Snow, Then a Break Before a “Messy” Weekend in Montana

Montana's snowy and cold weather will be hanging around longer than the Thanksgiving leftovers this week, and while conditions will gradually warm, the National Weather Service is warning of another shot of snow to start the week, and then more "messy" conditions by the end of the week.

In Western Montana, Meteorologist Jen Kitzmiller says mountain locations could see another 3 to 6 inches of heavy snow Monday night into Tuesday morning.

"Elsewhere, most valleys are likely going to see 1 to 3 inches of snow," Kitzmiller explained in the Sunday briefing. "So our main concern is really going to be the development of slick roads, especially Monday night into Tuesday morning, where we could see some ice develop along with, with the snowfall and just see things really get slick. So the Tuesday morning commute in particular may be challenging."

Winter weather advisories are posted for most of the high country along the Divide, in Southwest and Northwest Montana, with a cold weather advisory along the HiLine.

    ❄️ While temperatures will moderate through the week, the potential for an atmospheric river event, with rising snow levels, could create some major traffic impacts this coming weekend.

Foreigners told to "pay up" to see our National Parks

Not a lot of travelers in Montana this time of the year. But the tourism industry is already worried about what happens next year, following the implementation of triple-digit entrance fee increases for international travelers coming to Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.

Last week, the Department of the Interior announced it will implement new fees on foreign visitors to the parks. That idea was floated last summer, but now we know the fees will be $100 per person, with annual park passes for international visitors set at $250 per car.

The annual park pass for domestic visitors remains at $80 under the 2026 fee schedule. It's too soon to know exactly what the impact will be, but already, businesses that depend on tourism are expressing concerns.

Bitterroot mine opposition jumps into action

Some Bitterroot Valley residents are already organizing to show opposition to the possibility of a rare earth elements mine on the headwaters of the Bitterroot River.

As we reported last week, the Trump Administration has included the proposed Sheep Creek Project on its "FAST 41" list of projects that could see expedited approval. We're expecting to hear this week whether U.S. Critical Minerals' plans make the cut.

But some Bitterroot residents are also accelerating their opposition, starting to organize last week on Facebook for a meeting this afternoon in Hamilton. They'll be urging Ravalli County commissioners to send a letter of opposition, with fears over how the mine could impact water quality and recreational businesses in the valley.

READ MORE: Bitterroot Mine on the Federal Fast Track

Laurel gets thanks for accepting mental health facility

The Department of Public Health and Human Services is expressing thanks to leaders in the City of Laurel for agreeing to plans to partner with the state to construct a new behavioral health facility.

DPHHS Director Charlie Brereton says Laurel will provide access to a good workforce for the new center, and its location will help patients, their families, staff, and law enforcement with better access to mental health treatment in Central and Eastern Montana.

The Legislature cleared the way for the new center by approving 26-and-a-half million dollars during the last session earlier this year.

Gas prices drop again

Average gasoline prices in Montana take another drop, down just over 3 cents a gallon for regular in the latest survey from GasBuddy.com. That puts the average at $2.95 a gallon, which is 4 cents less than last month, but still more than a nickel a gallon higher than the start of December last year.

The national average dropped more than 8 cents a gallon, which puts Montana right at the national average of $2.95. 10 years ago, we were paying only $2.28 for a gallon of regular.

RELATED: It's Been Months Since Montana Gas Prices Have Increased

Icy roads take a life in the Blackfoot Valley

Montana Highway Patrol is now reporting it was an Ovando man who was killed in a crash in Powell County over the weekend. Troopers say the victim lost control of the Jeep on the icy road, crossing the centerline and smashing into an oncoming pickup.

     The young Oregon man driving the truck escaped injury.

Driver killed when car breaks down

Troopers suspect drugs were a factor in the Saturday crash in Sweetgrass County that killed a 74-year-old Hardin man. The victim's Mazda broke down in the middle of the driving lane on eastbound I-90, and an oncoming truck driver couldn't avoid the car, slamming into the vehicle and forcing it off the road. The driver died later at the hospital.