WEST of the Continental Divide: 

Lost Trail was the place to be Sunday with 6-8” new… Look to Snowbowl as the bulls-eye for Sunday night’s moisture feed with 4-8” likely overnight. Other areas, both south (LT) and north (Whitefish) in the 2-4” range across the Westside. Snow showers linger on MLK day with 1-2” at areas mainly from I-90 south and not much elsewhere. NW flow sets up Monday night and looks to last into Tuesday keeping the snow flying in minor doses across Western Montana. A bigger, and colder storm looms for Wednesday with accumulations ranging from 3-7” likely at most locations. Lots of questions remain after Wednesday so stay tuned.

EAST of the Continental Divide:

Bridger Bowl lined up perfectly Sunday morning with 7” new across the alpine areas by first chair. It’s a tough forecast Sunday night with the moisture feed being so narrow. Big Sky could be in decent position to pick up 2-4” overnight…but places like Showdown (maybe Bridger as well) might also be in similar accumulation ranges. The snow continues on Monday with widespread snow across the Eastside. MLK day could be kind to Red Lodge with 4” possible, another 3-5” at Big Sky and 1-3” at Bridger and the rest. High pressure builds in Tuesday for a brief break before a colder and better organized storm moves in for Wednesday with 3-6” (at least!) across the Eastside’s mountains. I'll update the forecast on Tuesday...

Potential Cumulative Snowfall Map thru Wednesday below is looking' good...

A BIG shout out goes to the National Weather Servce Meteorologists in Missoula, Great Falls, and Billings who are currently working without a paycheck during this Government shutdown. Montana’s tight snow-rider culture so much appreciates your hard work during these tough times. Thank you.

 

Backcountry/ Avalanche  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

 

 

Montana Ski Areas/Resorts & Geographical References

 

WEST of the Divide: 

 

Discovery Basin – Open Daily. Top to Bottom skiing on the Frontside, limited backside. - 

 

Lookout Pass (MT/ID)  - Open Daily. 100% terrain open. Lots of snow! . 

 

Whitefish Mountain Resort - Open Daily. Top to bottom skiing. 100% terrain open

 

Lost Trail Powder Mountain – Open (Thurs – Sun & DAILY thru the Holidays). 100% terrain open.

 

Montana Snowbowl – Open / Top to bottom skiing 100% terrain open

 

Blacktail Mountain – Opened 12/22 and open daily thru the Holidays. (limited terrain)

 

Turner Mountain – Open thru the Holidays then Fri-Sun for rest of season. 100% terrain open.

 

 

EAST of the Divide:

 

Big Sky Resort – Open Daily / 100% terrain open

 

Bridger Bowl - Open DAILY / 100% terrain open

 

Red Lodge Mountain - Open Fri's - Sunday and daily thru the Holidays. Top to Bottom skiing with 5 lifts. 

 

Great Divide - Open weekends. Lower mountain skiing with 2 lifts open – “Adventure skiing” option to ski on the upper mtn.

 

Showdown – Open. Weekends and Holidays. Great skiing. 100% terrain open

 

Maverick Mountain – Opens 12/26. Then daily thru 1/1. 100% terrain open