Debris Flow — Sanders, Montana

2023-05-21 · near Snider, Sanders, Montana

Event narrative

A thunderstorm containing very heavy rain moved directly over the Thorne Creek burn scar. Radar estimated 30 minute rainfall totals between 0.55 to 0.90 inches. A report was received from the forest service that a debris flow went over the Thompson River Road.

Wider weather episode

Thunderstorms developed across western Montana ahead of an approaching trough. High amounts of atmospheric moisture and slow storm motion contributed to a flash flood threat, especially over recent burn scars. A few storms produced quarter size hail.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (47.6556, -115.1625)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1093781. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.