Major winter storm slams into Flathead Valley
MATT BALDWIN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 3 months AGO
A resident of Third Avenue East clears snow from the sidewalk as temperatures plummet on Tuesday, Feb. 4. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Hagadone Media Montana REGIONAL MANAGING EDITOR Matt Baldwin is the regional editor for Hagadone Media Montana, where he helps guide coverage across eight newspapers throughout Northwest Montana. Under his leadership, the Daily Inter Lake received the Montana Newspaper Association’s Sam Gilluly Best Daily Newspaper in Montana Award and the General Excellence Award in 2024 and 2025. A graduate of the University of Montana School of Journalism, Baldwin has called Montana home for nearly 30 years. He and his wife, Sadie, have three daughters. He can be reached at 406‑758‑4447 or [email protected]. IMPACT: Baldwin’s work helps ensure Northwest Montana residents stay connected to their communities and informed about the issues that shape their everyday lives. | February 4, 2025 2:00 PM
Blowing and drifting snow created dangerous road conditions Tuesday as a major winter storm blew into Western Montana.
As of Tuesday afternoon, snowfall totals in the Flathead Valley ranged from 2 to 5 inches with snow intensity expected to ramp up in the evening. A winter storm warning advised that up to 10 inches of snow could accumulate in the Flathead and Mission valleys by the time the storm weakens.
Winds of 15 to 25 mph with gust up to 35 mph were expected to wreak havoc on area roadways overnight, making travel treacherous. Wind chill values in the valley could drop well below zero.
"Badrock Canyon and Columbia Falls may experience the worst wind, with wind gusts approaching 45 mph at times, along with whiteout conditions," the National Weather Service in Missoula warned.
"Travel is going to be especially dangerous through the Glacier Region tonight. So we strongly suggest that you delay you travel."
The Flathead County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday afternoon closed Hodgson Road from Trumble Creek east to the Whitefish River. The stretch is notorious for drifting snow. The county road was anticipated to reopen on Thursday.
Overnight temperatures will dip into the single digits or below zero through the weekend.
ARTICLES BY MATT BALDWIN
Winter conditions return to Northwest Montana
Northwest Montana is in for another spring mood swing, with freezing temperatures and valley snow likely Thursday evening.
Kootenai Forest updates documents for Pilgrim project
In accordance with a 2019 court ruling, the Kootenai National Forest last week released a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for a forest project southwest of Noxon.
Forest officials assess effects of windfall
Describing areas forests as a game of pick-up sticks following last winter's severe windstorms, Forest Service officials say a difficult summer of trail work lies ahead.