After a week of near normal temperatures, rising water is being found across the state. Multiple watches, warnings and advisories are in effect through Montana. With a still frozen ground, the water is running along the surface instead of soaking into the ground. Water has been reported across many roads off the Rocky Mountain Front, in central Montana, and out on the Hi-Line. Please remember if you encounter flowing water over a road, “turn around, don’t drown”. It may be very difficult or impossible to determine how deep the water is and how fast the water is flowing. Conversely, an AVALANCHE WARNING has been issued for the mountains of northwest Montana. Avalanches have been observed in virtually all mountain ranges following a mild and sunny week. Saturday will continue a stretch of partly cloudy and mild weather, but more showers, clouds, and even some snow with an area of low pressure moving through. A slushy inch or two is possible in the lower elevations by Sunday night, with a couple inches accumulating in the mountains. Next week will be unsettled as well with showers on Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by likely snow on Thursday.
PS-The northern lights (aurora borealis) is likely Saturday night. Let’s just hope cloud cover is thin enough to see one of the most spectacular phenomena in nature.
Have a great weekend.
Curtis Grevenitz
