Carlton, MT Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Carlton, Missoula County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Carlton?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 96 days in the Missoula/Bitterroot Valleys forecast zone and Missoula County — the most common reported hazard around Carlton, mostly in February and January. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (58 days) and high winds (40 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 96 | Feb 2025 | Feb 16, 2025 · 3 deaths |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 58 | Jul 2025 | Jul 10, 1998 · 1 death · $260,000 damage |
| High winds | 40 | Dec 2025 | Dec 17, 2025 · $307,000 damage |
| Flooding | 26 | May 2023 | Mar 11, 1996 · $1.3 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 16 | Feb 2025 | — |
| Blizzards | 6 | Feb 2019 | — |
| Ice storms & sleet | 5 | Feb 2025 | Nov 19, 1997 · 2 deaths |
| Wildfires | 5 | Jul 2023 | Jul 30, 2023 · $300,000 damage |
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, 1996–2026 (the latest year is partial). A "day" is a date with at least one report in the Missoula/Bitterroot Valleys forecast zone and Missoula County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Carlton get?
A normal year brings about 17 inches of snow to Carlton, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Stevensville weather station 12.3 miles away. The snowiest month is usually December (6.8 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.1 | 1.6 | 6.8 | 4.0 | 3.0 | 1.5 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover Carlton?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMSX (Missoula, MT), about 24 miles north. Radar beams climb as they travel, so the height of the lowest scan over town decides how low in a storm the radar can see.
| Radar | Distance | Lowest beam over Carlton | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMSX Missoula, MT | 24 mi north | 1,400 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KTFX Great Falls, MT | 137 mi east-northeast | 15,700 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KOTX Spokane, WA | 181 mi west-northwest | 24,700 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
Beam height is the center of the 0.5° scan above the radar, with standard refraction. Mountains near a radar can block it further.
Tornado & hail history near Carlton
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 2 tornadoes within 25 miles of Carlton. The strongest was an F0 on July 20, 1983, which touched down about 15 miles north of town. The most recent was an F0 on August 15, 1990, which touched down about 18 miles south of town.
Hail: 71 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 5 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 2.75-inch hail on June 28, 1988.
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center — tornadoes 1950–2025, hail 1955–2025. Distances are to each tornado's track; ratings before February 2007 use the original Fujita scale.
On TALON you get Carlton's live radar loop, rain/snow/ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks with arrival times and NWS warnings free; close-up radar and rotation detection are part of TALON Pro.
Carlton radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Carlton, MT?
KMSX (Missoula, MT), about 24 miles north. KTFX (Great Falls, MT) is 137 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Carlton?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Carlton the lowest scan from KMSX is about 1,400 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Carlton free?
Yes — the US radar loop, rain/snow/ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and NWS warnings are free in any browser. Close-up radar, rotation detection and longer forecasts are part of TALON Pro.
Should I rely on radar for my safety?
No app replaces official warnings. When the National Weather Service issues a warning for Carlton, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Missoula, MT radar 13 mi
- Stevensville, MT radar 13 mi
- Hamilton, MT radar 31 mi
- Ronan, MT radar 58 mi
- Anaconda-Deer Lodge County, MT radar 60 mi