03-10T17:57+00:00
* WHAT...Heavy snow expected above 5000 feet. There is a likelihood of major winter weather impacts to isolated extreme winter storm impacts. Total snow accumulations between 2 to 6 inches in the lower elevations and 20 to 40 inches in the higher elevations. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...Lolo Pass and Highway 93 Sula to Lost Trail Pass. * WHEN...From 6 PM Wednesday to noon MDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...For MAJOR winter weather impacts, expect considerable disruptions to normal activities. Dangerous or impossible traveling conditions. Avoid travel in the impacted areas if possible. Widespread closures and disruptions to infrastructure may occur. For EXTREME winter storm impacts, expect substantial disruptions to normal activities. Extremely dangerous or impossible traveling conditions. Travel in the impacted areas is not advised. Extensive and widespread closures and disruptions to infrastructure may occur. Life saving actions may be needed. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday morning and evening commutes, especially over higher passes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.
