Winter Storm and Winter Weather in Montana, December 21 to 22, 2025

Initially, the region received 0.5 to 0.7 inches of snow before the precipitation transitioned to freezing rain during the early morning hours of December 22. Scattered slick conditions led to a couple of accidents, including a fatal crash on US-93 at the Stevensville bridge, forcing the closure of the bridge. An additional accident was reported at the cross streets Eastside and Wheatland near 3 Mile.

Observers reported of 10 inches of snow at Lost Trail Pass. Meanwhile, possible freezing rain was reported along US-12 west of Lolo.

Slick roads were reported east of Greenough Hill to Helmville on Highway 200. A CoCoRaHS observer reported 1.7 inches of snow in Seeley Lake.

Periods of freezing rain occurred from Drummond to Butte and created very slick conditions along Interstate 90. The icing contributed to a rollover accident near the Philipsburg/Drummond exit, completely blocking the eastbound lanes of Interstate 90 and causing significant travel delays. Less than an inch of snow fell west of Anaconda, Drummond, and in Ovando.

While total snowfall accumulations remained low, the primary impact was dangerous icing on regional roadways. Black ice was reported on Highway 93 near Polson, and icy patches were noted along Highway 28, creating slick travel conditions throughout the area.

Light wintry precipitation, including probable freezing rain, led to slick travel along Interstate 90 west of Alberton and near St. Regis. Additionally, a hazardous layer of black ice formed on the Highway 200 bypass between Thompson Falls and Plains, causing vehicles to slide and lose traction at highway speeds.

Snowfall totals were generally light across the zone, ranging from 1 to 3 inches in the Libby and Yaak areas. Roadways including Highway 2, Highway 37, and Highway 56 became covered in snow, slush, and ice, leading to slick travel during the morning commute.