Full Breakdown
Late-June Winter Storm Brings Snow, Rain, and High Winds to the Northern Rockies
6/29/2026, 12:48:24 PM
Unseasonal Weather in June
June in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming normally features temperatures in the 80-90 °F range and less than half an inch of snow at high passes. A deep upper-level trough has introduced unseasonably cold air, prompting the first June winter-storm warnings in the region in several years. The FOX Forecast Center notes only one June winter-storm warning has been recorded in Montana historically.
Forecasted Snow, Rain, and Wind
National Weather Service models predict 4-8 inches of snow above 6,500 ft, with up to 12-16 inches on the highest peaks of the Anaconda-Pintler, Lemhi, and Sapphire ranges. Valleys south of Missoula and Helena may see 1-3 inches of rain, raising runoff to 2-4 inches in the West Glacier and Flathead/Mission valleys. Wind gusts are forecast at 40-55 mph, with some exceeding 50 mph.
NWS Alerts and Recommendations
The NWS has issued Winter Storm Warnings for the Bitterroot, Sapphire, Anaconda-Pintler, and Beaverhead ranges, plus Winter Weather Advisories for the Elkhorn, Boulder, Ruby, and Absaroka/Beartooth mountains. A Lake Wind Advisory covers Flathead and Mission valleys, and a Flood Watch spans the West Glacier, Flathead/Mission, and Potomac/Seeley Lake regions. Travelers are urged to delay backcountry trips, carry winter-storm kits, and prepare for hypothermia, downed trees, and reduced visibility.
Local Safety Advisories
Camping and RV owners near Hungry Horse Reservoir are advised to move to higher ground. Small-craft operators on Flathead Lake face hazardous conditions from 20-30 mph sustained winds. Hikers on the Going-To-The-Sun Road are warned of possible rockfall and mudslides on steep terrain.
Discrepancies in Forecasts
NBC Montana cites up to 16 inches of snow on the Anaconda-Pintler peaks, while USA Today projects a maximum of about 12 inches. NBC Montana notes wind gusts up to 55 mph; USA Today emphasizes gusts “in excess of 50 mph.” Flood-watch areas differ, with NBC Montana listing the West Glacier Region and USA Today focusing on the East Glacier Park Region.
Verbatim Quotes
- "A matter of days is making a huge difference in the Rockies." — FOX Weather
- "Persons should consider delaying travel across the backcountry and higher elevations." — National Weather Service
- "Wind speeds are likely to peak early this evening with a few gusts in excess of 50 mph causing difficult cross-winds." — National Weather Service
- "If travel is absolutely necessary, consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing." — National Weather Service
Outlook for the Coming Week
The system should weaken by Tuesday, giving way to a weak ridge of high pressure. Scattered showers may linger through Friday, with temperatures returning to near-seasonable levels. Travelers are advised to monitor updated NWS advisories for residual gusts and localized flooding.
