Winter Weather Advisories Remain in Effect Across Western Montana

Heavy, wet snow could lead to tree damage and power outages as the system exits the region this weekend.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:50pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of gray, white, and blue, depicting a heavy snowstorm enveloping a remote, mountainous region, with only the faintest outlines of trees and structures visible through the swirling snow.A powerful winter storm sweeps across the rugged Montana landscape, underscoring the raw power of nature.Missoula Today

A cold front has swept through western Montana, causing snow levels to drop to valley floors. Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect for several regions, with the potential for heavy, wet snow accumulation that could lead to tree damage and power outages. As the low-pressure system exits the area, a warming and drying trend is expected, with temperatures rising into the mid-50s to upper-60s over the weekend. Another potential cold front is forecasted for next week, but it is not expected to be as impactful.

Why it matters

The heavy, wet snow can create hazardous driving conditions and increase the risk of power outages, which can be disruptive for residents and businesses in the affected areas. The changing weather patterns also highlight the importance of monitoring forecasts and being prepared for potential weather-related challenges.

The details

The cold front has brought snow to valley floors across western Montana, with Winter Weather Advisories in place for the Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains, Butte/Blackfoot Region, West Glacier, and Potomac/Seeley Lake Regions. The heavy, wet nature of the snow could lead to build-up on trees, increasing the risk of tree damage and power outages. Most other areas are expected to see a trace to a couple of inches of snow.

  • The Winter Weather Advisories are in effect until 6am Friday for the Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains and Butte/Blackfoot Region, and until noon Friday for the West Glacier and Potomac/Seeley Lake Regions.
  • As the low-pressure system exits the region, a warming and drying trend is expected, with temperatures rising into the mid-50s to upper-60s over the weekend.
  • Another potential cold front is forecasted for next week, around Tuesday or Wednesday, but it is not expected to be as impactful as the current system.

The players

Missoula, Montana

The city of Missoula, located in western Montana, is experiencing the effects of the winter weather system.

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What’s next

Residents in the affected areas should monitor weather forecasts and be prepared for potential power outages and hazardous driving conditions.

The takeaway

The heavy, wet snow from the current winter weather system poses a risk of tree damage and power outages in western Montana, highlighting the importance of being prepared for changing weather patterns and their potential impacts on the local community.