UPDATE: January 18, 2024:
County, cities, and MDT are working hard today to clear roads across Flathead County, especially the main arteries and intersections. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Hodgson Road between Trumble Creek and Whitefish Stage Road will remain closed today and should reopen tomorrow. Updates will continue to be posted here.
UPDATE: January 17, 2024. From the Flathead County Roads Department:
High winds are expected later this afternoon with gusts predicted up to 50 mph. Flathead County Roads and Sheriff's Departments will again close Hodgson Road from Trumble Creek to near Whitefish Stage Road. The gates will be lowered this afternoon around 2-3 p.m. If you live in the area, please take necessary steps to avoid travel in the area this afternoon. The Roads Department believes they can begin plowing late Thursday or Friday morning to clear the area, depending upon weather conditions.
From the US National Weather Service Missoula Montana
· Whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening. Roadways may become impassable due to blowing and drifting snow.
· Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect for the rest of NW MT, outside of the Flathead and Mission Valleys.
Please forward this information to anyone who might travel or live in the area.
UPDATE: January 16, 2024. From the Flathead County Roads Department:
The next storm will start Wednesday and continue through Thurs a.m. Current weather models are showing significant snow in the valley with up to ten inches possible. Beginning Wednesday evening into Thursday morning, wind gusts are predicted to reach 30 mph.
We ANTICIPATE significant drifting on Hodgson Road and other East/West routes, which COULD result in closing the road again.
"If we can keep folks out of that area, it greatly speeds up our ability to clean up and open," David Prunty Flathead County roads department.
Get ready for another round, Flathead!
UPDATE: Hodgson Road, Whitefish. Jan. 14, 2024
As of 3:15 today, Flathead County Roads Department has reopened Hodgson Road. The crew cleared 5' of snow that had drifted near the West gate.
Please remember, if weather again turns bad with drifting snow, Hodgson Road may be closed. Check Flathead County MT for county road updates.
UPDATE HODGSON ROAD, Friday, January 12, 2024
Flathead County Sheriff's Office and Roads Departments will continue to keep Hodgson Road (Trumble Creek Road to just east of Whitefish Stage Road) closed until Sunday.
Although weather conditions have improved, blowing snow continues to produce drifts on the road and dangerously cold temperatures is making it difficult for crews to clear. Three vehicles were found this morning abandoned on the section of road that is closed.
PSA from the Flathead County Sheriff's Office, January 11,2024
We are asking the public to stay off of the roads today, if at all possible. We are receiving reports of zero visibility, high winds, whiteout conditions, and heavy snow throughout the valley. The county and city's roads departments and law enforcement are working hard to keep up with road conditions and traffic concerns.
If you must travel, call your destination prior to leaving to ensure it is open this afternoon/evening. Be watchful for emergency vehicles and road closures.
Stay safe.
Whitefish, MT 10:45 a.m. Jan. 11, 2024
The Flathead Sheriff’s Office and the Road Department have closed the section of Hodgson Road (Trumble Creek Road to just east of Whitefish Stage Road) due to blowing snow and whiteout conditions. Gates were installed earlier this year to prevent traffic during any closure.
Additionally, the County Roads Department has reported that the intersection of Highway 40 and 93 in Whitefish currently has low visibility.
As conditions continue to change, please be watchful for road crews and signs of closures.