Montana residents, particularly in the Absaroka/Beartooth and Crazy Mountains, as well as Gallatin and Madison County Mountains, need to brace for a significant winter storm predicted to hit Sunday evening through Monday afternoon, with possible heavy snow accumulations ranging from 6 inches to 2 feet, and winds that may gust up to 50 mph. Travel could become very difficult, and the risk of tree damage and power outages due to the heavy, wet snow is high. Additionally, a Hydrologic Outlook warns of potential flooding due to rapid snowmelt and rainfall, which could impact small creeks and streams, leading to hazardous conditions in low-lying areas. Residents are advised to prepare for these conditions, avoid traveling during the storm, and stay informed on evolving weather updates.

Montana has a varied climate and terrain that greatly affects its flow conditions. The state boasts of major rivers such as the Missouri, Yellowstone, and the Clark Fork, which drain into the Mississippi, Missouri, and Columbia Rivers, respectively. Montana also has a number of reservoirs/dams, such as the Fort Peck Dam and the Hungry Horse Dam, which serve as major power sources and water storage for the state. The state's hydrology is influenced by its mountainous terrain, which leads to high precipitation levels and generates snowpacks. These snowpacks, in turn, largely determine the state's flow conditions in the summer months. Montana's flow conditions are also affected by its climate, which is characterized by dry summers and cold winters. Overall, Montana's flow conditions are shaped by a mix of climatic and topographic factors, including watershed, snowpack, and precipitation.