Winter Weather — Southern Big Horn, Montana

2009-02-19 · Southern Big Horn, Montana

Event narrative

As a result of the icy roads, a 16 year old girl died in a one-vehicle crash on Interstate 90 near Dunmore, Montana. Although I-90 was icy and snowpacked at the time, Montana Highway Patrol said speed was a factor.

Wider weather episode

An arctic cold front moved across the forecast area during the late evening hours of the 19th and early morning hours of the 20th. Upslope flow developed behind the front. This resulted in heavy snow across the foothills of the Beartooth/Absaroka Mountains with minor accumulations across the plains. However, very slick roads resulted in dangerous traveling conditions. As a result of the icy roads, a 16 year old girl died in a one-vehicle crash on Interstate 90 near Dunmore, Montana. In addition, two women died in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 212, about 8 miles west of Ashland. Although road conditions were icy and snowpacked at the time of the accidents, Montana State Patrol reported speed was also a factor.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 151028. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.