187
FXUS65 KPIH 100902
AFDPIH

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Pocatello ID
202 AM MST Fri Jan 10 2025

.SHORT TERM...Today and Saturday. Morning stratus and patchy dense
freezing fog persists this morning across the Snake Plain, Magic
Valley, Teton Valley, Island Park and portions of the southeast
highlands. We should see this dissipate this afternoon as our next
storm approaches central and eastern highlands. Light snow will
move into the central mountains during the afternoon, then spread
quickly southeast this evening. While showers will remain in
northwest flow across the central mountains and along the Divide
overnight, the bulk of the snow shifts to the higher elevations
elsewhere...as well as along the 15/86 corridor. Most of the snow
will remain tomorrow across portions of the eastern and southeast
highlands. Across the South Hills, Albion Mountains, central
mountains, and bench areas from Ashton to Coldwater will see some
occasional very light snow. Snow totals through tomorrow
afternoon are anywhere from a Trace to an inch or so across the
Snake Plain, Magic Valley and benches. For the central mountains,
we should see anywhere to from a Trace to 2", with around 4" on
the highest ridgelines. With northwest flow, favored areas will be
NORTH of Galena Summit. For the South Hills/Albion Mountains,
anywhere from a dusting to 4" is expected...highest on top of
Pomerelle and similar elevations. For the eastern and southeast
highlands, look for up to 3" for lower elevations and 4-6" for the
mountains. Locally higher amounts are possible above pass level
for the Bear River Range and Big Holes. The other story will be
stronger winds. They will slowly pick up today, but really ramp up
this evening and continue into tomorrow afternoon. There will be
some blowing and drifting conditions in the mountains, especially
above pass level. Because of elevation thresholds with the
strongest winds, we will not be issuing any winter-related
headlines this morning. Speaking of those strongest winds, they will
be across highest elevations of the central mountains, Magic
Valley, and South Hills/Albion Mountains. The mountaintop winds
will exceed 55mph at times. Based on wind speeds alone at lower
elevations, we WILL issue a WIND ADVISORY for the Magic Valley and
South Hills/Albion Mountains with gusts up to 55 mph for this
evening through most of Saturday. There may be a brief window
overnight and early tomorrow where any light snow falling down low
could create low visibilty and slick spots. That wording was
included in the advisory. Expecting some spotty light snow or
flurries tomorrow night. Temperatures will be moderate slightly,
but still remain below 30 degrees where the inversion holds.
Temperatures tomorrow will trend a bit cooler overall, EXPECT
where the inversion has been holding. We will actually mix that
out and those locations will push to near freezing. Keyes

.LONG TERM...Sunday through Friday. Strong northerly flow aloft
will bring cold temperatures and light snow showers Sunday mainly
in the eastern mountains with dry conditions Monday. Highs both
days in the teens and 20s with lows Sunday and Monday nights in
the single digits above and below zero to lower teens in the Magic
Valley. Will be dry Tuesday through Thursday with inversion
conditions developing with likely high temperatures warmer in the
mountains than Snake River Plain. Highs Tuesday through Thursday
in the 20s to lower 30s low elevations and mid to upper 30s in the
mountains. Lows single digits to teens through Thursday night.
May see a frontal passage Friday with cooler temperatures and some
mountain snow showers but low confidence at this point. Light
winds expected through the long term period with minimal impacts
under general dry conditions. GK

&&

.AVIATION...Main impact this morning is lingering stratus and fog at PIH, IDA
and DIJ.  Will keep IFR conditions until about noon and should
improve to VFR or MVFR.  Upper trof will move east overnight and
expect MVFR to IFR conditions returning overnight into Saturday
morning with low ceilings and reduced visibility in light snow.
Winds will also increase with 15 to 25 knot winds at BYI and PIH
with 10 to 15 knots at IDA.
GK

&&

.PIH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Wind Advisory from 9 PM this evening to 5 PM MST Saturday for
IDZ051-055>057.

&&

$$