Valier, MT Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Valier, Pondera County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Valier?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged high winds on 96 days in the Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera forecast zone and Pondera County — the most common reported hazard around Valier, mostly in February and January. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (21 days) and extreme cold & wind chill (11 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| High winds | 96 | Jun 2026 | — |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 21 | Aug 2025 | Jul 17, 2025 · $500 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 11 | Feb 2025 | — |
| Flooding | 6 | Mar 2019 | — |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 3 | Mar 2024 | — |
| Flash flooding | 2 | Jun 2013 | — |
| Blizzards | 1 | Mar 2026 | — |
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 Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera forecast zone and Pondera County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Valier?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KTFX (Great Falls, MT), about 71 miles 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 Valier | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KTFX Great Falls, MT | 71 mi southeast | 5,800 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KMSX Missoula, MT | 119 mi southwest | 12,600 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KBLX Billings, MT | 241 mi southeast | 40,200 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 Valier
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 7 tornadoes within 25 miles of Valier. Most came in June and August. The strongest was an F1 on June 6, 1994, which touched down about 23 miles north of town.
Hail: 78 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 6 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.00-inch hail on June 23, 1971.
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 Valier'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.
Valier radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Valier, MT?
KTFX (Great Falls, MT), about 71 miles southeast. KMSX (Missoula, MT) is 119 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Valier?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Valier the lowest scan from KTFX is about 5,800 ft up — good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly.
Is TALON's radar for Valier 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 Valier, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Conrad, MT radar 17 mi
- Shelby, MT radar 22 mi
- Cut Bank, MT radar 23 mi
- Choteau, MT radar 34 mi