National Weather ServiceMontanaWinter Storm WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Winter Storm Watches in Montana
The National Weather Service issued 56 winter storm watches for Montana in 2025 and 42 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 4th most of any state. 2026 through September: 20, 26% below the average of 27 for those months in 2008-2025. Absaroka/Beartooth Mountains was covered most often (152 times since 2008).
How many winter storm watches does Montana get?
Every winter storm watch that covered part of Montana. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 20 |
| 2025 | 56 |
| 2024 | 51 |
| 2023 | 39 |
| 2022 | 46 |
| 2021 | 24 |
| 2020 | 34 |
| 2019 | 54 |
| 2018 | 54 |
| 2017 | 47 |
| 2016 | 24 |
| 2015 | 19 |
| 2014 | 40 |
| 2013 | 39 |
| 2012 | 31 |
| 2011 | 48 |
| 2010 | 42 |
| 2009 | 45 |
| 2008 | 68 |
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 | 152 | 36 | April 23, 2026 |
| Southern Rocky Mountain Front | 143 | 24 | April 2, 2026 |
| West Glacier Region | 126 | 21 | March 12, 2026 |
| Northern Rocky Mountain Front | 121 | 0 | June 14, 2022 |
| Cascade | 108 | 0 | May 19, 2022 |
| Judith Basin | 108 | 0 | May 19, 2022 |
| Lower Clark Fork Region | 103 | 16 | January 6, 2026 |
| Meagher | 103 | 0 | May 19, 2022 |
| Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains | 99 | 18 | June 28, 2026 |
| Crazy Mountains | 97 | 24 | April 2, 2026 |
| Red Lodge Foothills | 97 | 14 | March 12, 2026 |
| Beartooth Foothills | 95 | 15 | March 12, 2026 |
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.
What is a winter storm watch?
A winter storm watch means a significant winter storm is possible in the coming days. A watch means the conditions for the hazard are possible or favourable, but it is not yet happening: be ready to act if a warning follows. The national record · Every warning type in Montana.