Soggy weather heralds start of damp fall

Missoulian, Rob Chaney, 10/3/2016

The southern half of the Bitterroot Valley and points east could start seeing mountaintop snow by Tuesday as a wet weather system moves into southwestern Montana.

Up to 4 inches of snow may land on Lost Trail Pass and other areas above 6,000 feet elevation, according to an alert from the National Weather Service.

Missoula and parts of Lake County could see heavy valley rainfall and cold temperatures Tuesday and Wednesday. Travelers should be alert for sloppy roads on Lost Trail, MacDonald, and Homestake passes in Montana, as well as Gilmore Summit and Bannock Pass in Idaho. Lemhi County could feel wind gusts of more than 30 mph on Monday and Tuesday.

That means it’s time for hardcore gardeners to pull those last tomatoes off the vine and gather mulch for winter defense…MORE