Hail — Flathead, Montana

2016-06-08 · near Kalispell, Flathead, Montana

Event narrative

The public reported quarter-sized hail from a thunderstorm west of Kalispell, MT.

Wider weather episode

The Northern Rockies were under southwest flow ahead of a large low pressure system off the West Coast. A shortwave trough and associated jet streak were moving through the southwest flow providing upper level forcing for thunderstorms. Precipitable water values ranged from 0.75 to 1.00 inches, with deep shear of 50 kts, and CAPE values of 500 to 1000 J/kg. Short range models highlighted long-lived storm modes over the area. A convective watch was issued around 3 pm MDT highlighting an atmosphere favorable for strong thunderstorm development.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (48.2089, -114.3522)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 644856. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.