AREAS AFFECTED : CLEARWATER, ID; IDAHO, ID; FLATHEAD, MT; LAKE, MT; LINCOLN, MT; MINERAL, MT; MISSOULA, MT; RAVALLI, MT; SANDERS, MT
ESFMSO
WESTERN MONTANA AND NORTH-CENTRAL IDAHO
A prolonged Atmospheric River is expected to impact Western Montana
and North-Central Idaho from Monday through Wednesday, bringing
moderate to heavy precipitation. Snow levels are anticipated to
start around 7,000 feet on Monday before falling to valley floors
behind a cold front early Wednesday. The most likely rainfall
scenario forecasts 1 to 2 inches for the valleys of Lincoln,
Mineral, Sanders in western Montana and Clearwater, and Idaho
counties in Idaho. 2 to 3 inches expected in the mountains of
northwest Montana and north-central Idaho. Areas further south and
east in western Montana will likely see 1 inch or less. A high-end
scenario could bring totals 1 to 2 inches higher than the estimates
given above.
Due to already saturated ground, particularly in northwest Montana,
this rainfall increases the risk of rock and landslides, stream and
river rises, and minor flooding. Continue to monitor the latest
forecast updates as this system approaches.