Blizzard — Blackfoot Region, Montana

2002-03-20 to 2002-03-21 · Blackfoot Region, Montana

Wider weather episode

A major winter like spring storm developed over western Montana as Pacific moisture and an arctic front combined to dump record breaking heavy snow over the region for three days. Local blizzard conditions developed over portions of western Montana on the third day, as the arctic front pushed over the Continental Divide and southward into the Bitterroot Valley. North winds increased to between 30 and 40 mph just behind the arctic front, with most roads declared emergency travel only by the DOT. Many northwest Montana schools were closed down. Average snowfall in the valleys ranged from 6 to 12 inches, with one to two feet of new snow in the mountains. The West Glacier and Blackfoot Regions received the most snow with 29 to 39 inches reported. Kalispell Airport broke a three day snowfall record with 20 inches and a record low temperature of 10 degrees on March 20. In the Mission Valley, snow drifts of 3 to 4 feet were reported.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5281854. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.