High Wind — Missouri Headwaters, Montana

2025-12-17 · Missouri Headwaters, Montana

Event narrative

MT DOT sensor MTBLS Boulder South MT-69 mp 27.7 measured multiple gusts of greater than 58 mph in addition to a period of high sustained winds (42 mph averaged over an hour). The peak gust was 71 mph.

Wider weather episode

Robust low to mid level flow westerly flow associated with a potent shortwave and attendant cold fronts resulted in a prolonged period of high-end winds and gusts across the entire region Dec 17 into the 18th. Multiple gusts in excess of 90 mph were observed in populated areas, with a peak observed gust of 104 mph west of Bynum. Prolonged power outages were observed across the region, mostly due to trees being damaged/falling over completely. Additional societal impacts included extremely difficult to impossible travel conditions, which prompted a Civil Emergency Message for areas along the Rocky Mountain Front the afternoon of the 17th.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1304759. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.