Winter Storm — West Glacier Region, Montana

2022-11-30 · West Glacier Region, Montana

Event narrative

A moist Pacific front, followed by an arctic front initiated very heavy snow rates between 1 to 2 inches per hour, gusty winds to 25 mph with blowing and drifting snow, and very low visibility along US-2 between Hungry Horse and Marias Pass. Heavy snow showers enhanced by the existing arctic air mass caused more accumulation during the later period through early Dec. 2. Total snowfall included: 30 inches Pinnacle, 29.9 inches Essex, 17 inches West Glacier, 16 inches Coram and over 12 inches at Marias Pass.

Wider weather episode

An anomalous moisture plume and arctic airmass brought several feet of snow to northwest Montana. Elsewhere, moderate snow produced slick travel along the Interstate 90 and US-93 corridors.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1062559. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.