Montana's Weather Information

Montana's Winter Weather

It is impossible to keep recreationists informed on the status of millions of acres of forest and thousands of miles of trails. Snow conditions can change dramatically from day to day, even hour to hour. Be on the lookout for rocks, stumps and fallen trees. Other potential hazards include caves and overlooks, abandoned mining tunnels and shafts, decaying structures and equipment, contaminated water, changing weather conditions, landslides and avalanches, exhaustion and hypothermia.

Winter Weather
Windchill Facts
Hypothermia Prevention & Treatment
Personal Responsibility
Avalanche Safety
Travel Advice
Links for winter travelers:

Montana Weather Conditions

Montana Road Conditions

Winter Weather

The winter recreation season generally extends from late November through March, with snow conditions improving as the season progresses. Temperatures can range from 50 degrees above zero to 50 below, but averages generally run from 20 to 35 degrees above zero, with mostly sunny skies. Storms can develop quickly and you should be prepared for them:

Be in good physical condition when you set out.
Check the forecast before you leave.
Pack enough extra clothing, food and gear for a possible overnight.
Let someone know where you're going and when you intend to return.
Travel in groups of at least three; if snowmobiling, have two machines.
Turn back if the weather looks bad.

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Windchill Facts

Wind can be a deadly enemy because of its cooling effect on already cold temperatures. This wind-chill chart illustrates the effect of wind and temperature on a dry, properly clothed person. If clothing is wet from perspiration or precipitation, the effect is even greater.

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Hypothermia Prevention & Treatment

Hypothermia is a loss of body temperature caused by exposure to cold and aggravated by moisture, wind and exhaustion. If steps are not taken to raise the victim's body temperature, mental and physical collapse will result. Watch for these symptoms:

Uncontrollable fits of shivering
Vague, slow, slurred speech
Memory lapses, incoherence

Immobile, fumbling hands
Frequent stumbling
Drowsiness, exhaustion

To avoid hypothermia, stay dry. Insulate your body against cold, wet weather by wearing wool or fleece pile and waterproof clothing, including a knit cap. Dress warmly before you start shivering. If your clothing doesn't keep you warm, get out of the cold. If you can't get out, build a fire and make camp while you still have energy. Don't wait until you're exhausted.

To treat hypothermia, shelter the victim and remove all wet clothing. Get the victim into warm, dry clothes, a warm, dry sleeping bag and try to feed the victim warm liquids. Keep the victim awake. If he or she becomes sick or unconscious, seek medical attention immediately.

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Personal Responsibility

Winter recreationists are responsible for their own personal safety.

Snowmobilers must know how to operate their machines and should always drive safely and courteously.
Snowmobilers should operate machines at safe speeds and be prepared to stop within half the distance they can see when driving.
Skiers and snowboarders should always stay within the limits of their abilities.
Drinking doesn't mix with snowmobiling, skiing, snowboarding or any other outdoor winter activity requiring clear judgement.
Snowmobilers, skiers and snowboarders must yield to those who are moving slower.
It is recommended that snowmobilers take avalanche awareness and search-and-rescue field courses.

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Montana's Winter Weather

Winter Weather

Windchill Facts

Hypothermia Prevention & Treatment

Personal Responsibility