A potent Pacific storm system brought a mixture of snow and freezing rain, accompanied with strong winds to portions of western Montana.  Snow amounts of 7 to 18 inches fell in the valley locations, while 12 to 27 inches fell over the higher terrain.  In addition, sustained winds at 15 to 20 mph were not uncommon with gusts up to 30 mph, causing locally lowered visibility and severe driving conditions on area roads.

Winter Storm in LOWER CLARK FORK REGION, MONTANA
From 01-JAN-09 05:00:00 to 02-JAN-09 17:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Spotters in the region reported snow amounts anywhere from 7 to 14 inches.  Winds gusted up to 30 mph creating blowing and drifting snow.  The Montana DOT reported severe driving conditions on area roads, including Interstate 90.

Winter Weather in MISSOULA / BITTERROOT VALLEYS, MONTANA
From 01-JAN-09 19:30:00 to 02-JAN-09 02:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

The Missoula ASOS reported freezing rain, with the Montana DOT reporting freezing rain along Interstate 90 from Missoula to Frenchtown.

Winter Storm in KOOTENAI/CABINET REGION, MONTANA
From 01-JAN-09 02:40:00 to 02-JAN-09 17:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snow amounts of 8 to 16 inches were reported by spotters across the region.  Additionally, winds in the forecast zone were sustained anywhere from 13 to 20 mph with gusts up 30 mph.  This created blowing and drifting snow over area roads, causing severe driving conditions on area roads.

Winter Storm in FLATHEAD/MISSION VALLEYS, MONTANA
From 01-JAN-09 09:00:00 to 02-JAN-09 15:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

The Firehall at Glacier Park International measured a total of 25 inches of new snow by the end of this event.  Other spotters in the region reported anywhere from 12 to 18 inches.  In addition, strong winds sustained at 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph caused reduced visibility in blowing and drifting snow. The Montana DOT reported severe driving conditions on area roads, with the Flathead County Sheriff declaring emergency travel only through the Kalispell area.  A couple power lines were brought down from the heavy snow, causing power outages in the Whitefish area.  The Kalispell airport was shut down for several hours the morning of January 2nd due to snow on the runway.

Winter Storm in BITTERROOT / SAPPHIRE MOUNTAINS, MONTANA
From 01-JAN-09 06:00:00 to 02-JAN-09 17:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Spotters over Lolo pass reported 15 inches of new snow.  Another spotter in the region reported 12 inches of snow in a 24 hour period.  Lolo Pass was closed due to the heavy snow, winds reducing visibility, and the threat of avalanches along Highway 12 crossing into Idaho.

Winter Storm in WEST GLACIER REGION, MONTANA
From 01-JAN-09 09:00:00 to 02-JAN-09 17:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Spotters in the region reported 9 to 12 inches of new snow with weather stations measuring sustained winds up to 20 mph. Blowing and drifting snow caused reduced visibility on area roads, leading the Montana DOT to report severe driving conditions on roads across the area.