The snowstorm that hit much of North Central Montana last week caused some minor traffic and road problems across the region, but at higher elevations, the heavy snowfall in the Little Belt Mountains caused many roads to become impassable.

Since then, warmer and dry weather conditions have moderated conditions somewhat, with the snow settling and melting across lower and mid-elevations throughout much of the forest. As a result, many roads below 6,600 feet are now passable to four-wheel drive vehicles. 

Dave Cunningham, public information officer for the Lewis & Clark National Forest, released the following information:

The southeastern portion of the Little Belts received the least snow, and most roads in that portion of the mountain range are now passable.   On the Judith Ranger District the Dry Wolf, Sage Creek, Yogo Creek, and South Fork of the Judith are passable to about 6,600 feet.  The White Sulphur Springs Ranger District received less snow than the north side of the Little Belts.  Most roads in the Castle Mountain Range are open and most roads in the Little Belts are open below 6,600 feet.  The Divide Road remains closed by snow.   Much of the Belt Creek District got the heaviest snow fall, and many of its roads remain impassable.  All roads open to vehicle use on the Rocky Mountain Ranger District are passable with light or no snow cover.

Snowmobiles may be used on roads that are open to use by wheeled vehicles when the roads become impassable due to deep snow, but officials caution that snowmobiles must remain on roads  

Cross-country travel is prohibited prior to December 1 to provide for big game security and to prevent damage to soil and vegetation lying beneath a generally shallow and unconsolidated snowpack.