Winter weather warnings and advisories are in place for seven states as a cold front continues to impact the western U.S.
The West Coast has experienced a chilly week due to the arrival of two storm systems from the Pacific Ocean that have brought snow, freezing rain, and frigid temperatures. This weekend is unlikely to bring much respite for several states: Washington, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Wyoming, Utah and New Mexico, where snow will continue to fall.
Washington
Four winter storm warnings are active in Washington, with up to 24 inches of snow expected to fall in Washington Pass and along the Cascade Range through until November 18. Elsewhere, between 10 and 13 inches are expected in the Northwest Blue Mountains.
Travel should be delayed unless absolutely necessary, with the NWS saying any essential journeys should be made with “extreme caution.”
“Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing,” one warning reads. “Also take water, a first-aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded.”
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Montana
Multiple winter weather advisories are in place in neighboring Montana, where snow is expected to fall across mountainous areas of the southwest, as well as in the northeastern reaches by the Canadian border.
Some 1 to 3 inches of snow are expected to fall in the Daniels, McCone, Sheridan, and Roosevelt Counties, with roads likely to become slick and hazardous. In the southwest, higher elevations in Beaverhead, Madison, Gallatin, Jefferson and other surrounding counties are forecast to be hit by anywhere between 1 and 4 inches of snow.
Idaho
South Central Idaho will share similar conditions with neighboring counties in Montana, with several advisories in place forecasting 1 to 4 inches of snow at lower elevations with locally higher amounts at higher elevations.
One winter storm warning is in place along several roads in the Rocky Mountains: Fourth of July Pass, Dobson Pass, and Lookout Pass, where up to 18 inches of snow are forecast between Saturday afternoon and late on Monday evening.
Wyoming
Parts of Teton, Sublette, and Lincoln counties are subject to a winter weather advisory, with total snow accumulations between 4 and 6 inches over mountain passes, and up to 8 inches are possible in locations above 10,000 feet.
Oregon
Oregon has one winter storm warning in place for the Northern Blue Mountains.
“Moderate to heavy snowfall is anticipated,” the NWS said, with between 10 and 13 inches expected. “A fast-moving warm front may briefly turn snow to rain along the Washington Cascades and the Blue Mountains on Sunday. However, another cold front Sunday will bring a return of significant snow, with impactful snow spreading to include the Oregon Cascades.”
Utah
Two winter weather advisories are in place in Utah. In the Wasatch Mountains, between 6 and 12 inches of snow are forecast until 3 p.m. on Saturday. In the Western Uinta Mountains, between 4 and 8 inches are expected. Motorists are urged to “slow down and use caution” when traveling roads in the area.
New Mexico
Throughout Sunday, up to 6 inches of snow are forecast for the Sacramento Mountains, particularly above 7,500 feet, and the Southern Gila Region Highlands and the Black Range.
“Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous,” the NWS said, with motorists told to plans for slippery road conditions that could impact the Monday morning commute. Gusty winds could also bring down tree branches.
