Soldier & Wood River Valley Mtns

Yesterday was overcast with light showers of snow and rain throughout the day, favoring the northern Sawtooth Range and Banner Summit areas. Rainlines climbed to roughly 8,000 ft before dropping around nightfall. Temperatures were in the upper 20s and low 30s F with moderate SW winds blowing in most mountain locations.

Last night, snow showers deposited an additional trace-2" in the mountains north and west of Galena Summit. The rain-snow line was around 7500'. Temperatures dipped to the mid to upper 20s F, and light to moderate S-SW winds blew on the ridgetops.

Today, expect intermittent snow or rain showers to deposit trace-4" of snow throughout the forecast area, with deeper accumulations in the northern and western zones. Mountain temperatures will climb into the low 30s F with light SW winds blowing at upper elevations. The rain-snow line should peak between 7500-7800' late this afternoon. This afternoon there is a chance of convective activity with possible thunder, lightning, and intensive precipitation localized to individual drainages, which adds uncertainty to snowfall forecasts.

Tonight, the storm intensifies, and widespread heavy snowfall is expected throughout the forecast area. By daybreak tomorrow, new snow accumulations are expected to be 8-15" in the Sawtooths, Banner Summit area, and Western Smokys, 6-10" in the Boulders, Galena Summit, Pioneers, and White Clouds,  and 4-8" in the Soldiers with lesser amounts in the Wood River Valley. This all comes with moderate to strong W and SW winds and cooling overnight temperatures. Rainlines are forecast to drop to ~6,000' overnight.

Tomorrow, the storm will taper off with gradually clearing skies in areas south of Galena Summit and temperatures remaining cool in the mid-20s F. The Sawtooth Range, Western Smokys, White Clouds and Banner Summit areas could see an additional 2-6" of snow, falling primarily in the morning. Winds are forecast to remain moderate and blowing from the W.