Winter Storm Warnings Hoisted for the Northern Rockies

Originally posted on Powder | Last updated 5/21/24

Precipitation will begin over the northern Rockies on Wednesday and peak through Thursday morning. Colder air will drive snow levels down to near 6,500 feet and just below many pass locations. We expect 2-5 inches below 7,000 feet and up to 8-11 inches at higher elevations by Thursday.

The main focus for heavier snowfall should land just south of Missoula and extend from eastern Idaho into the central regions of Montana. Decent totals are also possible for northern Yellowstone and Red Lodge Montana..

Total snowfall through Thursday highlighting the western and central regions of Montana and extending to the Wyoming border. The Tetons will get teased with some fresh snow as well.

It looks a bit more like winter than late May on the National Weather Service homepage for Great Falls MT.

An additional cold front is showing up on the models for the northern Rockies for Sunday May 26. This system is much weaker moisture wise, but is slightly colder. This might bring some light snow to the Valley locations around Jackson Hole later this weekend.

Cold front #2 due later this weekend with 10K temps at -8 to -9 C (17-18F). This should bring snow levels as low as 5500 feet. We only expect light snow with this front, but it could create some travel impacts, especially for Wyoming.

Storm #2 with slightly colder temps will favor the Tetons for late Saturday to Sunday for some light or moderate snowfall. Teton pass will likely be snow covered at some point during this wave.

Please take precautions if you are headed out to the backcountry this week for some colder temps and precipitation in some areas. Please follow @powderchasers on Instagram and FB for additional information.

This article first appeared on Powder and was syndicated with permission.

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