National Weather ServiceMontanaWinter Weather AdvisoryArchive to October 1, 2026
Winter Weather Advisories in Montana
The National Weather Service issued 181 winter weather advisories for Montana in 2025 and 166 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 2nd most of any state. 2026 through September: 87, 18% below the average of 106 for those months in 2008-2025. Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains was covered most often (632 times since 2008).
How many winter weather advisories does Montana get?
Every winter weather advisory that covered part of Montana. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 87 |
| 2025 | 181 |
| 2024 | 165 |
| 2023 | 171 |
| 2022 | 185 |
| 2021 | 180 |
| 2020 | 178 |
| 2019 | 191 |
| 2018 | 210 |
| 2017 | 178 |
| 2016 | 154 |
| 2015 | 121 |
| 2014 | 191 |
| 2013 | 145 |
| 2012 | 153 |
| 2011 | 205 |
| 2010 | 169 |
| 2009 | 152 |
| 2008 | 65 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains | 632 | 113 | May 17, 2026 |
| Lower Clark Fork Region | 603 | 90 | April 23, 2026 |
| West Glacier Region | 571 | 103 | May 17, 2026 |
| Potomac/Seeley Lake Region | 523 | 94 | May 17, 2026 |
| Butte/Blackfoot Region | 515 | 106 | May 17, 2026 |
| Southern Rocky Mountain Front | 449 | 77 | May 16, 2026 |
| Missoula/Bitterroot Valleys | 448 | 62 | April 23, 2026 |
| Flathead/Mission Valleys | 442 | 74 | March 13, 2026 |
| Northern Rocky Mountain Front | 417 | 0 | April 29, 2022 |
| Cascade | 384 | 0 | June 14, 2022 |
| Kootenai/Cabinet Region | 377 | 68 | February 23, 2026 |
| Judith Basin | 374 | 0 | June 14, 2022 |
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 weather advisory?
A winter weather advisory covers snow, sleet or freezing rain that will be a nuisance and can make roads slippery, below warning amounts. An advisory is issued for a hazard less serious than a warning that can still cause inconvenience or danger if people are not careful. The national record · Every warning type in Montana.