An Arctic air mass is expected to bring the next snow event to northwest Montana this weekend.

The greatest period of snow is forecasted to be Friday evening through most of the day Saturday, according to the National Weather Service in Missoula.

“Near whiteout conditions are possible across the Northwest Montana Friday night through around noon Saturday due to heavy snow and blowing and drifting snow,” the Weather Service said in a notice issued Wednesday afternoon. “Areas most impacted from the wind will be near canyons such as Badrock, and the Flathead and Mission valleys.”

On Thursday temperatures are expected to be in the teens in the morning and warming up to the low 20s. Periods of light to moderate snow are expected to increase throughout the day.

Thursday night to Friday, a stronger surge of moisture is expected to move in to the area. Mountain passes could see more than a foot of snow, while periods of moderate snow are expected to increase throughout the valleys.

On Friday evening though Saturday periods of heavy snow are expected across northwest Montana beginning late Friday afternoon. Additional snow amounts of 8 to 14 inches are possible for the valleys, and one to two feet is expected in the mountains.

Near whiteout conditions are possible for the Flathead Valley Friday night due to blowing and drifting snow.

Snow is expected to begin tapering off Saturday afternoon for northwest Montana, according to forecasters.