La Niña is Back, And So is The Montana Snow

North America is back in the "La Niña" business, with climatologists predicting that ocean temperatures will likely be a factor in our Northern Rockies winter for the next few months.

The latest outlook is still for a "weak La Niña", which may only last until early 2026 before switching neutral, but enough to create snowy conditions to end this year.

Similar to last year's "weak" pattern, that could mean colder and wetter conditions from now through December, with more significant storms in the first half of winter. Then, the sea surface temperatures could begin swinging to "neutral" as soon as January.

    ❄️ However, it should be noted that La Niña isn't always a guarantee of a stormy winter, especially if the currents are more subtle.

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Glacier finally confirms Going-to-Sun-Road closure

It's been almost two weeks since early snow closed the popular Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, and when coupled with the government shutdown, it was immediately apparent the season was done at Logan Pass.

But it wasn't until today that the park formally announced the season was over and the alpine road, in fact, would be closed for the winter. That closure will be on the west side, between Avalanche Creek and Logan Pass. Other sections of the road may still have some limited travel for a while longer, but that all depends on storms.

Prison water leak located

The Montana Department of Corrections says extensive searching has uncovered not just one, but three leaks inside the Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge.

Now the questions are, what can be done to fix them, and how long will it take?

DOC announced this morning that they found the leaks yesterday and are now pressure testing the system to see if there are additional leaks. The prison has been without water since Friday.

DOC Director Brian Gootkin says the discovery is a "big step forward", although the agency will need to keep sourcing water while repairs are made.

Family relieved at accused killer's arrest in Missoula

The family of a slain Oregon woman whose accused killer was arrested in Missoula is expressing relief and thanks for some closure in the 2-year-old crime.

As we reported yesterday, Missoula Police say 21-year-old Connor J O'Brien was apprehended by the FBI's Montana Regional Violent Crimes Task Force, along with help from Missoula officers. O'Brien is accused of fatally stabbing 21-year-old Tiara Atencio, a single mother who was returning to her Portland home when she was attacked.

Her sister told KOIN 6 News in Portland she "fell to her knees" when she heard the news, feeling"thankful",  "relieved," and "gratefu,l" saying it's "one step closer to the healing process."

O'Brien was being held in Missoula, pending his extradition to Oregon.

     It's the second time in less than six months that a fugitive killer from another state has been apprehended in Missoula. In June, Jesse Lewis was arrested for a murder in Kentucky.

Tragic mishap on I-90

An unknown man was killed yesterday afternoon when he ran in front of a car on Interstate 90.

The accident happened near Hardin, in Big Horn County.

Montana Highway Patrol troopers say a 67-year-old Bozeman man was headed eastbound when the victim suddenly ran onto the freeway. The driver swerved to avoid him, but still hit the man, killing him. Investigators are still working to identify the victim.

New federal jail contract in Cascade County

Cascade County commissioners are approving a contract to house detainees for U-S Customs and Border Protection at the county jail.

The Electric reports the deal was signed this week and will pay the county just over $20,000 over the next year. Previously, CBP arrests were staying at the jail, but that was under an original contract with the U-S Marshall's Service. The deal could be extended for an additional 3 years.

Lolo power cut-off coming

Northwestern Energy customers in the Lolo area south of Missoula are being warned of a planned power outage later this week, as crews work on upgrading a major transmission line.

The utility says power will be off from 11 p.m. Thursday night until about 4 a.m. Friday as crews will install the new line to meet the growing energy demand and make the system more reliable. Outage alerts will be sent out by phone, as long as you've signed up through your account page or called Northwestern's customer service.