High Wind — Eastern Pondera, Montana

2020-11-05 · Eastern Pondera, Montana

Event narrative

Mesonet station at 7 NNE Valier measured a 63 kt (72 mph) non-thunderstorm wind gust.

Wider weather episode

Westerly flow aloft began to increase ahead of a broad trough over the Pacific Northwest. H700 winds of 60 to 80 kts were common and a stable layer near the mountain top level created favorable conditions for breaking mountain waves. At the surface, a couple of lee side troughs moved through the Canadian prairies, which provided a tight pressure gradient over the region.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 923489. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.