Heavy Snow in Gallatin and Madison County Mountains and Centennial Mountains, Montana

A public report was received from Big Sky Resort of 10 inches new snow by 8 AM 3/1, with 2 inch per hour rates for several hours. Additionally, several snotels, including Black Bear, Madison Plateau, Whiskey Creek, and Shower Falls estimated 9 inches of new snow or greater. The highest amount reported was 11 inches new snow at Black Bear.

A series of cold fronts and or upper level disturbances resulted in periods of snow early in March, primarily across Central and Southwest Montana. There were heavier bursts at times, especially around West Yellowstone and in the Helena Valley. One snow squall was observed in the Gallatin Valley the night of March 2 into March 3.