Weather
Helena, MT Weather Oct. 10-12: Up to 5 Inches of Snow, 45 MPH Winds Expected
HELENA, MT – Winter Weather Advisories have been issued across portions of central, north central and southwestern Montana, with snow accumulations of 2 to 5 inches expected in many lower elevation ar
By Claire Benton · 2026-10-10T01:27:38.335Z
HELENA, MT – Winter Weather Advisories have been issued across portions of central, north central and southwestern Montana, with snow accumulations of 2 to 5 inches expected in many lower elevation areas and isolated totals reaching 12 inches in mountains above 8,000 feet.
According to the National Weather Service in Great Falls, the advisories take effect at 6 p.m. MDT Saturday, Oct. 10, and continue until 6 a.m. Monday, Oct. 12, covering Helena, Bozeman, Big Sky, West Yellowstone and numerous surrounding communities.
In the Helena Valley, forecasters expect 3 to 5 inches of snow, with wind gusts reaching 45 mph. Wet, heavy snow and gusty winds could bring down tree branches and cause isolated power outages.
Across the Gallatin and Madison County mountains and Centennial Mountains, snowfall totals of 4 to 8 inches are possible, with isolated accumulations up to 12 inches above 8,000 feet.
The higher mountain totals apply to elevated terrain near Big Sky, Targhee Pass and Raynolds Pass. West Yellowstone and valleys near the Idaho border are expected to receive up to 2 inches.
Farther north, areas including East Glacier Park, Browning, Cut Bank, Shelby, Chester, Fort Benton and Lewistown could receive 2 to 5 inches at lower elevations, with 5 to 10 inches forecast in the mountains.
In southwestern Montana, including the Gallatin Valley, Missouri Headwaters, Madison River Valley and areas near Bozeman, Dillon, Ennis and Three Forks, forecasters expect 2 to 5 inches at lower elevations and 5 to 8 inches in the mountains.
Wind gusts could reach 40 mph across many of these locations.
The National Weather Service warns that snowfall totals may differ significantly between grassy surfaces and roads, particularly at lower elevations. Accumulations on paved surfaces are expected mainly during evening through late morning hours.
Motorists should prepare for potentially difficult travel, slow down on snow covered roads and check Montana 511 for updated highway conditions.
The advisories remain in effect through early Monday morning. Residents should expect the greatest snowfall accumulations in mountain areas, while lower elevation communities could experience periods of wet snow and gusty winds throughout the weekend.