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MacDonald Pass snowkite spot
United States · Montana
Overview
MacDonald Pass is a mountain pass at 1,919m on the Continental Divide, west of Helena. Popular snowkite spot with powerful west to northwest winds crossing the divide. Open area at the pass summit with good snow conditions. Relatively easy access from Helena.
Spot forecast for MacDonald Pass
Sunrise 07:54 · Sunset 18:33
Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo
MacDonald Pass: when to go?
Rideable days and hours computed for a minimum wind of 7 knots · log in to set your own (foil, twin-tip…)
152h
in February · 15.5 rideable days
The season runs from December to March, peaking in February: 11 rideable days a month and 152 hours of usable wind, at -2 °C. The low point is June, at 0 days.
Rideable days per month
Wind strength when it is rideable
When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 7 and 12 knots — 49% of rideable hours. Big-kite territory. The coldest month is January, at -6 °C. The wettest month is May, with 104 mm. Snow depth peaks in February, at 18 cm.
Monthly averages: MacDonald Pass
| Month | Rideable days | Usable wind | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14.0 | 133 h | -6 °C | 16 mm |
| February | 15.5 | 152 h | -5 °C | 40 mm |
| March | 5.0 | 38 h | 3 °C | 25 mm |
| April | 4.0 | 46 h | 7 °C | 37 mm |
| May | 1.0 | 5 h | 12 °C | 104 mm |
| June | 0.0 | 0 h | 18 °C | 25 mm |
| July | 0.0 | 0 h | 24 °C | 32 mm |
| August | 0.0 | 0 h | 22 °C | 8 mm |
| September | 0.0 | 0 h | 19 °C | 7 mm |
| October | 1.0 | 8 h | 10 °C | 21 mm |
| November | 2.5 | 24 h | 2 °C | 31 mm |
| December | 10.0 | 82 h | 0 °C | 53 mm |
Photo gallery of MacDonald Pass
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Technical details of MacDonald Pass spot
The spot works with winds from W, WNW, NW.
Spot opening date
- Spot opening date
- Open all year round
- Spot type
- Freeride (Ski touring access)
- Altitude
- 1,919 m
Hazards
Altitude 1,919m on the Continental Divide — extremely powerful winds possible. Hypothermia from severe wind chill. Sudden blizzards at the pass. Zero visibility possible. Pass road may be closed. Mountain lions and bears in the area.
Additional information
Mountain pass terrain with abundant snow. Open areas at the pass summit. Snow blown by prevailing west winds. Drifts and scoured surfaces. Good riding space on summit meadows.
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Live
MacDonald Pass US-12 MP 27.90.7 kmsource noaa
Readings reserved for Premium members
Readings from MacDonald Pass US-12 MP 27.9 weather station are reserved for Premium members.
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Additional stations
-
EW4329 Elliston9.4 km
Readings reserved for Premium members
source noaa
-
MacDonald Pass US-12 MP 27.9 MT US MT DOT0.7 km
Readings reserved for Premium members
source madis - NOAA
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Webcams near MacDonald Pass
Webcams provided by Windy.com
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