A strong arctic front pushed through western Montana, bringing a quick burst of snow, strong winds, and reduced visibility due to blowing and drifting snow. Snowfall accumulations ranged from 6 to 12 inches in most valleys, with up to 15 inches over higher terrain. Blizzard conditions were reported in the West Glacier Region and the northern Flathead Valley as wind gusts up to 45 mph were reported. The Montana
DOT reported severe driving conditions on area roads near the Continental Divide.

Blizzard in FLATHEAD/MISSION VALLEYS, MONTANA
From 12-DEC-08 16:00:00 to 13-DEC-08 15:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Snowfall was difficult to measure due to the blowing and drifting nature, but estimates were anywhere from 3 to 7 inches.  The main impact came from strong east to northeast winds measured at sustained 20 mph gusting up to 40 mph.  Visibility down to near zero was reported in many locations due to the blowing snow.  Many area roads were closed, including Highway 35 between Polson and the junction with S-206 where many trees were blown down onto the road from strong winds.  One person was killed on this road when a tree blew onto his vehicle. Two other vehicles were also damaged from falling trees.

Winter Storm in POTOMAC / SEELEY LAKE REGION, MONTANA
From 12-DEC-08 18:00:00 to 13-DEC-08 15:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snow accumulations between 7 and 10 inches was reported by local storm spotters.  Winds were sustained up to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.  The DOT reported low visibility along Highway 83 between Clearwater Junction and Condon due to blowing and drifting snow.

Winter Storm in LOWER CLARK FORK REGION, MONTANA
From 12-DEC-08 15:00:00 to 13-DEC-08 15:01:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snowfall accumulations between 9 and 15 inches were reported.  Sustained northeast winds up to 18 mph with gusts up to 30 mph caused blowing and drifting snow, lowering visibility on local roads.

Winter Storm in BITTERROOT / SAPPHIRE MOUNTAINS, MONTANA
From 12-DEC-08 17:00:00 to 13-DEC-08 15:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

Eight to twelve inches of snow was reported with north winds sustained at 20 mph gusting up to 35 mph.  Lolo and Lost Trail Passes had reduced visibility due to blowing and drifting snow.

Winter Storm in BUTTE / BLACKFOOT REGION, MONTANA
From 13-DEC-08 02:00:00 to 13-DEC-08 15:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snowfall accumulations between 6 and 8 inches were measured by storm spotters. Automated observing stations reporting north winds sustained at 20 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.  Severe driving conditions were reported by the DOT along Interstate 15 between Glen and Butte.

Winter Storm in KOOTENAI/CABINET REGION, MONTANA
From 12-DEC-08 15:00:00 to 13-DEC-08 15:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snow amounts between 6 to 12 inches were reported in the valleys, with up to 15 inches falling over the higher terrain.  Additionally, local northeast sustained winds of 20 mph with gusts up to 33 mph were recorded. Reduced visibility due to blowing and drifting snow was reported on areas roads.

Blizzard in WEST GLACIER REGION, MONTANA
From 12-DEC-08 15:30:00 to 13-DEC-08 15:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snowfall amounts between 5 and 8 inches were reported.  In addition, winds from the northeast sustained up to 20 mph, gusting up to 45 mph, lowered visibility to near zero periodically. The DOT reported severe driving conditions along US Highway 2 over Marias Pass due to snow and blowing snow reducing visibility.