Traveling on New Year’s Eve? Stick close to Boise or be cautious in Idaho mountains
Anyone who had been planning on traveling on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day might want to stay close to Boise this year, or leave a little later if you can. The Boise branch of the National Weather Service said Monday that a “threat of significant snowfall” could make travel in the mountains surrounding the Treasure Valley difficult starting Tuesday night.
A Pacific storm bringing snow likely will hit the area as revelers are celebrating the departure of 2019 and the arrival of 2020, bringing a mix of rain and snow to the Treasure Valley. Most of the significant snowfall is expected at elevations at or above 4,000 feet, according to the National Weather Service, which issued a winter weather advisory.
Bogus Basin could see 7-10 inches of snow.
“The snow levels are going to be right above Boise,” said NWS forecaster Stefanie Henry. “It’s going to be a tough forecast to really say if it’s going to be accumulating” in the city.
Boise will be on the warmer side, Henry said, so any snowfall won’t stick and stay. The Foothills and areas farther southeast of Boise should see accumulation, Henry said, but less than a half-inch of snow is expected in the city of Boise.
Traveling to McCall or Idaho City? Check the roads.
Travelers heading to McCall or Idaho City should expect delays from the heavy snowfall Tuesday night and Wednesday, especially along Idaho 55 and U.S. 95. Avalanche advisories could be in effect for parts of Idaho 21, especially after it was buried last winter. Roughly 6-10 inches of snow is expected in Central Idaho at elevations above 4,000 feet.
Travelers in the backcountry should prepare for breezy conditions, low visibility and blowing snow in some areas.
Mountain Home and eastward to the Magic Valley could see 1 to 2 inches of snow into Wednesday morning.
The storm will clear out of the Boise area by late Wednesday, although there could be lingering snow showers in the mountains through the weekend.
Still, officials recommended that travelers consider delaying mountain travel until later New Year’s Day or on Thursday, if possible.
“We just advise everyone to take their time, plan ahead and make sure they have a winter kit in their care in case they get stuck,” Henry said.
