High Wind — Northern High Plains, Montana

2024-10-18 to 2024-10-19 · Northern High Plains, Montana

Event narrative

Montana mesonet station acedoggu Dog Gone Lake E measured many gusts in excess of 60 mph, including a peak of 67 mph. The sensor also measured sustained winds, averaging 43 mph, over three hours between 1 and 4 AM MDT 10/19.

Wider weather episode

A splitting trough resulted in a period of heavy snow across the high terrain of Madison and Gallatin counties late Oct 17 into the 18th. Further, as the trough pulled away, a secondary wave diving SE from BC resulted in strong cross barrier flow, ridgetop stability and hence strong wind gusts across the plains adjacent to the Rocky Mountain Front. A strong pressure gradient also helped stronger gusts occur near the Rocky Mountain Front.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1211508. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.