High Wind — West Glacier Region, Montana

2025-12-15 to 2025-12-16 · West Glacier Region, Montana

Event narrative

Strong winds late on the 15th resulted in widespread tree damage between Columbia Falls and Pinnacle, with dozens of trees snapped or uprooted. The Hungry Horse Fire Department remained on scene overnight to clear debris from secondary roads. Significant structural and property damage was reported: one tree pierced a vehicle, and another demolished a residence. The occupant of the home narrowly escaped with minor bruises and scrapes. Approximately 4,000 customers across the region lost power during the peak of the event.

Wider weather episode

A cold front allowed for very high winds, associated with an atmospheric river in British Columbia Canada, to make it to the surface across northwest Montana. Mountain sites gusted to 100 mph in the Glacier Region. Wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph or greater occurred in the valleys. Thunderstorms were observed from Lincoln County to Glacier National Park.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1306055. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.