More snow on the way
Negative temperatures with even colder wind chill factors didn't stop some people from visiting Kootenai Falls Saturday afternoon. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
More wild weather is on the way to northwest Montana this week.
On the heels of snow and bitter cold temperatures that approached minus-40 degrees last week and early this week, a moderation is expected in the middle of this week that could produce several inches of snow.
The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Kootenai-Cabinet region from 5 a.m. Wednesday through 11 a.m. Thursday. Total snow accumulations between eight and 16 inches are possible with 1 to 2 feet along Montana 56 (Bull Lake Road).
Affected areas include U.S. 93 from Eureka to Whitefish, Highway 37 from Eureka to Libby and U.S. 2 Kalispell to Libby. Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday morning and evening commutes.
South Lincoln County locales, including Libby, Troy and Happy’s Inn, may see between seven and 17 inches from Tuesday night through Wednesday night, according to the National Weather Service.
In Troy, forecasters are predicting seven to 17 inches in that time frame. Libby could see five to 10 inches while Happy’s may see seven to 13 inches. The Yaak could see six to 12 inches and Turner Mountain is forecast to get between seven and 17 inches.
Snow accumulations of 10 to 15 inches are possible above 4,000 feet.
By the end of the week, there is a chance of rain and snow with high temperatures ranging from 35 to 41 degrees.
The precipitation would be a welcome sight for a region well below its typical snowpack.
According to Montana SNOWTEL Jan. 12 report, the Kootenai region is at 71% of its median snowpack. Banfield Mountain is at 62% and Poorman Creek is at 55% Just across the Idaho border, Bear Mountain is at 71%
Northeast Lincoln County sites are in better shape with Stahl Peak at 91% of the mean and Grave Creek at 78%
The Flathead is at 64% while the Lower Clark Fork sits at 59%.
Lincoln County, except for the southern most area, is in a moderate drought status.
Turner Mountain Ski Area opened Monday. It will run its normal schedule beginning this weekend with skiing open 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
The drastic drop in temperature did wonders for ice conditions on area lakes, but area officials are still urging caution for anglers as they head out for trout, salmon, pike and perch.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials advise anglers and others should be familiar with the water body they plan to fish or recreate on.
A little less than three years ago, a Missoula man, formerly from Plains, drowned in Lower Thompson Lake after falling through the ice in early April 2021.
The state offers the following tips for ice safety:
- Pay close attention to the changing conditions of the ice. If you have even the slightest doubt about the safety of the ice — stay off of it. Nothing is ever worth a fall into frigid water.
- Blue or “clear” ice is usually hard. Watch out for opaque, gray, dark or porous spots in the ice that could be weak, soft areas. Ice also tends to thin more quickly at the shorelines or near structures protruding though the ice such as rocks, stumps and trees.
- Note areas on the ice that look “different” — they usually are. Many times, thinner areas of ice (caused by springs, gas pockets, sunken islands, points, etc.) have a different color or look to them. Use extreme caution or stay away from these areas.
The following are recommended minimum ice thickness guidelines (for good, clear ice*):
- Under 4 inches: STAY OFF
- 4 inches: individual angler ice fishing or other activities on foot
- 7 inches: snowmobile or ATV
- 10 inches: small car**
- 12 inches: truck or SUV**
*for white ice or “snow ice,” double the above minimums
**not recommended, but if you must, proceed at your own risk
Watch for pressure ridges. These are areas of weak or unstable ice where the ice has cracked and heaved due to expansion from freezing.
Test the ice ahead of you with an ice spud bar or an auger.
Don’t leave children unsupervised on the ice.
Waterbodies do not freeze at the same thickness everywhere. For example, some ponds have windmills to aerate water for fish survival, and ice may be thin near these areas.
Moving water — rivers, streams and springs — weaken ice by wearing it away from underneath. Avoid going on ice on rivers and streams, or where a river or stream enters a lake, pond or reservoir.