High Wind — West Glacier Region, Montana

2025-12-19 · West Glacier Region, Montana

Event narrative

The Hungry Horse RAWS recorded a peak wind gust of 66 mph between 0311MST and 0411MST, followed by subsequent gusts of 55 mph and 57 mph through 0611MST.

The high winds caused immediate and severe utility disruptions. Flathead Electric Cooperative reported that the main lines feeding West Glacier and the Canyon were down. By 0730MST, approximately 8,600 members across their service territory had lost power. While crews made significant progress throughout the day, the Flathead County Sheriff's Office reported that approximately 3,000 electric meters remained without power by 1600MST.

Additional property and infrastructure damage was reported within Glacier National Park and the surrounding corridors. Park dispatch reported two 12-inch diameter trees fell at the foot of Lake McDonald, and another tree blocked a local bike path. In the Apgar area, a large fir tree crashed onto a cabin, requiring a crane for removal. Travel was also impacted, with the Montana Department of Transportation reporting 8 to 9 downed trees blocking the route between Essex and Goat Lick.

Wider weather episode

Just two days after a historic windstorm devastated the region, another strong atmospheric river-connected wind event impacted the area during the early morning hours of December 19, severely compounding ongoing recovery efforts. Heavy snow combined with strong winds brought blizzard conditions in the backcountry.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1307729. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.