Winter returns to the Clearwater

After several weeks of mild weather, winter returned to the Clearwater today with snow beginning to fall about 10 this morning and continuing into the evening leaving roadways icy and slushy.

When the temperature started falling late this afternoon, the snow began to stick more on roadways and motorists found themselves dealing with slick roads again. There were two accidents along U.S. Highway 12, one near Transfer Station Rd. just over one mile downriver from the Orofino Bridge, and another near mile marker 60, 16 miles upriver from Orofino.

Forecasts from National Weather Service-Missoula are calling for a continued chance of snow through most of the week. They are also forecasting a blast of Arctic cold moving out of Canada into the area Thursday. They are cautioning people to be ready for plummeting temperatures accompanied by gusty winds that may push the wind chill down to dangerous levels. For further information, check the Weather section of Window on the Clearwater.

Photos: Snow came again to the Clearwater after several weeks of weather that had people thinking of spring. Crocuses were blooming and robins had returned to some parts of the area. Now snow has returned. Top--The snow came down fast enough that this photo of the trees on the hill behind the Clearwater County Courthouse appears blurred and black and white. Second--Snow begins to build up on branches.