Mountain Snow Warning
Hikers should expect heavy mountain snow in the northern Rockies and Cascades, with daytime highs in the 30s to low 40s [https://nbcmontana.com/weather/forecasts/atmospheric-river-to-bring-strong-winds-and-heavy-mountain-snow].
An atmospheric river is the cause of the heavy snow and strong winds in the mountains. These storms are corridors of concentrated moisture in the atmosphere. The storm is expected to bring 1-3 inches of precipitation to the valleys and 2-4 inches in the mountains. Wind gusts could reach up to 60 mph, especially along the Rocky Mountain Front. The combination of heavy snow and strong winds will create dangerous avalanche conditions. Backcountry travelers should be aware of the risks and take appropriate precautions.