Winter Storm in West Glacier Region, Montana

Widespread snow, wind, and dangerously low wind chills were observed. Snow amounts generally ranged from 5-14 inches with 22 inches reported near Marias Pass. Easterly wind gusts of 30-40 miles per hour resulted in blowing and drifting snow with wind chills of -15F to -30F at lower elevations and -35F to -55F at higher elevations. Dangerous avalanche conditions developed because of the wind and snow with one avalanche related fatality reported in the Swan Range near Wildcat Lake. This winter storm also created significant challenges for plow crews along US Highway 2.

An Arctic cold front came over of the Continental Divide and collided with an atmospheric river of moisture from the Pacific Ocean to produce widespread wintry impacts.