Winter Storm — Paradise Valley, Montana

2017-12-29 to 2017-12-31 · Paradise Valley, Montana

Event narrative

Pray received 14 inches of snow. Severe driving conditions were also reported.

Wider weather episode

A very strong arctic front moved across the Billings Forecast area during the early morning hours of the 28th. At the same time, a fetch of deep Pacific moisture moved off the Pacific and across the northern Rockies. This pattern persisted for about 48 hours. Temperatures were mainly in the single digits above and below zero through the period. This resulted in very high snow ratios which equated to high snow total amounts. In addition, gusty north to northeast winds resulted in widespread blowing and drifting snow. The main impact from this winter storm was difficult to impossible traveling conditions.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 727454. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.