055
FXUS65 KMSO 030933
AFDMSO

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Missoula MT
233 AM MST Mon Nov 3 2025

.DISCUSSION...


KEY MESSAGES:

-Active weather pattern this coming week.

Current radar and satellite images show a narrow band of moisture
streaming over western Montana this morning. This band is expected
to produce light snowfall, mainly for locations along and north of
I-90 through mid-morning. Only minimal, if any, impacts are
anticipated with this initial surge of moisture. Later this
afternoon, a secondary push of moisture will move over the
Northern Rockies. Snow levels will be gradually increasing during
this time and are expected to be at or above pass levels by 2 PM
MST this afternoon.

One area that needs to be watched closely is extreme northwest
Montana, such as the Yaak Region, Troy, Libby, and Eureka. Snow
levels may remain low enough for precipitation to remain snow
through Tuesday morning for these locations. Currently, snow
accumulations are expected to be light, with anywhere from 1 to 3
inches of snow by Tuesday morning for Lookout Pass. For the
locations across northwest Montana mentioned above, there is a 50
to 60 percent probability for 1 to 2 inches. There is a slight
chance, a 10 percent probability, that light to moderate impacts
due to snow with up to 4 inches are possible for Troy, Libby, the
Yaak, and Eureka.

Another weak ridge develops over the region late Tuesday into
Wednesday morning, bringing a break in precipitation. Then, a
plume of moisture makes its way into the Northern Rockies
Wednesday night into Thursday, producing widespread precipitation
with snow levels lingering around 6,000 ft. The active pattern
will remain in place through Saturday morning, with snow levels
lowering to around 4,500 to 5,000 feet Friday and Saturday.
Temperatures throughout the week appear to be running around 5 to
10 degrees above average for this time of year.


&&

.AVIATION...Current radar and satellite images show a narrow band
of moisture streaming over western Montana this morning. This band
is expected to produce light snowfall, mainly for locations along
and north of I-90 through mid-morning. Only minimal, if any,
impacts are anticipated with this initial surge.

A reinforcing shot of moisture will bring widespread precipitation
to most of western Montana and north-central Idaho by 03/2100Z,
remaining over the region through Tuesday afternoon. Snow levels
are expected to remain above valley floors, except for extreme
northwest Montana. Expect periods of lower ceilings and visibility
for aviation sites KGPI, KMSO, and KHRF. Widespread mountain
obscurations are expected through 04/2100Z.

&&

.MSO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MT...None.
ID...None.
&&

$$