Heavy Snow — Elkhorn and Boulder Mountains, Montana

2024-05-22 to 2024-05-23 · Elkhorn and Boulder Mountains, Montana

Event narrative

Snotel equipment at Rocker peak estimated 9 inches new snow. Extreme driving conditions were reported by DOT employees for a stint around Elk park as well.

Wider weather episode

A complex pattern developed, with a shortwave within broader troughing dropping south across BC, SE into the Pac NW and finally NE from S ID through the region. An H7 low developed across the region as the upper level forcing moved through, aiding in the development of heavy snow in the mountains. This system was cold enough for snow levels to drop to valley floors across portions of Southwest Montana. The highest snow amounts fell across SW MT.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1179999. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.