A multifaceted winter storm moved into western Montana, when moisture from the Pacific moved in from the west on a strong jet streak. In addition very cold air moved out of central Canada and across the Continental Divide.  This combination produced areas of heavy snowfall.

Heavy Snow in BUTTE / BLACKFOOT REGION, MONTANA
From 08-NOV-12 14:00:00 to 09-NOV-12 14:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

An observer measured 6.8 inches of snow in Philipsburg at 5270 feet. The water equivalent was 0.42.

Heavy Snow in BUTTE / BLACKFOOT REGION, MONTANA
From 08-NOV-12 19:10:00 to 09-NOV-12 19:10:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public measured 10.5 inches of snow 1 mile south southeast of Butte at 5480 feet.

Heavy Snow in KOOTENAI/CABINET REGION, MONTANA
From 08-NOV-12 21:00:00 to 09-NOV-12 00:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A spotter measured 6 inches of snow falling between 2 pm and 5 pm MST 32 miles south southeast of Libby.

Heavy Snow in BUTTE / BLACKFOOT REGION, MONTANA
From 08-NOV-12 06:30:00 to 08-NOV-12 11:30:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Heavy snow was measured 1 mile north northwest of Butte, when 6 inches of snow fell in 5 hours.

Heavy Snow in BUTTE / BLACKFOOT REGION, MONTANA
From 08-NOV-12 06:30:00 to 08-NOV-12 14:10:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public measured 6 inches of new snow in Anaconda in less than 8 hours.

Heavy Snow in WEST GLACIER REGION, MONTANA
From 08-NOV-12 15:00:00 to 09-NOV-12 15:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A spotter measured 10.0 inches of snow 5 miles east northeast of Blacktail.

Heavy Snow in WEST GLACIER REGION, MONTANA
From 08-NOV-12 15:00:00 to 09-NOV-12 15:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A spotter measured 6.0 inches of snow 1 mile east of Blacktail at 4500 feet.

Heavy Snow in KOOTENAI/CABINET REGION, MONTANA
From 08-NOV-12 19:20:00 to 09-NOV-12 07:20:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snowfall of 9.7 inches was measured 1 mile southwest of Libby in a 12 hour period.

Heavy Snow in POTOMAC / SEELEY LAKE REGION, MONTANA
From 08-NOV-12 16:00:00 to 09-NOV-12 16:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A spotter measured 6.0 inches of snow 2 milews east of Seeley Lake, near Seeley Lake airport at 4350 feet.

Heavy Snow in BUTTE / BLACKFOOT REGION, MONTANA
From 08-NOV-12 08:00:00 to 08-NOV-12 20:33:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Snowfall at Homestake pass, elevation 6385 feet was estimated at 8 inches.

Heavy Snow in BUTTE / BLACKFOOT REGION, MONTANA
From 08-NOV-12 11:54:00 to 09-NOV-12 11:54:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A spotter measured 10.5 inches of snow in Anaconda over 24 hours.

Heavy Snow in BUTTE / BLACKFOOT REGION, MONTANA
From 08-NOV-12 14:30:00 to 09-NOV-12 14:30:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A spotter measured 6.0 inches of snow in Deer Lodge.

Heavy Snow in BITTERROOT / SAPPHIRE MOUNTAINS, MONTANA
From 08-NOV-12 14:35:00 to 09-NOV-12 14:35:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The highway department estimated 6.0 inches of snow at Lost Trail pass.

Heavy Snow in BUTTE / BLACKFOOT REGION, MONTANA
From 08-NOV-12 16:45:00 to 09-NOV-12 16:45:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A spotter measured 11.5 inches of snow, 2 miles southwest of Newcomb. 8 inches fell between 2-3pm mst on the 9th, blowing snow with whiteout conditions.