Winter Storm Warning: First Big Snowstorm Hits Montana

Heavy snowfall is in the forecast for several Mountain ranges in Montana over the weekend. Here's a look at anticipated snowfall totals and where the most snow is expected to fall.

READ MORE: Revealing the Best and Worst Places to Live in Montana

Montana residents should prepare for significant winter weather as the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for much of the state. Snowfall could exceed 12 inches in some areas, making travel conditions potentially hazardous.

First Big Snow Storm Hits Montana This Weekend

The first winter storm watches for the 2025-26 season have been issued for Montana. Glacier National Park and several other mountain ranges throughout the state are under a Winter Storm Watch.

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Snow totals are expected to vary throughout the state. Find details about specific areas below:

Pryor/Northern Bighorn Mountains-Northeast Bighorn Mountains

• WHAT: Moderate to heavy snow. Total snow accumulations between 7
  and 14 inches possible, greatest on north aspects. Winds could
  gust as high as 30 mph.
• WHERE: In Montana, Pryor/Northern Bighorn Mountains. In Wyoming, Northeast Bighorn Mountains.
• WHEN: From Saturday evening through Sunday afternoon.
• IMPACTS: Recreation in the high country will be impacted by heavy accumulating snow. Expect difficult travel conditions on US-14through Burgess Junction.
• ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Heaviest snow accumulations will occur above 8,000 feet.

Absaroka/Beartooth Mountains-Crazy Mountains

• WHAT: Moderate to heavy snow. Total snow accumulations between 8
  and 18 inches possible, greatest on north aspects of the
  Beartooths.
• WHERE: Absaroka/Beartooth Mountains and Crazy Mountains.
• WHEN: From Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon.
• IMPACTS: Recreation in the high country will be impacted by heavy accumulating snow.
• ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Heaviest snow accumulations will occur above 8,000 feet.

Bighorn Mountains West-Bighorn Mountains Southeast

• WHAT: Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 12
  inches above 9000 feet with localized amounts of 14 or more inches
  in the highest peaks. Elevations between 7000 and 9000 feet can
  see total snow accumulations of a trace to 6 inches.
• WHERE: Bighorn Mountains Southeast and Bighorn Mountains West.
• WHEN: From Saturday afternoon through Sunday afternoon.
• IMPACTS: Travel could be difficult at times especially along US
  14 over Granite Pass and US 16 over Powder River Pass.

Gallatin, Madison County Mountains, and Centennial Mountains

• WHAT: Heavy, wet snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 2 to
  7 inches above 6000 feet.
• WHERE: Gallatin and Madison County Mountains and Centennial Mountains.
• WHEN: From Saturday evening through Sunday afternoon.
• IMPACTS: Cold, wet, and raw outdoor conditions. Increased risk for hypothermia for those not properly dressed for the weather. Forest roads may become difficult to travel or impassible due to muddy and slushy conditions.
• ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Isolated power outages for areas that receive heavier snow falling onto power lines and or trees with full foliage.

East Glacier Park Region

• WHAT: Heavy, wet snow possible. Total snow accumulations 2 to 6
  inches above 5500 feet, with a 60% chance for 6 inches of snow or
  more above 7000 feet.
• WHERE: East Glacier Park Region Zone.
• WHEN: From late Saturday night through Sunday morning.
• IMPACTS: Cold, wet, and raw outdoor conditions. Increased risk for hypothermia and frost bite for those not properly dressed for the weather. Roads in Glacier National Park, including Going-to-the-Sun Road and Logan Pass may become difficult to travel or impassible.
• ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Power outages and infrastructure disruptions may occur in addition to road closures.

West Glacier Region

• WHAT: Heavy snow possible above 5500 feet. There is a chance of
  major winter weather impacts. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 6
  inches likely. 50% chance for 6 inches of snow, or more, above
  7000 feet. Cold, wet, and windy conditions expected.
• WHERE: Higher elevations including Glacier National Park, Going-to-the-Sun Road, and Logan Pass.
• WHEN: From late Saturday night through Sunday morning.
• IMPACTS: For MAJOR winter weather impacts, expect considerable disruptions to normal activities. Dangerous or impossible traveling conditions. Avoid travel in the impacted areas if possible. Widespread closures and disruptions to infrastructure may occur. Cold, wet, and windy weather will likely create hazardous backcountry conditions with increased risk of exposure, hypothermia, and frostbite to those without adequate shelter or clothing.
• ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Visitors to Glacier National Park, hikers, campers, and bow hunters should be prepared for winter weather conditions.