A plume of subtropical moisture interacted with an intense arctic cold front producing widespread heavy snowfall across areas of western Montana.

Winter Storm in POTOMAC / SEELEY LAKE REGION, MONTANA
From 25-FEB-19 09:00:00 to 26-FEB-19 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Heavy snow and blowing snow caused hazardous driving conditions along portions of I-90 and Montana 200 and 83. 17 inches of snow was reported in Potomac, 11 inches in Clinton, and 10 inches in Seeley Lake.

Blizzard in MISSOULA / BITTERROOT VALLEYS, MONTANA
From 25-FEB-19 12:05:00 to 25-FEB-19 21:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

During the afternoon and evening of the 25th, wind gusts over 40 mph and visibility reduced to less than a quarter of a mile in downtown and east Missoula were observed. Significant travel impacts were reported in the city of Missoula, and Missoula County asked citizens to only travel if absolutely necessary. Flights out of Missoula were also canceled or delayed.

Winter Storm in LOWER CLARK FORK REGION, MONTANA
From 25-FEB-19 18:00:00 to 26-FEB-19 01:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A period of intense snowfall during the evening hours of the 25th led to significant accumulations and travel impacts. Chains became required over Evaro Hill on US 95 where  24 inches of snow fell. Heavy snow and blowing snow was observed from Clinton to Ninemile, causing impacts to travel on I-90. 11 inches of snow was observed in Alberton and 8 inches was reported in Huson.

Winter Storm in MISSOULA / BITTERROOT VALLEYS, MONTANA
From 24-FEB-19 18:00:00 to 26-FEB-19 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Prolonged snowfall and blustery northerly winds caused significant impacts to the Bitterroot and Missoula Valleys. Widespread accumulations of up to two feet of snowfall was observed in the Bitterroot valley. The City of Hamilton declared a snow emergency February 25, urging drivers to stay off roadways until conditions improve. Areas of snow and blowing snow in the southern part of the Missoula valley and northern sections of the Bitterroot valley led to a period of severe driving conditions and numerous accidents were reported. Many schools in the Bitterroot valley were closed for Tuesday, including Stevensville, Hamilton, and Florence.

Winter Storm in BITTERROOT / SAPPHIRE MOUNTAINS, MONTANA
From 24-FEB-19 18:00:00 to 26-FEB-19 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Heavy prolonged snowfall impacted travel over Lolo and Lost Trail passes where one to two feet of snowfall was observed.

Winter Storm in BUTTE / BLACKFOOT REGION, MONTANA
From 24-FEB-19 18:00:00 to 26-FEB-19 10:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Heavy snowfall and blowing snow led to areas of severe driving conditions and closure of schools, including Butte and Anaconda. According to Butte school district officials, the school closed on February 16 for the first time since 1989. Widespread areas of 9 to 13 inches of snow was observed in Silver Bow county. Up to 30 inches of snow was reported in Anaconda! Numerous accidents were reported on stretches of I-90 near Anaconda and Butte.