NASA satellite image shows Montana snow after early autumn storm
NASA released a Terra satellite view of snow across Montana on October 15, following an early autumn storm in the northern Rocky Mountain region. The image was acquired October 13, 2026, as skies cleared; part of eastern Idaho is visible along its western edge.
News date: 2026-10-16
Checked at: 2026-10-16T02:25:46.716Z (UTC)
NASA released a Terra satellite view of snow across Montana on October 15, following an early autumn storm in the northern Rocky Mountain region. The image was acquired October 13, 2026, as skies cleared; part of eastern Idaho is visible along its western edge.
Three key points
- The image was captured October 13 and published in the MODIS gallery October 15.
- Terra’s MODIS instrument recorded a true-color view using bands 1, 4 and 3.
- The image documents snow cover on that date, rather than current road conditions or a new storm warning.
A regional view after the storm
The satellite scene places snow-covered terrain alongside darker areas across the region, providing a broad view that a single ground photograph cannot. NASA identifies the image as a true-color MODIS observation and credits its Land Rapid Response Team at Goddard Space Flight Center.
Image timing matters for local use
For Montana and eastern Idaho readers, the observation is a dated record of conditions after the October 10–12 storm. It does not measure snow depth at each location or establish whether a particular road is open. Current travel decisions need newer local information.
Sources
- NASA MODIS — original satellite image and acquisition record — Published October 15, 2026; acquired October 13
Image credits
This editorial collage combines the credited real photograph and conceptual ink drawings. Archive photographs are dated; the cover is an illustration, not an event photograph. topic.red; MODIS Land Rapid Response Team / NASA GSFC — NASA editorial media-use permission
