textproduct: Pocatello

KEY MESSAGES

- Impactful Winter Weather: A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the central mountains and eastern highlands, where impactful snow is expected through tomorrow.

- High-Elevation Snowfall: Accumulations of 6 to 10 inches are probable for mountain passes, with up to 1 to 2 feet possible on the highest peaks, particularly in the Sawtooths and Bear River Range.

- Windy Thursday: A Wind Advisory is in effect for the Snake Plain, Magic Valley, Teton Valley, and South Hills for gusts up to 50 mph.

- Holiday Weekend Warm-up: Following a cold and wet Thursday, a high-pressure ridge will usher in a significant warming trend, with 70-degree temperatures possible by early next week.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 222 PM MDT Wed Apr 1 2026

Afternoon satellite imagery reveals welcome breaks in the cloud cover, allowing temperatures to climb into the 50s in areas seeing sustained sunshine. This reprieve will be short- lived, however, as clouds return quickly this evening ahead of an approaching upper-level low moving inland from the Pacific coast. This feature will serve as the primary driver for a period of active weather across Eastern Idaho over the next 12 to 36 hours.

As the system moves overhead tomorrow, a sharp cold front will push through the region during the early to mid-morning hours. High-resolution guidance suggests this front may coincide with the morning commute along the interstate corridors, bringing a rapid transition from rain to snow. While overnight rainfall will saturate the ground, the arrival of the cold front will drive snow levels down to valley floors. Significant valley accumulations appear unlikely due to marginal temperatures and wet roads, but a few tenths of an inch remain possible, especially if convective elements develop along the frontal boundary. Behind the front, temperatures will struggle, with afternoon highs only reaching the mid-30s to lower 40s.

The most substantial impacts will be focused in the high country, where a Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for the central mountains and eastern highlands. While elevations around 6,500 feetincluding Stanley, Ketchum, and Island Parkcan expect 3 to 6 inches of snow, the heaviest totals will be found above 8,000 feet. Mountain passes in the 6,5008,500 foot range are progged to receive 6 to 10 inches, while the highest peaks of the Sawtooths could see 1 to 2 feet of fresh accumulation due to favorable upslope flow. Compounding the winter weather will be widespread winds of 25 to 35 mph, with gusts potentially reaching 50 mph across the Snake Plain and South Hills, making for a generally unpleasant day across the region.

Thankfully, this system is progressive. The upper low is forecast to shift quickly into Wyoming by Friday, allowing precipitation to taper off and skies to begin clearing. While Friday remains below seasonal norms, it will be notably milder than Thursday before a more robust warming trend takes hold for the weekend. Strong high pressure will dominate the Intermountain West through early next week, ensuring dry conditions and a rapid climb in temperatures. Valley highs in the 60s this weekend are expected to give way to the 70s by Monday and Tuesday. Looking further ahead, the pattern may become unsettled again by mid-week, though significant uncertainty remains regarding the timing and strength of any subsequent disturbances.

AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z FRIDAY/

Issued at 1039 PM MDT Wed Apr 1 2026

Thunderstorms have ended but several waves of showers will move through overnight through 5 AM. Did drop ceilings to MVFR levels as well in the 06 to 09Z time frame. Have -SHRA at all sites through 09Z. Big forecast problem is if and when precipitation changes to snow after cold frontal passage. Have a mix at SUN after 09Z and a mix after 13Z at IDA and PIH and at BYI after 11Z. For DIJ changed to snow after 12Z. Dry low level air does move in quickly post cold front which should end precipiation pretty quickly before 18Z and only left precipiation in at DIJ. Have snow back at IDA and DIJ after 03Z Thursday night as convergence zone is possible in wrap around wave. Only have VCSH at PIH. Dropped visibility to as low as 3 miles in the snow and rain/snow mix Thursday morning. Other big impact will be winds after 12Z with sustained 25 to 30 knots at BYI, PIH and IDA with gusts 30 to 40 knots. Generally 15 knots at SUN ant DIJ with gusts up to 25 knots. Overall not a good day on Thursday for general aviation.

PIH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

Wind Advisory from 8 AM to 9 PM MDT Thursday for IDZ051>057- 065. Winter Weather Advisory until noon MDT Friday for IDZ060-063- 064-066. Winter Weather Advisory until 6 PM MDT Thursday for IDZ071>074.