Winter Storm — Broadwater, Montana

2020-03-13 · Broadwater, Montana

Event narrative

Poor visibility and slippery road conditions may have contributed to a multi vehicle crash on US highway 12 near mile marker 58. There were two fatalities in this collision.

Wider weather episode

This winter storm had a favorable combination of moisture and cold arctic air. An upper level low off the west coast extended a piece of energy into the region Friday through the weekend. This low provided ample pacific moisture and enhanced lift from an upper level warm front. Meanwhile, a cold front pushed from north to south and brought rapidly cooling temperatures along with stronggustywinds. The hardest hit area was north and west of a Helenato Havre line,where the presence of a barrier jet enabledblizzard conditions todevelop. The end result was widespread snow for three days, with areas of blowing snow, and sub-zero temperatures once the snow ended.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 882919. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.