625 
FXUS65 KMSO 080945
AFDMSO

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Missoula MT
345 AM MDT Mon Apr 8 2013

.DISCUSSION...Active weather will continue across the region today
as the tail end of a strong and unseasonably cold weather system
exits slowly to the south. Of chief concern this morning is the 
impact snowfall may have on road conditions along travel
corridors crossing the Continental Divide (Homestake, MacDonald
and Marias Passes). In addition to slushy roadways, the
combination of gusty winds and falling snow may result in
visibility reductions that could lead to difficulty navigating the
passes. A secondary concern persists this morning to ranchers with
newborn livestock in the northern Flathead Valley. The combination
of rain/snow, gusty winds and temperatures remaining near freezing
could place dangerous stress on newborn and young livestock.
However these concerns will lessen as the day progresses and
things become relatively warmer.

Precipitation will gradually taper off throughout the day and
become more showery in nature. Some warming will occur but
temperatures will only peak at readings some 10 to 15 degree
below normal. However the continued presence of gusty north winds
will make things feel even colder. A hard freeze is expected
tonight (largely dependent upon clearing and calming of the winds)
in most of the populated valleys. So it might be prudent to consider
covering those sensitive early sprouting plants. A slight rebound
in afternoon highs is to be expected on Tuesday, though things
will still fall between 5 and 10 degrees below normal.

The models are indicating that another disturbance will move into
the region on Wednesday causing the start of another active
weather pattern. The upper level flow will become and remain
westerly through out the end of the week into the weekend. This
flow pattern will cause off and on showers over the Northern
Rockies with temperatures remaining below normal for this time of
year.

&&

.AVIATION...Periodic reductions to visibility and lowering of
cloud heights are expected through midday at KGPI and KBTM due to
passing rain/snow showers. Very windy conditions will also persist
at KGPI through much of the day with all other airfields
experiencing gusty winds by this afternoon. The potential for
weather impacts to aviation interest will lessen by this evening
and overnight.

&&

.MSO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MT...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY until Noon MDT today Butte/Blackfoot 
     Region.

     WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY until Noon MDT today West Glacier Region.

ID...None.
&&

$$

Dickerson/Smith

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