Montana has variable road conditions throughout the state, and some drivers may need snow tires more than others. Some heavy-duty vehicles come equipped with tires that can handle snow and ice with minimal issue, but other vehicles may require special snow tires for the winter months.
Can you drive to Montana in January?
Roads can be treacherous in January, and you may only want to consider a road trip if you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle and adequate snow tires. If you’re sticking to the interstates, at least carrying a set of chains would be wise, they are sometimes required when traversing mountain passes.
How do people in Montana drive in the snow?
Winter Driving Checklist
- Allow extra time to get to your destination.
- Clean off your car.
- Turn off cruise control.
- Always buckle up.
- Slow down in poor visibility conditions.
- Maintain a safe distance behind other vehicles.
- Expect ice on bridges and in shady spots.
- Don’t pass snowplows unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Are snow tires required in Montana?
Under Montana law, studded snow tires are prohibited between May 31 and Oct. 1. However, the Montana Highway Patrol encourages motorists to take steps to be safe with the approaching storm. And troopers have discretion to not ticket drivers who choose put them on a few days early.
Is it safe to drive through Montana in December?
The road is dry and otherwise safe, but it is very difficult to drive in a ground blizzard, particularly at night.
Can I drive through Yellowstone in winter?
During winter months, Yellowstone National Park is covered with snow and ice and the park becomes a winter paradise for animals and people alike. While most of the park roads are closed to cars, the road from the North Entrance to the Northeast Entrance (52 miles) is kept clear and open year-round, as well as the .
Do you need snow chains in Yellowstone?
Yellowstone does not usually have a chain requirement as other parks sometime do.
Are studded tires legal in Montana?
When do studded tires need to be removed from personal vehicles? Studded tires are are permitted in Montana from October 1 – May 31.
Is it illegal to pass a snow plow in Montana?
As a snowplow driver for the Montana Department of Transportation, he spends a lot of time driving on treacherous roads. He has seen a lot of stupid drivers doing a lot of stupid things. “You can pass a plow. There’s no law against it,” he said Tuesday.
Do they plow the roads in Montana?
MDT employs 570 people year-round who do road maintenance in the summer and fall and plow roads in winter. To supplement that workforce, the state also hires 200 temporary plow truck drivers to work from about Thanksgiving to March.
Do I need AWD in Montana?
Four-Wheel Drive is a necessity during the winter months here in Montana. The weather can be notoriously unpredictable, and it’s best to be prepared for anything. Even if it hasn’t snowed in a week, snow and ice linger in the high country and on shaded roads.
Do they salt roads in Montana?
Yes, Montana salts its roads
It’s a common misconception that Montana does not use salt on its roadways. In actuality, salt compound deicers have been used statewide since 1996, with an increase in tonnage applied each year.
How do people prepare for winter in Montana?
How to Prepare Your Home For Winter Weather
- Winterize HVAC Systems.
- Check & Run the Furnace.
- Check Fireplace & Chimney For Cracks.
- Replace Window Screens.
- Winterize Pipes.
- Reverse Fans.
- Prep Your Lawn for the Winter.
- Buy De-Icer.
Is it hard to drive in Montana?
With few dense urban centers, most people are surprised to learn Montana is the most dangerous state to drive in. With a record 22.6 car accident deaths per 100,000 people, Montana’s roads and highways are some of the most deadly in the entire country.
How Cold Is Montana in December?
Daily high temperatures decrease by 5°F, from 35°F to 30°F, rarely falling below 13°F or exceeding 49°F. The lowest daily average high temperature is 30°F on December 29.
Is Christmas a good time to visit Montana?
Also making December a wonderful time of year in Montana is that most cities and towns in the state host special events and festivals throughout the month, from light parades to tree decoration ceremonies to festive sleigh rides. You’ll also find plenty of outdoor activities.
Is it worth going to Yellowstone in the winter?
Winters in Yellowstone are a unique time to explore the park, spot wildlife, and enjoy the best of the great outdoors. “Yellowstone offers miles of trails that lead past frosted woods, steaming hot springs and snow-packed meadows.” Winter is beautiful in Yellowstone National Park.
Can you go to Old Faithful in the winter?
If you want to stay at Old Faithful in winter, you’ll have to stay at the Snow Lodge and Cabins. The Snow Lodge is a nice, basic hotel with a dining room, bar, ski and gift shop, and a great lobby to read, play board games or drink hot cocoa in.
How much does it cost to drive thru Yellowstone?
Yellowstone Entrance Passes
For private, non-commercial vehicles, a 7-day pass to Yellowstone National Park costs $35/vehicle and does not include entrance into nearby Grand Teton National Park. The latter park, home to the mighty Grand Teton and other rugged peaks, also charges $35/vehicle for entrance.
Is driving in Yellowstone scary?
Driving in Yellowstone is not scary AT ALL. There are no sheer cliffs that you drive along. The park is mostly a flat drive through pine trees. If you’re stuck in a traffic jam or buffalo jam, it can be annoying.
How long does it take to drive the loop in Yellowstone?
Simply driving the entire distance, whether going clockwise or counter, could take four to seven hours. And even if the speed limit is 45 mph, you’ll want to take your sweet time, especially around the winding turns, epic scenery and stopped traffic due to wildlife in or near the road.