The National Weather Service issued an updated winter storm warning and winter weather advisory for the Idaho, Montana and Wyoming border region as much as 3 feet of snow was forecast in the Georgetown Lake area. Those in the backcountry were asked to consider delaying travel this weekend and into the early part of the week.
The Georgetown Lake region could see as much as 3 feet of snow from Saturday night through Tuesday, while 4th of July Peak in Idaho is expected to get around a foot and Pitchstone Plateau could see 8 inches. The National Weather Service warned that cold temperatures, wind and wet snow would elevate the risk of hypothermia.
Georgetown Lake travel forecast
The warning said heavy wet snow may down trees and block access to backcountry roadways. It also said significant 55 mph winds could cause travel issues, which makes higher-elevation travel the main concern rather than lower terrain.
Persons should consider delaying travel across the backcountry and higher elevations. If travel is absolutely necessary, consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing,
Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded.
Montana and Wyoming snowfall
Snow along the border of Montana and Wyoming near the Beartooth Mountains was expected to lighten or stop for a time Sunday afternoon into Sunday evening, then redevelop Sunday night and continue into Monday and Tuesday morning. The winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories run through Monday night, so the window for the worst travel conditions stretches across the 4th of July period.
Plan for winter-like conditions in the backcountry and higher elevations. Cold temperatures, wind, and wet snow will elevate the risk of hypothermia. Heavy wet snow may down trees, blocking access to backcountry roadways,
The practical step is to avoid nonessential backcountry travel now and to carry winter supplies if travel cannot wait, because the forecast points to blocked access, wind-driven snow and a long enough duration to affect more than one travel day.
