Heavy Snow in Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains, Montana

Many automated stations estimated snow in excess of 9 inches, including Bridger Alpine (20.4in), Bridger Top (19 in), Sacajawea Snotel (12 in), Brackett Creek Snotel (10 in), and Boulder Mtn Snotel (11 in).

A closed upper level low lifted northeast across eastern Montana on May 6th through the 9th. This low merged with a shortwave streaming from the Pacific Northwest. This storm system brought strong winds across Central and North Central Montana with the highest wind gust measured near Whitlash where a mesonet station measured an 87 mph gust. Widespread wind gusts of 55 and 75 mph were measured. Most damage was limited to trees being uprooted and power outages, but an exterior barrier of a high school roof was torn off by the wind in Shelby. Additionally, ample precipitation was observed with this system. Precipitation was mostly rain at lower elevations and fell as heavy snow in the mountains. Blizzard conditions were observed in the Little Belts, where multiple feet of snow was observed.