Winter Weather — Northern Panhandle, Idaho

2012-01-20 to 2012-01-21 · Northern Panhandle, Idaho

Event narrative

A combination of light snow and freezing rain created slick driving conditions across the Northern Idaho Panhandle during the morning hours of the 21st. The slick road conditions were thought to have played a large role in a six car accident along Highway 95 near Sagle, ID. It is still unclear if weather or aggressive driving was directly responsible. The accident resulted in one fatality and one serious injury. Two semi-tractors and four cars were involved in the incident.

Wider weather episode

Subtropical moisture moving into the region ahead of a strong warm front clashed with modified arctic air in the lower-levels. This resulted in a complexity of precipitation types with a mix of light snow and freezing rain experienced across northern areas of the Idaho Panhandle.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 358004. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.