A major winter storm moved across South Central Montana on the 13th. The storm system brought in a period of heavy snow, blowing snow and bitterly cold temperatures. The heaviest snow fell at the time of the strongest winds behind the frontal passage on the 13th, resulting in the greatest impacts. Winds of 25 to 35 mph, with gusts exceeding 50 mph were common, resulting in frequent visibilities at or below a quarter of a mile in many areas. Snowfall amounts were generaly in the one to four inch range with locally higher amounts. One fatality was reported along with two injuries in a 2 vehicle accident on Highway 212, about halfway between Laurel and Silesia. In addition, bitterly cold temperatures moved into the area for the remainder of the weekend. On the 15th, record low temperatures were reported at some locations as temperatures dropped to around 20 degrees below zero. The following locations all reported snow with wind gusts to 40 mph along with visibilities of less than 1/4 mile.

Blizzard in NORTHERN ROSEBUD, MONTANA
From 13-DEC-08 09:00:00 to 14-DEC-08 02:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snow with wind gusts of 40 mph and visibilities < 1/4 mile were observed in Colstrip and Forsyth.

Blizzard in SOUTHERN WHEATLAND, MONTANA
From 13-DEC-08 05:00:00 to 13-DEC-08 20:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snow with wind gusts of 40 mph and visibilities < 1/4 mile were observed in Harlowton.

Blizzard in GOLDEN VALLEY, MONTANA
From 13-DEC-08 06:00:00 to 13-DEC-08 18:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snow with wind gusts of 40 mph and visibilities < 1/4 mile were observed in Ryegate.

Blizzard in YELLOWSTONE, MONTANA
From 13-DEC-08 08:00:00 to 13-DEC-08 20:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snow with wind gusts of 40 mph and visibilities < 1/4 mile were observed in Billings.

Blizzard in NORTHERN BIG HORN, MONTANA
From 13-DEC-08 08:00:00 to 13-DEC-08 21:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snow with wind gusts of 40 mph and visibilities < 1/4 mile were observed in Fort Smith and Hardin.

Blizzard in CUSTER, MONTANA
From 13-DEC-08 11:00:00 to 14-DEC-08 02:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snow with wind gusts of 40 mph and visibilities < 1/4 mile were observed in Miles City.

Blizzard in FALLON, MONTANA
From 13-DEC-08 13:00:00 to 14-DEC-08 02:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snow with wind gusts of 40 mph and visibilities < 1/4 mile were observed in Baker.

Blizzard in MUSSELSHELL, MONTANA
From 13-DEC-08 06:00:00 to 13-DEC-08 20:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snow with wind gusts of 40 mph and visibilities < 1/4 mile were observed in Roundup.

Blizzard in TREASURE, MONTANA
From 13-DEC-08 09:00:00 to 14-DEC-08 02:40:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snow with wind gusts of 40 mph and visibilities < 1/4 mile were observed in Hysham.

Winter Storm in ABSAROKEE / BEARTOOTH MOUNTAINS, MONTANA
From 13-DEC-08 06:00:00 to 13-DEC-08 21:16:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

Fisher Creek and Monument Peak Snotels reported eight to ten inches of snow.

Blizzard in NORTHERN STILLWATER, MONTANA
From 13-DEC-08 07:00:00 to 13-DEC-08 20:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snow with wind gusts of 40 mph and visibilities < 1/4 mile were observed in Columbus.

Winter Storm in CRAZY MOUNTAINS, MONTANA
From 13-DEC-08 06:00:00 to 13-DEC-08 21:16:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

Sucker Creek and Dome Creek Snotels reported eight to ten inches of snow.

Winter Storm in LIVINGSTON AREA, MONTANA
From 13-DEC-08 06:00:00 to 13-DEC-08 21:16:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Livingston reported 4 inches of snow with wind gusts to 35 mph resulting in visibilities around 1/2 mile.

Blizzard in SOUTHERN BIG HORN, MONTANA
From 13-DEC-08 10:00:00 to 14-DEC-08 02:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snow with wind gusts of 40 mph and visibilities < 1/4 mile were observed at the Wolf Mountain RAWS.

Blizzard in NORTHERN SWEET GRASS, MONTANA
From 13-DEC-08 06:00:00 to 13-DEC-08 18:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snow with wind gusts of 40 mph and visibilities < 1/4 mile were observed in Big Timber and Melville.

Blizzard in JUDITH GAP, MONTANA
From 13-DEC-08 04:00:00 to 13-DEC-08 20:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snow with wind gusts of 40 mph and visibilities < 1/4 mile were observed in Judith Gap.

Winter Storm in PARADISE VALLEY, MONTANA
From 13-DEC-08 06:00:00 to 13-DEC-08 21:16:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Significant blowing and drifting snow and dangerous wind chills, along with four inches of new snow was reported just south of Livingston.

Blizzard in CARTER, MONTANA
From 13-DEC-08 13:00:00 to 14-DEC-08 02:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snow with wind gusts of 40 mph and visibilities < 1/4 mile were observed in Ekalaka.

Winter Storm in EASTERN CARBON, MONTANA
From 13-DEC-08 06:00:00 to 13-DEC-08 21:16:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Significant blowing and drifting snow and dangerous wind chills, along with four inches of new snow was reported in Joliet.

Blizzard in POWDER RIVER, MONTANA
From 13-DEC-08 11:00:00 to 14-DEC-08 02:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snow with wind gusts of 40 mph and visibilities < 1/4 mile were observed in Powder River.

Blizzard in SOUTHERN ROSEBUD, MONTANA
From 13-DEC-08 10:00:00 to 14-DEC-08 02:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snow with wind gusts of 40 mph and visibilities < 1/4 mile were observed in Ashland.