Great Falls, Montana — An early-season winter storm dumped 16 inches of snow on Great Falls from Saturday through Monday, giving the Montana city its second-snowiest start to a snow season on record, according to the latest reported snowfall figures.
The burst of wintry weather marked a dramatic shift from the warmer conditions experienced just a week earlier. Snow covered communities across parts of the West, while temperatures dropped below freezing in Idaho and prompted frost and freeze alerts in portions of the region.
Although Montana experienced the heaviest snowfall highlighted in the reports, the cold weather also reached higher elevations in Nevada, while parts of California prepared for another round of freezing temperatures.
Great Falls Records One of Its Snowiest Starts to Winter
Great Falls recorded approximately 16 inches of snow between Saturday and Monday, making this the city’s second-snowiest start to a snow season in its recorded history, behind the start recorded in 2019.
The National Weather Service office in Great Falls also reported that the city received 15.7 inches over a two-day period. That total ranked ninth among the city’s largest two-day snowfall totals.
The early accumulation is notable because substantial snowfall arrived while many residents would ordinarily still expect milder autumn weather.
The storm transformed the landscape across parts of central Montana, covering roads, yards and open ground with fresh snow. The sudden change also highlighted how quickly weather conditions can shift across the northern Rocky Mountains during autumn.
Snow Covers Ground Near Helena After Recent Warm Weather
Near Helena, Montana, footage recorded Monday morning showed snow blanketing the ground after a week that had brought much warmer conditions.
One resident highlighted the sharp contrast in a post on X.
“It’s hard to imagine I was [riding] my bike in 80F last Monday,” @SandiMtgal wrote.
The observation captured the dramatic transition from temperatures suitable for outdoor cycling to conditions that looked and felt much closer to winter.
Such abrupt changes can create challenges for residents who have not yet switched to cold-weather routines. Drivers may need to adjust to slippery roads, while people spending time outdoors should be prepared for rapidly changing temperatures.
Montana Cattle Seen Grazing Through Fresh Snow
The snowfall also affected rural areas, where fresh snow covered pastures and grazing land.
In Peerless, Montana, video filmed by Curtis Fladager showed cattle grazing through the new accumulation. Despite the snowy conditions, the animals appeared to be feeding on grass beneath the fresh snow.
“The snow softened up all this old grass, and these cows are loving it,” he said. “There’s green grass down at the very bottom. I’m glad to see them eating this stuff.”
The footage offered a glimpse of how the storm affected agricultural communities beyond the larger towns and cities.
For ranchers, early-season snow can bring additional considerations involving livestock, pasture access and changing weather conditions. The impact depends on how much snow accumulates, how long cold temperatures persist and whether animals have access to adequate feed and shelter.
Idaho and Nevada Also See Early Winter Conditions
The cold air extended beyond Montana as temperatures dropped below freezing in parts of Idaho.
Light snow fell in Pocatello on Monday, while freeze warnings and frost advisories were in place across portions of the region. Such alerts are important for residents, gardeners and agricultural producers because freezing temperatures can damage sensitive plants and affect outdoor water systems.
Farther south, light snow showers were reported in the higher elevations of Nevada. Video from Lee Canyon, northwest of Las Vegas, showed snow falling in the mountainous area on Monday.
The conditions demonstrated the broad reach of the early-season chill, although snowfall amounts and temperatures varied by location and elevation.
Higher terrain can experience snow even when nearby lower elevations remain relatively mild.
California Faces Another Freeze Warning
The cold-weather pattern also prompted a freeze warning for northern Owens Valley in California.
The warning was scheduled to run from midnight Tuesday night until 8 a.m. PDT Wednesday, with temperatures forecast to fall to between 28 and 32 degrees.
These temperatures can threaten sensitive vegetation, particularly in areas where frost or freezing conditions persist for several hours. Residents in affected locations should follow local weather alerts and take appropriate precautions to protect vulnerable plants and outdoor equipment.
When Will Warmer Weather Return to Montana?
The cold conditions are not expected to last throughout the week in Montana.
A warmup is forecast by the weekend, with temperatures expected to climb further afterward. Highs in Great Falls and Bozeman could approach 70 degrees by Monday, according to the forecast information provided.
That potential rebound would mark another significant temperature swing following the early-season snowfall.
For now, the storm stands out for the amount of snow it delivered to Great Falls and the speed with which winter-like conditions spread across parts of the West.
Residents should continue checking local forecasts for updated temperature projections, frost advisories and changing road conditions as the region moves from the early cold snap toward a possible return to milder weather.
Did winter arrive earlier than you expected in your area? Share your local weather conditions and tell us whether you’ve already seen snow or freezing temperatures this season.
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