Weather officials predicting wet, cold weekend

Weather officials are predicting a significant weather event between Friday and Sunday in Northwest Montana that is expected to drop several inches of rain and snow at higher elevations.

According to the Missoula office of the National Weather Service, confidence is trending higher that a prolonged rain event will produce 2 to 4 inches of rainfall in a 48-hour period, starting Friday evening and lasting into Sunday in Lincoln and Flathead counties.

Officials are predicting moderate to heavy snow above 6,000 feet and they are suggesting backcountry travelers delay plans for the weekend or be prepared for cold and wet.

Other effects of the weather include the potential for rock and debris slides along steep terrain in Glacier National Park and Forest Service roads in the Flathead and Kootenai National Forests. 

Also, low land ponding of water will be possible in poor drainage areas.

Rain would be welcome locally as smoke from the Wolf Syrup Fire began filling the Kooteani Valley Thursday morning.

The fire was reported Wednesday afternoon and grew from five acres to about 46 Thursday, according to WildCAD.

According to Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, along with local and USFS partners, it is responding to the Wolf Syrup Fire, located 22 miles southeast of Libby.

As of Wednesday evening, June 18, the fire was estimated at 50 acres and burning in heavy timber with single and group tree torching and wind-driven spotting.

Three helicopters are supporting suppression efforts, and additional resources, including a Type 3 Incident Commander and an air tanker, are en route or being ordered.