Ovando, MT Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Ovando, Powell County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Ovando?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 163 days in the Butte/Blackfoot Region forecast zone and Powell County — the most common reported hazard around Ovando, mostly in February and November. Next come high winds (42 days) and extreme cold & wind chill (28 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 163 | Mar 2026 | Nov 24, 2015 · 1 death · $15,000 damage |
| High winds | 42 | Dec 2025 | Nov 12, 2007 · $650,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 28 | Feb 2025 | — |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 17 | Sep 2025 | May 6, 2017 · 1 death |
| Flooding | 13 | Jun 2018 | Jun 19, 2018 · $70,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 4 | Apr 2008 | — |
| Avalanches | 4 | Feb 2025 | Jan 6, 2012 · 1 death · $500 damage |
| Flash flooding | 2 | Aug 2014 | Aug 15, 2014 · $500 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 Butte/Blackfoot Region forecast zone and Powell County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Ovando?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMSX (Missoula, MT), about 38 miles west. 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 Ovando | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMSX Missoula, MT | 38 mi west | 2,500 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KTFX Great Falls, MT | 90 mi east-northeast | 8,100 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KOTX Spokane, WA | 213 mi west-northwest | 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 Ovando
NOAA has no tornado on record within 25 miles of Ovando since 1950.
Hail: 27 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 5 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 2.50-inch hail on May 25, 1998.
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 Ovando'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.
Ovando radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Ovando, MT?
KMSX (Missoula, MT), about 38 miles west. KTFX (Great Falls, MT) is 90 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Ovando?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Ovando the lowest scan from KMSX is about 2,500 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Ovando 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 Ovando, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Missoula, MT radar 41 mi
- Deer Lodge, MT radar 48 mi
- Ronan, MT radar 56 mi
- Stevensville, MT radar 56 mi