Thompson Falls, MT Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Thompson Falls, Sanders County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Thompson Falls?
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 Thompson Falls, 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 Thompson Falls get?
A normal year brings about 15 inches of snow to Thompson Falls, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Thompson Falls Ph weather station in town. The snowiest month is usually December (7.5 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.7 | 2.5 | 7.5 | 2.5 | 0.6 | 1.2 | 0.3 | 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 Thompson Falls?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMSX (Missoula, MT), about 74 miles east-southeast. 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 Thompson Falls | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMSX Missoula, MT | 74 mi east-southeast | 6,200 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KOTX Spokane, WA | 106 mi west | 10,600 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KTFX Great Falls, MT | 185 mi east | 25,600 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 Thompson Falls
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 1 tornado within 25 miles of Thompson Falls. The strongest was an F0 on July 9, 1978, which touched down about 4 miles west of town.
Hail: 12 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955; the largest was 1.75-inch hail on August 10, 2019.
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 Thompson Falls'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.
Thompson Falls radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Thompson Falls, MT?
KMSX (Missoula, MT), about 74 miles east-southeast. KOTX (Spokane, WA) is 106 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Thompson Falls?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Thompson Falls the lowest scan from KMSX is about 6,200 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Thompson Falls 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 Thompson Falls, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Plains, MT radar 23 mi
- Libby, MT radar 55 mi
- Polson, MT radar 56 mi
- Ronan, MT radar 58 mi