Winter Storm — Northeastern Yellowstone, Montana

2022-04-12 · Northeastern Yellowstone, Montana

Event narrative

Up to 9 inches of snow was reported across the area. In addition, I-94 was closed.

Wider weather episode

A cold front on April 9th followed by a very cold airmass across the region on the 10th and 11th, were important components to this spring storm. Relatively cold air was already in place when a strong Pacific system arrived across the Billings Forecast Area. The combination of strong upper level ascent, deep easterly (upslope) winds and temperatures favoring dendritic snow growth led to intense snowfall rates on the night of the 11th and morning of the 12th. The upper level low deepened and tracked slowly as it moved from Wyoming into the Dakotas, and was responsible for the long-duration blizzard conditions that occurred across southeast Montana. Overall, the strength, duration and magnitude of cold (record cold temperatures) associated with this spring storm made it an event for the history books.

The combination of heavy snowfall and strong winds caused significant blowing and drifting snow, especially across southeast Montana where winds were the strongest. Some livestock were lost due to the snow, cold and wind. Several school districts closed schools. In addition, road closures delayed travel across much of the area.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1018067. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.