Heron, MT Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Heron, Sanders County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Heron?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 266 days in the Lower Clark Fork Region forecast zone and Sanders County — the most common reported hazard around Heron, mostly in December and January. Next come high winds (18 days) and damaging thunderstorm winds (17 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 266 | Mar 2026 | Sep 13, 2017 · 1 death · $1,000 damage |
| High winds | 18 | Mar 2026 | Feb 22, 2012 · $214,000 damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 17 | Sep 2024 | Jul 17, 2007 · $30,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 12 | Feb 2025 | Jan 28, 1996 · 1 death |
| Flooding | 10 | Dec 2025 | Feb 7, 1996 · $700,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 4 | Jul 2024 | — |
| Wildfires | 3 | Aug 2015 | Aug 28, 2015 · $10,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 3 | Dec 2023 | Dec 16, 2023 · 2 deaths · $70,000 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 Lower Clark Fork Region forecast zone and Sanders County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Heron get?
A normal year brings about 84 inches of snow to Heron, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Heron 2 Nw weather station 1.5 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (26.5 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.7 | 7.9 | 24.6 | 26.5 | 12.3 | 10.9 | 1.3 | 0.1 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover Heron?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KOTX (Spokane, WA), about 81 miles west-southwest. 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 Heron | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOTX Spokane, WA | 81 mi west-southwest | 7,000 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KMSX Missoula, MT | 117 mi southeast | 12,200 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KPDT Pendleton, OR | 213 mi southwest | 32,500 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 Heron
NOAA has no tornado on record within 25 miles of Heron since 1950.
Hail: 1 report of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955; the largest was 1.00-inch hail on August 29, 2025.
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 Heron'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.
Heron radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Heron, MT?
KOTX (Spokane, WA), about 81 miles west-southwest. KMSX (Missoula, MT) is 117 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Heron?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Heron the lowest scan from KOTX is about 7,000 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Heron 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 Heron, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Libby, MT radar 30 mi
- Thompson Falls, MT radar 44 mi