* WHAT...Southwest to west winds 25 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected. * WHERE...Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains, Canyon Ferry Area, Elkhorn and Boulder Mountains, Gates of the Mountains, Helena Valley, Upper Blackfoot and MacDonald Pass, Beaverhead and Western Madison below 6000ft, Gallatin and Madison County Mountains and Centennial Mountains, and Ruby Mountains and Southern Beaverhead Mountains. * WHEN...Until 9 PM MST this evening. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The strongest and most widespread winds are expected this afternoon.
A warm overnight low of 36°F has kept conditions spring-like for December 19 at Bridger Bowl Ski Area, where the current snowpack depth sits at a modest 6 inches—over 60% below average for this time of year. Bridger Bowl Ski Area in Montana boasts some of the best expert terrain in the country, with challenging runs such as "The Ridge" and "Schlasman's." For beginners, "The Meadows" provides a great area to learn and improve their skills.
Wind
Humidity
While early-season terrain is extremely limited, skiers can look forward to a much-needed refresh, with nearly 4 inches of new snow expected in the next 24 hours and a total of 5 inches forecast through the weekend. The snow water equivalent stands at 2.9 inches, indicating denser, moisture-rich snow that could help build a better base if cold temps return.
Despite the thin coverage, Bridger Bowl remains in the spotlight. The resort recently celebrated 70 years of community-driven skiing and remains focused on sustainability and independence, even as it plans to modernize with six proposed new lifts. However, natural instability has made headlines—significant landslides have caused deep terrain damage, prompting safety reassessments and possibly impacting early-season access. Guests are advised to check real-time updates and respect closed zones as patrol continues to evaluate conditions. For those chasing the "cold smoke," patience (and powder) may soon pay off.
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Sacajawea.
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Bridger Bowl Ski Area.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Bridger Bowl Ski Area impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
The pertinent mountain ranges and mountain aspects of Bridger Bowl Ski Area in Montana include:
1. The Bridger Range: Bridger Bowl is located in the Bridger Range, a subrange of the Rocky Mountains in southwestern Montana. The range is known for its rugged peaks and stunning alpine scenery.
2. The Bowl: Bridger Bowl is named for the large natural bowl-shaped formation that makes up the majority of the ski area. The bowl offers a variety of challenging terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
3. The Ridge: The Ridge is a prominent feature of Bridger Bowl, offering advanced skiers and snowboarders access to steep chutes, cliffs, and couloirs. The Ridge is known for its challenging terrain and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
4. The Bridger Gully: The Bridger Gully is a popular backcountry skiing area located adjacent to Bridger Bowl. The gully offers steep, challenging terrain for advanced skiers and snowboarders looking for a more adventurous experience.
Overall, Bridger Bowl Ski Area is known for its diverse terrain, including groomed runs, steep chutes, and backcountry options, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Montana.
An interesting fact about Bridger Bowl is that the ski area was founded in 1955 by local ski enthusiasts who wanted to create a community-owned ski hill. For apres ski, the Jim Bridger Lodge is a popular spot with a cozy fireplace and great beer selection.
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, snow, mainly before 5pm. patchy blowing snow after 2pm. temperature falling to around 21 by 5pm. breezy, with a west southwest wind 20 to 29 mph, with gusts as high as 60 mph. chance of precipitation is 90%. new snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.
Bridger Bowl Ski Area is expected to receive up to 5.02" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Heavy snowfall is expected across southwestern and northwestern Montana over the next five days. The highest totals are forecasted near Fisher Creek (23"), Northeast Entrance and White Mill (23"), and Twelvemile Creek and Twin Lakes (22"). Resorts near these locations, such as Big Sky Resort (near Carrot Basin and Lone Mountain, forecasted 12" and 3" respectively) and Red Lodge Mountain ... Read more