High Wind — Eastern Pondera and Eastern Teton, Montana

2024-10-19 · Eastern Pondera and Eastern Teton, Montana

Event narrative

Mesonet station MTM73 Ledger measured two gusts in excess of 58 mph, including a peak of 63 mph. The sensor also measured sustained winds averagin over 40 mph for a few hours.

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 1211549. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.