Columbia Falls, Montana 7 Day Weather Forecast

Wx Forecast - Wx Discussion - Wx Aviation

353
FXUS65 KMSO 301843
AFDMSO

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Missoula MT
1243 PM MDT Sun Mar 30 2025

.DISCUSSION...

KEY MESSAGES:

- Mountain snow Monday night into Tuesday morning may again cause
  winter driving conditions in southwest MT above 3500 feet.

- Active pattern with cool and showery weather most of this coming
  week. Pass level snow impact potential during overnight/morning
  periods.

- Ridging returns around April 6th, warmer and drier for several
  days.

Shower activity begins again this evening from our next system.
Snow levels during this system will remain 4500 to 5000 feet,
with area mountain passes receiving a couple inches. Monday will
remain convective with isolated thunderstorms possible.

Monday evening models are spinning up another mid-level low over
southwest MT. Additionally, the models have continued their trend
of increasing precipitation amounts and lowering snow levels. A
mix of rain and snow may be possible Tuesday morning in the
valleys, while overnight Monday a few inches of snow is expected
to accumulate at Lost Trail, Homestake, and MacDonald Passes
creating periods of winter driving conditions. If traveling during
this period please check future forecasts for updates.

Active spring weather continues through April 6th, with periods of
sun, clouds, showers, graupel, and an isolated thunderstorm. The
short term forecast will be better for predicting short waves
that may increase precipitation chances.

High pressure returns, potentially just briefly, on the 6th with
warming temperatures and drier conditions.

&&

.AVIATION...Broken clouds today will become showers this evening,
with showers beginning at KSMN, KHRF, and KMSO between 31/0000
and 31/0600z. KGPI and KBTM showers will hold off until after
31/1100z. Monday instability increases and an isolated
thunderstorm is possible. Snow levels lower overnight and KSMN,
KHRF, and KMSO may receive a mix and rain and snow which will
cause short term visibility reductions. A period of light snow is
expected at KBTM after 01/0000z causing reduced visibility and
lowering ceilings, along with minor accumulations.



&&

.MSO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MT...None.
ID...None.
&&

$$