High Wind — Western and Central Chouteau County, Montana

2025-12-15 to 2025-12-16 · Western and Central Chouteau County, Montana

Event narrative

MT mesonet stations Carter N, Highwood Bench, Frenchmans Ridge, Fort Benton E, and MTM02 S Loma, along with mesonet station MTLOM Loma DOT all measured gusts in excess of 58 mph, including a few reports of sustained winds of 40 mph averaged over an hour. The peak observed gust was 61 mph at several sensors.

Wider weather episode

Strong zonal flow ahead of an initial shortwave during the afternoon of the 15th was translated to the surface through early on the 16th. These winds were stronger and more widespread than the previous event a day prior, but paled in comparison to the winds that developed just a day or so later on the 17th.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1303309. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.