Blizzard in Blackfoot Region, Montana

Strong winds and heavy snow lead to blizzard conditions when an arctic cold front moved into western Montana early on 02/15/01. Whiteout conditions were reported early in the morning near the continental divide and continued throughout the day, closing several highways at times. Along Interstate 90 the blizzard was accountable for one traffic-related death near Garrison. Wind chills were recorded near 40 degrees below zero at Helmville with wind gusts to 41 mph. A wind gust to 40 mph was reported at Frenchtown. DOT and spotter reports in Garrison, Avon, Greenough, Helmville, Deerlodge, and Warm Springs met blizzard conditions with strong winds, and blowing snow with visibilities reduced to near zero. Heavy snow occurred over many areas including; 10 inches at Condon, Hungry Horse, Warm Springs, and Marshall Mountain, 12 inches at Bigfork, Plains, St. Regis, and Twin Lakes, 14 inches at Moss Peak and Evaro Hill, and 18 inches at Stuart Mountain.