Winter Storm — Lower Clark Fork Region, Montana

2026-01-06 to 2026-01-07 · Lower Clark Fork Region, Montana

Event narrative

Lookout Ski reported heavy snow with 16 inches of new accumulation. Dispatch reported that semi-trucks blocked Interstate 90 at Lookout Pass, where 7 to 8 vehicles spun out and some travelers remained stuck overnight. In fact, between 4:00 AM and 5:00 AM on the 7th, the Mullan Pass ASOS estimated intense snowfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour. Additionally, the Heron 2 NW COOP station reported 6.7 inches of new snow, and power outages were noted in Haugan for a period of time. An additional 2 inches of new snow fell at the Lookout SNOTEL site on the 8th.

Wider weather episode

An atmospheric river brought heavy snow to pass level locations and moderate snow to valleys of northwest Montana.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1306740. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.