Winter Weather Advisory
2025-12-27T17:00:00-07:00

...WIDESPREAD WINTER WEATHER AND WIND IMPACTS... .A series of cold fronts will move through the Northern Rockies bringing wind and snow impacts beginning as early as late tonight into Friday morning. Snow squalls are possible in west-central and southwest Montana late Friday night into early Saturday morning. A push of Arctic air will move westward across the Continental Divide on Saturday bringing another uptick and change in direction of winds with much colder temperatures to follow. * WHAT...Snow expected. There is a likelihood of moderate to isolated major winter weather impacts. Total snow accumulations between 3 and 12 inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...Polebridge, Glacier National Park, Essex, Highway 83 Bigfork to Swan Lake, Marias Pass, and Bad Rock Canyon. * WHEN...From 8 AM Friday to 5 PM MST Saturday. * IMPACTS...For MODERATE winter weather impacts, expect disruptions to normal activities. Hazardous traveling conditions. Use extra caution while driving. Closures and disruptions to infrastructure may occur. For MAJOR winter weather impacts, expect considerable disruptions to normal activities. Dangerous or impossible traveling conditions. Avoid travel in the impacted areas if possible. Widespread closures and disruptions to infrastructure may occur. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening commute, especially over higher passes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...An Arctic front will move westward across the Continental Divide on Saturday bringing an uptick in northeast winds in, and near, canyon gaps and downslope foothills. Much colder temperatures with, and behind, this Arctic front. Rapid freeze up of any wet or slushy roads is likely.

Bearhat Mountain Mountain Peaks

Mountain Peaks

Rocky Mountains

Central Montana Rockies

Last Updated: December 25, 2025

Bearhat Mountain is a prominent peak located in the Rocky Mountains mountain range.

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Summary

Standing at an impressive elevation of approximately 8,720 feet (2,658 meters), it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. This mountain is known for its unique shape, resembling a bear's hat, which is believed to have inspired its name.

During the winter season, Bearhat Mountain experiences a varying snowpack range. The amount of snow accumulation largely depends on the specific weather patterns of the year. It is advisable for mountaineers to check local weather and snow conditions before attempting to climb the mountain during this time. The melting snow from Bearhat Mountain contributes to the runoff of several creeks and rivers in the region, providing a vital water source for the surrounding flora and fauna.

The history of the name Bearhat Mountain is shrouded in interesting lore and legends. Some believe that Native American tribes named it after the shape of the mountain, associating it with a bear's hat. Others suggest that early explorers and settlers bestowed this name due to encounters with bears in the vicinity. While the exact origin remains uncertain, the name has endured and become an iconic feature of this majestic mountain in the Rocky Mountains.

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Winter Weather Advisory
Until 2025-12-26T13:45:00-07:00 • National Weather Service
...WIDESPREAD WINTER WEATHER AND WIND IMPACTS... .A series of cold fronts will move through the Northern Rockies bringing wind and snow impacts beginning as early as late tonight into Friday morning. Snow squalls are possible in west-central and southwest Montana late Friday night into early Saturday morning. A push of Arctic air will move westward across the Continental Divide on Saturday bringing another uptick and change in direction of winds with much colder temperatures to follow. * WHAT...Snow expected. There is a likelihood of moderate to isolated major winter weather impacts. Total snow accumulations between 3 and 12 inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...Polebridge, Glacier National Park, Essex, Highway 83 Bigfork to Swan Lake, Marias Pass, and Bad Rock Canyon. * WHEN...From 8 AM Friday to 5 PM MST Saturday. * IMPACTS...For MODERATE winter weather impacts, expect disruptions to normal activities. Hazardous traveling conditions. Use extra caution while driving. Closures and disruptions to infrastructure may occur. For MAJOR winter weather impacts, expect considerable disruptions to normal activities. Dangerous or impossible traveling conditions. Avoid travel in the impacted areas if possible. Widespread closures and disruptions to infrastructure may occur. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening commute, especially over higher passes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...An Arctic front will move westward across the Continental Divide on Saturday bringing an uptick in northeast winds in, and near, canyon gaps and downslope foothills. Much colder temperatures with, and behind, this Arctic front. Rapid freeze up of any wet or slushy roads is likely.