Winter storm slams Sanders, Mineral counties
Desiree Ballard, an employee of Simple Simon's Pizza in Plains, clears snow during the storm on Jan. 6. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
A major winter storm slammed into Western Montana last week, causing local school and road closures, and plenty of plowing out.
Thompson Falls School District canceled classes on Friday after about a foot of snow fell on the city.
The Montana Department of Transportation warned of severe driving conditions Friday morning highways 200 and 56 between Troy and Thompson Falls, and Highway 37 along Lake Koocanusa near Libby.
Meanwhile, St. Regis along I-90 west of Missoula reported 2 feet of snow. Near Lookout Pass multiple avalanches hit the interstate, causing a full blockage of a driving lane. The interstate was closed Friday due to the avalanche danger and because of multiple slide-off wrecks.