Winter Storm — West Glacier Region, Montana

2022-12-20 to 2022-12-21 · West Glacier Region, Montana

Event narrative

Heavy snow and east-northeast winds of 20-30 mph with gusts to 45 mph led to periods of whiteout conditions on US Highway 2 east of West Glacier. MDT and the Essex COOP reported 29 inches of snowfall. 14 inches of snow was measured in West Glacier.

Wider weather episode

A strong upper level jet and Pacific moisture combined with arctic air stalled over northwest Montana, led to multiple hours of heavy snow rates and difficult travel. Strong arctic winds brought wind chills down to 70 below zero along the Divide and dangerous wind chills across western Montana. A flash freeze and blowing snow were observed across west-central Montana when the arctic cold front pushed through overnight. As skies cleared, extreme cold to 50 below zero were observed along the Divide.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1063135. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.