Riverbend, MT Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Riverbend, Mineral County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Riverbend?
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 Mineral County — the most common reported hazard around Riverbend, mostly in December and January. Next come high winds (18 days) and extreme cold & wind chill (12 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 |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 12 | Feb 2025 | Jan 28, 1996 · 1 death |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 12 | Jul 2024 | Aug 11, 2015 · 1 death · $2,000 damage |
| Flooding | 6 | Dec 2025 | Dec 11, 2025 · $4.0 million damage |
| Wildfires | 4 | Aug 2015 | Aug 28, 2015 · $10,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 4 | Jul 2024 | — |
| 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 Mineral County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Riverbend?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMSX (Missoula, MT), about 40 miles east. 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 Riverbend | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMSX Missoula, MT | 40 mi east | 2,700 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KOTX Spokane, WA | 136 mi west-northwest | 15,500 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KTFX Great Falls, MT | 163 mi east | 20,800 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 Riverbend
NOAA has no tornado on record within 25 miles of Riverbend since 1950.
Hail: 18 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 3 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 2.00-inch hail on June 13, 2006.
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 Riverbend'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.
Riverbend radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Riverbend, MT?
KMSX (Missoula, MT), about 40 miles east. KOTX (Spokane, WA) is 136 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Riverbend?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Riverbend the lowest scan from KMSX is about 2,700 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Riverbend 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 Riverbend, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Plains, MT radar 22 mi
- Thompson Falls, MT radar 39 mi
- Missoula, MT radar 42 mi
- Ronan, MT radar 43 mi
- Polson, MT radar 50 mi
- Stevensville, MT radar 56 mi