High Wind — Gallatin Valley, Montana

2025-12-19 · Gallatin Valley, Montana

Event narrative

Three reports of gusts of 58 mph or greater were received, including ASOS station KBZN Bozeman Airport, mesonet station FW1650 Bozeman, and a trained spotter report from 3 NW Amsterdam. The peak observed gust was from the trained spotter (64 mph). Emergency management at MSU Bozeman reported two large trees fell down on campus.

Wider weather episode

Surface low pressure gradually deepened in lee of terrain across Northern MT and Southern AB ahead of a shortwave approaching the region during the 18th. As mid level flow increased, strong winds developed, eventually spreading across most of the region heading into the 19th behind a cold front.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1306452. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.