Winter Weather Advisory Issued for Southwest Montana Mountain Ranges
A rare late-June winter weather event is expected to impact the higher elevations of southwest Montana this weekend, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Winter Weather Advisory for the Gallatin and Madison County Mountains, Centennial Mountains, Northwest Beaverhead County, and the Ruby Mountains and Southern Beaverhead Mountains.
Advisory Timing
Effective: Midnight Saturday Night through Noon MDT Monday
The advisory primarily affects elevations above 6,500 feet, where periods of wet, accumulating snow are expected as a strong cold front moves through the Northern Rockies.
Expected Snowfall
Forecasters expect:
- Up to 4 inches of wet snow above 6,500 feet.
- Snow levels will be lowest during the overnight and early morning hours.
- Rain is expected at lower elevations before transitioning to snow across the highest mountain peaks.
While this may seem unusual for late June, cold air moving into the region will create winter-like conditions in the backcountry.
Areas Included
The advisory covers:
- Gallatin and Madison County Mountains
- Centennial Mountains
- Northwest Beaverhead County
- Ruby Mountains
- Southern Beaverhead Mountains
Popular mountain travel routes and recreation areas near Big Sky, West Yellowstone, Monida Pass, Targhee Pass, Raynolds Pass, Chief Joseph Pass, Dewey, Big Hole Pass, Wisdom, and Wise River could experience snow-covered terrain and hazardous travel conditions. (Montana Department of Transportation)
Outdoor Recreation Impacts
Campers, hikers, hunters, anglers, and backcountry travelers should prepare for rapidly changing weather.
Potential hazards include:
- Cold, wet conditions increasing the risk of hypothermia.
- Snow-covered trails and forest roads.
- Downed tree limbs caused by heavy, wet snow.
- Difficult travel through mountain passes.
- Damage to tents and camping equipment from accumulating wet snow.
Travel Concerns
Anyone traveling through mountain passes this weekend should prepare for winter driving conditions.
Drivers should carry:
- Tire chains if traveling through higher elevations
- Extra blankets and warm clothing
- Food and water
- Flashlights and emergency supplies
- A fully charged phone and first aid kit
Conditions may change rapidly during nighttime and early morning hours when temperatures are coldest. (Montana Department of Transportation)
Why Snow in June?
An unusually strong cold front is pushing into the Northern Rockies, replacing recent warm weather with significantly colder air. Moisture combined with falling temperatures will allow snow to accumulate across the highest elevations while valleys receive mostly rain. The storm is expected to continue through the weekend before gradually shifting east early next week. (KECI)
Stay Weather Aware
If your plans include hiking, camping, off-road travel, or crossing mountain passes in southwest Montana this weekend, closely monitor the latest forecasts and be prepared for winter conditions despite the calendar reading late June.
Mountain weather can change quickly, and even a few inches of heavy, wet snow can create dangerous conditions for anyone unprepared.
