Winter Weather in West Glacier Region, Montana

Snowfall amounts in the valleys ranged from 5 and 6 inches between Hungry Horse Dam and West Glacier, with up to 7 inches at Essex. The mountains received 8 to 12 inches of new snow. Along U.S. Highway 2 between Devil's Creek and Marias Pass, wind gusts between 30 and 40 mph caused blowing and drifting snow, thereby reducing visibility.

Lingering arctic air was overrun by a moist plume of subtropical moisture on December 1 and 2. The northwest flow pattern brought snow to both valley and mountain locations. Although the air temperature drop was gradual, road temperatures were above freezing initially. This caused the initial snowfall to melt and then re-freeze, creating a layer of ice beneath the snow. These slick road surfaces led to several vehicle accidents.