A very strong jet stream moved across Southwest and Central Montana during the afternoon of the 6th into the early morning hours of the 7th. Conditions became favorable for the very strong winds within the jet stream to mix down not only to mountain top level but down the eastern foothills and adjacent plains of the Beartooth/Absaroka Mountains.
Sustained winds of 40 to 50 mph with gusts of 60 to 75 mph were common across the the foothills and areas adjacent for an extended period of time. The Stillwater Mine  estimated winds at 90 mph. Numerous power outages and downed trees were reported from Red Lodge to Big Timber. A downed power pole about 5 miles southwest of Fishtail started a grass fire on Nye Road. The fire burned 60 to 70 acres. In addition, some car windows in the Stillwater Mine parking lot were damaged, as well as window damage to a home on Benbow.
Another downed power line sparked a fire north of the town of Big Timber just across the Yellowstone River. The fire occurred about three miles west of Featherbed Road in Sweet Grass County. The fire started about 820 pm and burned about 10 acres, mostly cottonwood trees and some river bottom foliage. However, one primary structure and two outbuildings burned. No one occupied the buildings but the structures did contain farm equipment.

High Wind in RED LODGE FOOTHILLS, MONTANA
From 06-FEB-15 11:22:00 to 07-FEB-15 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 61.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

A wind gust of 70 mph was recorded in Roscoe with a 60 mph gust at Tipi Village in Red Lodge.

High Wind in BEARTOOTH FOOTHILLS, MONTANA
From 05-FEB-15 13:52:00 to 07-FEB-15 14:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 78.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Utility Company

Wind gusts were estimated at 90 mph at the Stillwater Mine. Reports of tree damage, power poles knocked down and broken windows were also reported at the Stillwater Mine.

High Wind in NORTHERN SWEET GRASS, MONTANA
From 06-FEB-15 20:55:00 to 07-FEB-15 18:03:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 35.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Sustained winds of 40 mph with higher gusts were reported across the area. In Big Timber, a large evergreen tree was knocked down and another broken in half. In addition, light poles were knocked down resulting in power outages for several hours across the Big Timber area.

High Wind in LIVINGSTON AREA, MONTANA
From 06-FEB-15 18:49:00 to 07-FEB-15 10:31:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 45.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Winds at the Livingston Airport were sustained at 50-54 mph.

High Wind in JUDITH GAP, MONTANA
From 06-FEB-15 13:08:00 to 07-FEB-15 13:11:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

A wind gust of 59 mph was recorded in Judith Gap.

High Wind in SOUTHERN WHEATLAND, MONTANA
From 06-FEB-15 17:00:00 to 07-FEB-15 13:45:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

A wind gust to 58 mph was reported about four miles west of Harlowton.

High Wind in RED LODGE FOOTHILLS, MONTANA
From 05-FEB-15 14:35:00 to 05-FEB-15 14:35:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

A wind gust of 60 mph was recorded at Roscoe.

High Wind in YELLOWSTONE, MONTANA
From 07-FEB-15 19:10:00 to 07-FEB-15 19:10:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

A wind gust of 58 mph was recorded at the Billings Airport.