Glacier National Park Snowfall: West Side Gets 300-400 Inches Annually

Glacier National Park in northwestern Montana receives some of the heaviest snowfall in the contiguous United States, driven by Pacific moisture colliding with the Rocky Mountains.

Snowfall Distribution

• West Side (Lake McDonald, Avalanche, West Glacier): 300–400 inches (762–1,016 cm) annually. Maritime influence brings frequent, wet storms.
• East Side (St. Mary, Many Glacier, Two Medicine): 150–200 inches (381–508 cm). Rain shadow effect; colder, drier, lighter snow.
• High Elevations (Logan Pass, 6,646 ft): Exceeds 500 inches; snowpack persists into July.

Seasonal Patterns

• Peak Accumulation: December–January (Pacific frontal storms). Single storms can drop 3–5 feet.
• Maximum Snowpack: Late February–early March.
• Melt-Out: Late June–August at high elevations; Going-to-the-Sun Road typically opens late June.

Winter Recreation

The park is a premier destination for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, backcountry ski touring, and ice climbing. Groomed trails at Apgar and Lake McDonald; avalanche terrain requires training and gear. Winter camping is permitted with permit. The heavy snow transforms the landscape into a silent, white wilderness—distinct from the summer crowds.