Sloppy weather on tap for Flathead
Jeff Russell clears snow from a vehicle on Fourth Avenue East in Kalispell in this file photo. (Daily Inter Lake FILE)
A mixed bag of heavy snow, ice and eventually rain is expected to impact Northwest Montana valleys later this week.
According to the National Weather Service in Missoula, the onslaught of moisture will enter the region beginning Thursday. Snow levels will start out low, with all locations across Northwest Montana expected to see measurable totals.
The heaviest snow will fall Thursday night. Up to 5 inches is predicted for Whitefish, with lesser amounts in the Columbia Falls and Kalispell areas.
Snow levels to rise to 4,500 feet by Friday, beginning a transition in the valleys from snow to rain. Elevations above 4,500 feet will see consistent snowfall. Lookout and Marias passes could pick up 1 to 2 feet of snow before the storm exits the region Friday.
Colder air settles back into the area by the weekend. Another shot of snow is in the forecast for Christmas week.