High Wind — Northern High Plains, Montana

2024-12-27 · Northern High Plains, Montana

Event narrative

Montana Mesonet sensor Dog Gun Lake E (acedoggu) measured sustained winds, averaged over an hour, of 50 mph.

Wider weather episode

Strong cross barrier flow combined with a tightening pressure gradient allowed for a period of gusty winds along the Rocky Mountain Front Dec 26 into Dec 27. Only one sensor, a few miles east of the Rockies, ended up reaching high wind criteria. Additionally, the pressure gradient resulted in sustained high winds at Norris Hill at the northern end of the Madison River Valley.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1221607. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.