Heavy rain, snow to hit Glacier Park

Hunker down, Glacier National Park visitors: Winter’s not over yet.

Heavy rain and snow are expected to hit Tuesday as a potent upper-level trough of low pressure hits Northwest Montana

The weather pattern is pointing to the majority of the precipitation falling on Glacier National Park, according to advisories from the National Weather Service. 

Rain amounts could reach 2 to 3 inches with higher amounts along the Continental Divide. Snow levels are expected to be around 5,000 feet and possibly lower at times between Tuesday and early Wednesday. 

Marias Pass has a high potential for snow on the roadway while over a  foot of snow may accumulate on high-elevation terrain.

A winter storm watch has been issued for the West Glacier area with 2 to 6 inches of snow expected between 6,000 and 7,000 feet and 10 to 20 inches of snow possible over higher terrain.

East of the Continental Divide, a winter storm warning and a flood watch have been issued.

“Anyone going into the mountains of the Rocky Mountain Front, including Glacier National Park, should be prepared for heavy, wet snow,” the Weather Service advised.

Total snow accumulations of one to two feet are possible above 6,500 feet on the east side of Glacier Park and along the Rocky Mountain Front.

Logan Pass, the highest point on Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, is at 6,646 feet.

The storm will include north winds of 10 to 20 mph, gusting to 30 mph, leading to visibility of less than one-quarter mile.

The expected deluge of precipitation has prompted the Weather Service to issue a flood watch from Tuesday evening through Thursday afternoon for eastern Glacier County and elsewhere on the east side..

“Heavy rainfall could produce flooding of small streams and creeks through late this week,” the Weather Service warned. In particular, the St. Mary, Two Medicine and Upper Milk rivers and Cut Bank Creek and Badger Creek watersheds could see flooding.

“In addition, there is a risk of locally intense rainfall causing mudslides or debris flows, particularly in the mountains of Glacier National Park.”

Some areas near Glacier Park could receive 3 to 6 inches of rain from this storm.

Weather in the Flathead Valley is expected to be rainy and cool, with a high Tuesday of 50 degrees and a 90 percent chance of rain.