Heavy Snow — Blackfoot Region, Montana

2003-02-20 to 2003-02-21 · Blackfoot Region, Montana

Wider weather episode

Strong winter storm impacted most of western Montana for several days with heavy snow and gusty north to northwest winds. Storm total snowfall ranged from 5 to 7 inches in the west central Montana valleys, to over a foot in the mountains. The Bitterroot Mountains and southwest Montana received the most amount of snow with Anaconda receiving 15 inches, Lolo Pass 19 inches, Twin Lakes 20 inches, and Nez Perce Camp 23 inches. Northerly winds of 15 to 30 mph with localized gusts of 35 to 45 mph, caused areas of blowing and drifting of snow and poor visibility. At the Missoula Airport, strong winds blew over a 50 foot Poplar tree.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5343526. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.