National Weather ServiceMontanaWinter Storm WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Winter Storm Warnings in Montana
The National Weather Service issued 62 winter storm warnings for Montana in 2025 and 53 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 4th most of any state. 2026 through September: 23, 32% below the average of 34 for those months in 2008-2025. Absaroka/Beartooth Mountains was covered most often (222 times since 2008).
How many winter storm warnings does Montana get?
Every winter storm warning that covered part of Montana. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 23 |
| 2025 | 62 |
| 2024 | 60 |
| 2023 | 42 |
| 2022 | 55 |
| 2021 | 26 |
| 2020 | 41 |
| 2019 | 60 |
| 2018 | 60 |
| 2017 | 56 |
| 2016 | 39 |
| 2015 | 28 |
| 2014 | 61 |
| 2013 | 52 |
| 2012 | 51 |
| 2011 | 75 |
| 2010 | 60 |
| 2009 | 58 |
| 2008 | 62 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does Montana get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in Montana?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Absaroka/Beartooth Mountains | 222 | 50 | May 21, 2026 |
| Southern Rocky Mountain Front | 163 | 25 | March 12, 2026 |
| Northern Rocky Mountain Front | 149 | 0 | June 14, 2022 |
| West Glacier Region | 140 | 21 | March 12, 2026 |
| Lower Clark Fork Region | 136 | 20 | March 12, 2026 |
| Crazy Mountains | 134 | 36 | April 23, 2026 |
| Judith Basin | 123 | 0 | May 19, 2022 |
| Cascade | 122 | 0 | May 19, 2022 |
| Gallatin | 117 | 0 | April 22, 2022 |
| Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains | 116 | 18 | June 28, 2026 |
| Meagher | 116 | 0 | May 19, 2022 |
| Red Lodge Foothills | 115 | 15 | April 16, 2025 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
The latest winter storm warnings for Montana in AreaZine's record
NWS Great FallsWarningJune 27, 2026
Winter Storm Warning: Northwest Beaverhead County, MT
Expired 12:00 p.m. MDT, June 29, 2026
NWS MissoulaWarningJune 26, 2026
Winter Storm Warning: Butte/Blackfoot Region, MT
Expired 9:00 a.m. MDT, June 29, 2026
NWS BillingsWarningMay 20, 2026
Winter Storm Warning: Absaroka/Beartooth Mountains, MT
Expired 6:00 p.m. MDT, May 21, 2026
NWS Great FallsWarningApril 23, 2026
Winter Storm Warning: Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine, MT
Expired 12:00 p.m. MDT, April 25, 2026
NWS BillingsWarningApril 22, 2026
Winter Storm Warning: Crazy Mountains, MT
Expired 6:00 a.m. MDT, April 24, 2026
NWS Great FallsWarningApril 16, 2026
Winter Storm Warning: Gallatin Valley, MT
Expired 12:00 a.m. MDT, April 17, 2026
NWS RivertonWarningApril 15, 2026
Winter Storm Warning: Yellowstone National Park, Absaroka Mountains and Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains, ID and WY
Expired 6:00 a.m. MDT, April 17, 2026
NWS BillingsWarningApril 14, 2026
Winter Storm Warning: Crazy Mountains, MT
Expired 6:00 a.m. MDT, April 17, 2026
This list is AreaZine's record of the NWS alert feed, kept since April 6, 2026; the counts above come from the complete IEM archive.
Source: National Weather Service alerts (api.weather.gov).
What is a winter storm warning?
A winter storm warning means significant snow, sleet or freezing rain is expected that will make travel very difficult or impossible. Each office sets the amounts for its area. A warning means the hazard is happening, about to happen, or very likely: act now to protect people and property. The national record · Every warning type in Montana.