Tuesday night thru Thursday there will be a noticeable warming trend in mountain temperatures. A weak shortwave will swing through the region with upper-level ridging tonight into Wednesday morning, resulting in some showers with 1-2” possible on Lone Mountain. A southwesterly flow will then move East of the Divide on Wednesday into Thursday as well as a broad upper-level low-pressure system currently churning along the California/Oregon coast. Wednesday will be a mixture of mostly clouds, a few snow showers and sunny breaks in between. Typical Northern Rockies spring weather. High temps Wednesday will be around 35 in the alpine to low 40’s in the base area. Thursday a rogue wave of moisture is expected to eject northeastward from the aforementioned large Pacific low. As this disturbance moves into the Northern Rockies the accompanying cold front is expected to sweep into the mountains on Thursday afternoon resulting in increasing snow shower activity and a decent chance of strong thunderstorms developing in the afternoon. Keep an eye on the clouds Thurs afternoon when skiing the upper mountain. Winds will also be on the increase in the 15-25mph range with higher gusts when the storms roll in. Still, Thursday morning into the early afternoon should be fairly pleasant with a numerous sunny spells to accompany the 38 alpine - to 43 base degree high temps. No accumulations expected but a remote chance of an inch or so of graupel in any strong thunderstorms.

Friday. A second stronger cold front will quickly cross the area on late Thursday night into Friday with snow showers increasing with perhaps up to 4” by mid-morning Friday. These showers will stay consistent through Friday with another inch or two possible by last chair. High temps will be cooler with mid-20’s in the alpine and mid-30’s at the base areas. Winds will be decreasing as the day progresses.

Easter Weekend, a few snow-showers, but largely a mix of sun and clouds on Saturday with continued cool high temps of 28 alpine - 38 base across Lone Mountain at 2pm. Sunday looks to be clear with temperatures on the increase in the range of 35 to 45 degrees. 

 Powder Out –

 Bob  

OpenSnow at Big Sky:  I’ll be forecasting from Big Sky on Thursday and Friday bringing you the latest updates on the conditions and the impending fresh snow on Friday. If there’s a thunderstorm, I’ll post some pics as well! 

WEST of the DIVIDE - NOTE: All ski areas and resorts are now closed for season as of last chair Sunday April 9th.

EAST of the DIVIDE – NOTE: Late season operations are in effect at only a handful of resorts on the East side. Big Sky (daily), Great Divide (weekends only) and Red Lodge (daily) will be open thru April 16.

 

Backcountry Reports:

 

West Central Montana Avalanche Center

http://missoulaavalanche.org 

 

Flathead Avalanche Center

 http://www.flatheadavalanche.org

 

Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center:

http://www.mtavalanche.com

 

Geography Key :

 WEST of the Continental Divide

Montana Snowbowl, Discovery Basin, Lost Trail Powder Mountain, Lookout Pass, Whitefish Mountain Resort, Blacktail Mountain, Turner Mountain, Marias Pass/Glacier NP, Jewel Basin

 

EAST of the Continental Divide

Big Sky Resort, Bridger Bowl, Red Lodge, Maverick Mountain, Great Divide, Showdown, Teton Pass