Winter Storm — Ruby Mountains and Southern Beaverhead Mountains, Montana

2023-03-14 to 2023-03-15 · Ruby Mountains and Southern Beaverhead Mountains, Montana

Event narrative

Sheriff's office reported a 72-car train hit a large snowdrift near the intersection of S Monida Rd and S Valley Rd. The lead engine derailed. Portions of I-15 were closed due to severe driving conditions.

Wider weather episode

A Pacific weather system arrived from the west and ushered in an unsettled weather pattern that persisted through mid-week. Strong wind occurred along the Rocky Mountain Front and portions of Central and Southwest Montana. Heavy snow also developed along the immediate eastern slopes of the Continental Divide and the southwestern mountains.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1091376. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.