Weather
Montana Weather Oct. 10-12: Up to 20 Inches of Snow
GREAT FALLS, MT – Winter Storm Warnings have been issued across portions of central, southwestern and south central Montana, with heavy snow expected Saturday through Monday, Oct. 10 12. Some areas al
By Natalie Rhodes · 2026-10-10T01:17:29.336Z
GREAT FALLS, MT – Winter Storm Warnings have been issued across portions of central, southwestern and south central Montana, with heavy snow expected Saturday through Monday, Oct. 10 12. Some areas along the Southern Rocky Mountain Front could receive 10 to 20 inches, while wind gusts may reach 45 mph.
According to the National Weather Service offices in Great Falls, Missoula and Billings, the warnings cover mountain ranges, foothills, valleys and several travel corridors, with snowfall amounts varying considerably by elevation and location.
The National Weather Service in Great Falls forecasts 10 to 20 inches across the Southern Rocky Mountain Front, Southern High Plains, Upper Blackfoot and MacDonald Pass, and Gates of the Mountains areas. The Lincoln valley is expected to receive up to 6 inches. The warning begins at noon Saturday and continues until 6 a.m. MDT Monday.
Great Falls and surrounding lower elevation areas, including portions of Cascade County, Judith Basin County and Meagher County valleys, could receive 5 to 10 inches beginning Saturday evening.
The Big Belt, Bridger, Castle, Little Belt, Highwood, Elkhorn and Boulder mountains are forecast to receive 6 to 12 inches, with wind gusts reaching 40 to 45 mph in some areas.
Farther south, the National Weather Service in Billings expects 10 to 18 inches in the Absaroka/Beartooth and Crazy mountains, with the greatest totals above 8,000 feet. The Melville Foothills could receive 5 to 10 inches of heavy, wet snow, potentially making travel along U.S. Highway 191 difficult.
The National Weather Service in Missoula also warns of 3 to 9 inches across the Butte/Blackfoot region, including MacDonald Pass, Georgetown Lake and Homestake Pass.
Forecasters caution that heavy, wet snow and gusty winds could bring down tree branches and cause isolated power outages in portions of the warning area. Snowfall accumulation on roads may differ substantially from grassy surfaces, particularly at lower elevations.
Residents and travelers should prepare for difficult road conditions Saturday night through Monday morning, monitor updated National Weather Service forecasts and check Montana 511 for road conditions before traveling.