Winter Weather — Helena Valley, Montana

2024-01-09 · Helena Valley, Montana

Event narrative

Snow Squall. Light snow started at the airport at 11:30 AM. Visibility quickly reduced down to 0.75 miles in 9 minutes. ASOS reported winds gusting between 35 and 39 mph. Moderate snow fall by the ASOS was reported between 11:45 and 11:55 AM with visibility down to 0.5 miles. Visibility improved to over 1 mile after 11:55 AM. Airport staff called at 11:45 AM with 0.8 inches of new snow at the airport from the snow squall that passed through and near zero visibility. FAA Webcam 15 minute imagery showed the reduction in visibility of less than a quarter of a mile.

Wider weather episode

A brief period of warm conditions accompanied strong to gusty southwesterly winds across much of North-central and Southwest Montana. An Arctic cold front arrived shortly after, which brought much colder temperatures and accumulating snow to much of the Treasure State, including snow squalls to portions of Southwest Montana.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1150885. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.