Lolo National Forest

Winter Storm Watch issued October 8 at 11:48PM MDT until October 11 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT

October 8th, 11:48 PM — 6:15 PM

* WHAT...Heavy wet snow possible. Total snow accumulations up to 9 inches below 6000 feet and between 8 to 12 inches above 6000 feet. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Gates of the Mountains, Upper Blackfoot and MacDonald Pass, Southern High Plains, and Southern Rocky Mountain Front. * WHEN...From Saturday afternoon through Sunday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult, especially over mountain passes. Back country conditions may be very dangerous. Wet snow and gusty winds may down trees limbs and power lines. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A snow band may develop across portions of Central Montana leading to locally higher snowfall rates and amounts.

Lake Wind Advisory issued October 9 at 3:26AM MDT until October 9 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Missoula MT

3:26 AM — 9:00 PM

* WHAT...Southwest winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph expected. * WHERE...Flathead Lake and surrounding lakes. * WHEN...From noon today to 9 PM MDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Strong winds and rough waves on area lakes will create hazardous conditions for small craft and potential dock damage on the eastern half of Flathead Lake.

Northern Region Camping & Target Restrictions, Pallet Prohibition

This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Idaho

Overview

Lolo National Forest spans 2.3 million acres in western Montana, surrounding Missoula and bordered by Idaho to the west. The forest is currently open and accessible for recreation, though several localized closures are in effect as of December 2025. Recent weather events have caused damage to Ward Creek Road and Deer Creek Bridge on the Superior Ranger District, which are currently closed for public safety. The Stony Creek Cutoff Road (Road #5490) is also closed, and a portion of Plant Creek Road remains closed due to damage from the Miller Peak Fire. Fire danger is currently low (winter conditions), with no forest-wide fire restrictions in place. The forest is home to both black and grizzly bears, and mandatory food storage orders are in effect forest-wide—all food and attractants must be stored in bear-resistant containers or in a bear-resistant manner when unattended. The forest is undergoing Land Management Plan Revision, and the Wildfire Adapted Missoula (WAM) fuels management project is actively being implemented. Christmas tree permits are currently available for purchase online or at ranger stations. Several rental cabins and historic lookouts are available year-round. Always check current conditions, road status, and alerts before your trip as conditions can change rapidly.

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