Montana Braces for Major Snowstorm: Winter Weather Alerts Issued Across the State!

Published on December 2, 2025

Montana is experiencing a series of Winter Weather Advisories as snow accumulations and sub-freezing temperatures pose significant risks for travelers and residents across various regions. Affected areas include the Flathead Valley, Polson, Mission Valley, Kootenai/Cabinet Region, West Glacier, and many other regions throughout the state. With snow expected to accumulate between 1 to 10 inches in some areas and temperatures dropping below freezing after dark, conditions are likely to become hazardous, particularly due to the formation of black ice. Below is a detailed overview of the current weather advisories in effect across Montana.

Flathead Valley and Surrounding Areas: Snow and Black Ice Hazard

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the Flathead Valley, Polson, Mission Valley, and Flathead Lake areas until noon on Tuesday. Snow accumulations of 2 to 5 inches are expected, with Bigfork to the Many Lakes regionanticipating 5 to 8 inches of snow. During the day, melting will occur, but as temperatures drop below freezing after dark, the risk of black ice will increase significantly. Drivers and pedestrians are urged to exercise caution as roads may become slippery, especially during the evening hours when temperatures are expected to fall below freezing.

Kootenai and Cabinet Regions: Slick Conditions Expected

The Kootenai/Cabinet Region is under a Winter Weather Advisory until noon Tuesday. Snow accumulation of 2 to 5 inches is anticipated, and like other areas, the combination of daytime melting and sub-freezing temperatures at night will lead to dangerous conditions. As night falls, roads are expected to become slicker, and travelers are urged to remain vigilant, particularly in regions that have been forecasted to experience the heaviest snowfalls.

West Glacier and Potomac/Seeley Lake: Significant Snowfall in Forecast

For those in the West Glacier Region and Potomac/Seeley Lake Region, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 8 PM this evening until 5 PM Tuesday. Snow accumulations are expected to range between 3 and 7 inches, with the Seeley-Swan Valley possibly receiving up to 10 inches. As with other affected regions, daytime melting combined with sub-zero temperatures after dark will result in hazardous travel conditions, including the formation of black ice. Travelers should be prepared for slick roads, especially during the night and early morning hours when temperatures are at their lowest.

Lower Clark Fork: Snowfall and Ice Concerns

A Winter Weather Advisory is also in effect until 2 PM Tuesday for the Lower Clark Fork Region, where total snow accumulations of 2 to 5 inches are anticipated. Similar to the other affected areas, temperatures are expected to dip below freezing after daylight hours, which will increase the potential for dangerous road conditions due to black ice. Drivers and residents should exercise caution, especially on untreated surfaces that may freeze overnight.

Missoula and Bitterroot Valleys: Potential for Snow and Ice

The Missoula/Bitterroot Valleys are under a Winter Weather Advisory from 8 PM this evening until 2 PM Tuesday. Snowfall of 1 to 4 inches is expected in this area. As with other regions, the melting of snow during the day will combine with sub-freezing temperatures at night to create hazardous driving conditions. Black ice is a significant concern, and drivers should be cautious on the roads, particularly as temperatures fall overnight.

Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains: Heavy Snowfall Expected

A Winter Weather Advisory has also been issued for the Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains, including Lolo Pass and Highway 93 from Sula to Lost Trail Pass, which will remain in effect from 8 PM Monday until 5 PM Tuesday. This region is expected to receive 4 to 7 inches of snow, with the possibility of even more in higher elevations. As always, the combination of snow accumulation and freezing temperatures will create a significant risk of black ice, particularly on mountain roads and higher passes.

Butte and Blackfoot Region: Snow and Ice Risk

In the Butte/Blackfoot Region, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 8 PM Monday until 5 PM Tuesday. Snow accumulations of 1 to 2 inches are expected in valley areas, while Homestake Pass, MacDonald Pass, and the vicinity of Georgetown Lake could see 3 to 5 inches of snow. With temperatures dipping below freezing, travelers are advised to be aware of icy conditions, especially as snow melt combined with cold temperatures leads to the formation of black ice on roadways.

Northwest Beaverhead County: Snowfall and Ice Formation

A Winter Weather Advisory is also in effect until 11 PM Tuesday for Northwest Beaverhead County. Snow accumulations in this area are expected to range from 2 to 5 inches, and as with other regions, the formation of black iceis a significant concern. Travelers should anticipate slippery roads, particularly in areas of heavier snowfall and where temperatures are expected to fall after dark.

Mountain Regions: Heavy Snowfall and Wind Gusts Expected

For the Highwood, Little Belt, Judith, and Snowy Mountains, as well as the Big Belt, Bridger, and Castle Mountains, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 11 PM Monday until 5 AM Wednesday. Snow accumulations will range from 2 to 4 inches at lower elevations, while higher terrain could receive 6 to 11 inches of snow. Wind gusts of up to 40 mph are also expected, which could cause blowing snow and reduced visibility in higher mountain passes. Travelers should be prepared for difficult driving conditions, particularly in mountain passes like Bozeman Pass, where snow and ice may accumulate quickly.

Clearwater Mountains: Snow and Ice Threat

The Southern Clearwater Mountains are under a Winter Weather Advisory from 7 PM Monday until 4 PM Tuesday, with up to 7 inches of snow expected at Lolo Pass and 1 to 2 inches at lower elevations. Similarly, the Northern Clearwater Mountains are expecting 3 to 5 inches of snow during the same timeframe. These regions are also expected to experience freezing temperatures after daylight hours, increasing the risk of black ice and slick road conditions.

Continental Divide: Snowfall to Impact Travel

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect until 11 PM Tuesday for the Continental Divide along the Rocky Mountain Front, including East Glacier Park, Marias Pass, Logan Pass, and Rogers Pass. Snow accumulations are expected to be between 2 to 5 inches, with slick conditions likely due to melting snow during the day and freezing temperatures overnight.

Cascade and Judith Basin Counties: Snowfall to Continue

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 5 AM Tuesday until 5 AM Wednesday for Cascade County below 5,000 feet, Judith Basin County, Judith Gap, and Fergus County below 4,500 feet. This region could see up to 4 inches of snow, with conditions expected to worsen as temperatures fall and the potential for black ice increases.

Conclusion

As Montana braces for heavy snow and the potential formation of black ice across multiple regions, residents and travelers are urged to remain cautious. Road conditions are expected to become slick as snow accumulates and temperatures drop after daylight hours. It is recommended that individuals avoid unnecessary travel, particularly during the evening and overnight hours when temperatures are at their lowest.