Blizzard in Eastern Pondera, Montana

The blizzard conditions observed in the Eastern Glacier zone will be used to verify blizzard conditions over the Eastern Pondera zone due to similar synoptic setup and lack of reporting stations in that particular area.

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.