National Weather Service issues Winter Storm Watch for upper elevations

National Weather Service-Missoula has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the Northern Clearwater Mountains from Tuesday morning through Wednesday morning.

Heavy snow is possible. There is a chance of moderate to major winter weather impacts. Total snow accumulations between 6 and 12 inches possible above around 3,000 feet. Higher amounts of 12 to 18 inches possible in the high terrain. Winds could gust as high as 35 miles per hour.

Areas of particular impact include: Pierce, State Highway 11 Pierce to Headquarters, and Elk River.

For major winter weather impacts, expect considerable disruptions to normal activities and dangerous or impossible traveling conditions. Avoid travel in the impacted areas if possible. Widespread closures and disruptions to infrastructure may occur. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes, especially over higher passes.

Precautionary/Preparedness Actions

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

Pierce, elevation 3,085 feet

Monday: Snow, possibly mixed with rain, mainly before noon. Areas of fog. Snow level 3,200 feet. High near 36. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible. Monday night: A chance of snow before 10 p.m., then a slight chance of snow after 4am. Patchy fog. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Tuesday: Snow, mainly after 10 a.m. Patchy fog before 11 a.m, then patchy fog after 4 p.m. High near 35. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of around an inch possible.

Tuesday night: Rain and snow, becoming all snow after 1 a.m. Patchy fog before 7 p.m. Low around 26. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Wednesday: Snow, mainly before 10 a.m. High near 34. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of around an inch possible.

Elk River, elevation 2,861 feet and Heardquarters at 3,160 feet

National Weather Service-Missoula does not give a detailed forecasts for either area