Weather
Montana Winter Weather Alert: 5 Inches of Snow Friday, 45 MPH Winds
GREAT FALLS, MT – A widespread round of mountain snow is expected to bring hazardous travel conditions to portions of Montana on Friday, with up to 5 inches of accumulation and wind gusts reaching 45
By Nolan Pierce · 2026-10-22T07:34:37.190Z
GREAT FALLS, MT – A widespread round of mountain snow is expected to bring hazardous travel conditions to portions of Montana on Friday, with up to 5 inches of accumulation and wind gusts reaching 45 mph in some areas. Drivers traveling through mountain passes could encounter slippery roads during the evening commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Great Falls, multiple winter weather advisories were issued Wednesday night, covering mountain ranges across central, north central and southwestern Montana from Friday, Oct. 23, into early Saturday, Oct. 24.
Forecasters expect 2 to 5 inches of snow across the affected elevations, with advisory periods varying by location.
Friday Snow Could Disrupt Mountain Travel The Elkhorn and Boulder Mountains, northwest Beaverhead County, and the Gallatin, Madison and Centennial mountain ranges will be under a winter weather advisory from noon Friday until midnight Friday night .
Communities and mountain passes affected include West Yellowstone, Big Sky, Wisdom, Boulder, Montana City, Homestake Pass, Targhee Pass and Chief Joseph Pass.
The Little Belt and Highwood Mountains, including Kings Hill Pass, Monarch and Neihart, face the same advisory period. Winds in these areas could gust to 45 mph, increasing travel concerns.
Additional Mountain Areas Under Advisory Farther north, the Bears Paw Mountains and Snowy and Judith Mountains will be under a winter weather advisory from 6 p.m. Friday until 3 a.m. Saturday .
These areas could also receive 2 to 5 inches of snow, with wind gusts reaching 45 mph.
The National Weather Service warns that slippery roads could complicate travel, while strong winds may bring down tree branches.
Motorists planning Friday afternoon or evening trips through affected mountain corridors should allow additional travel time, reduce speeds and monitor changing conditions.
Travelers can check Montana road conditions by dialing 511 before departure.