Winter Storm — Northern Clearwater Mountains, Idaho

2016-12-03 to 2016-12-05 · Northern Clearwater Mountains, Idaho

Event narrative

Moderate to heavy snow fell across portions of Clearwater County above 3000 feet during the event. Total snowfall amounts ranged from 3.4 inches in Pierce to 17 inches at the Shanghai Summit SNOTEL at 4500 feet. The temperatures plummeted from the 20's and 30's to the teens by Monday morning which kept roads slick. Gusty winds in the higher terrain caused dangerous conditions for hunters in blowing snow and near-zero wind chills.

Wider weather episode

After an unusually warm November, this event was a large change to cold and wintry conditions for travelers and hunters alike. A warm front followed by a cold front brought periods of heavy snow that caused slick driving conditions to north central Idaho. Cold temperatures developed at the end of the event contributing to solidifying moisture on the roads and slick roads for the morning commute on Dec. 5th.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 667034. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.