High winds associated with a late-season arctic front and an impressive pressure gradient wreaked havoc across northwest Montana, especially in the Flathead Valley. According to the utility there, this was one of their worst wind events in several decades, with more damage observed than the Thanksgiving 2019 wind storm. The high winds also contributed to several ski resort closures.

High Wind in WEST GLACIER REGION, MONTANA
From 13-MAR-20 13:30:00 to 14-MAR-20 07:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Utility Company

A local utility company remarked that the Red Owl area was one of the worst areas hit by the high winds. There was so much damage that it took 3 or 4 days to clear up the tree debris. They said it was difficult to mitigate during the event because there were trees falling all around them. A local said that they often get these winds coming down out of the canyon where the Red Owl Trail starts. Multiple trees had also fallen along Meadow Lake Road, Whitetail Road, and Landmark Lane downwind or west of Bear Creek Canyon. Approximately 6 trees fell across South Ferndale Road with dozens of trees down towards Highway 83. A local remarked that these were 100 year old trees that were laid down from east to west. A man was injured when a tree fell on him, near the northern part of Swan Lake.

High Wind in FLATHEAD/MISSION VALLEYS, MONTANA
From 13-MAR-20 10:30:00 to 14-MAR-20 10:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 63.00 MG
Property damage: 70.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

The mesonet station FW5910, located on Lake Blaine reported multiple wind gusts to 70+ mph between 1800 and 1900MST on the 13th. Widespread wind damage was reported from along the western foothills of the Swan Range and also of the Mission Mountains. Multiple large trees fell over, and 5 power poles were snapped in half along Highway 35 from mile-markers 5, 8, 9.7 to 25. This resulted in road closure between Polson and Bigfork from 1600MST on the 13th to late morning on the 14th.  Also, multiple power outages occurred in these areas that lasted well into the weekend. In this area along the eastern shore of Flathead Lake, several trees had fallen onto rooftops, and one fell on a car. A Lutheran camp, located 4 miles SE of Lakeside, reported a dozen trees down with damage to 3 cabins, a shed, and a new deck. A personal cup anemometer situated on the roof, located 8 miles east of Rollins, measured a gust to 69 mph at 1300MST on the 13th. A reporter for the Daily Interlake reported 10 large trees down near Lake Blaine. What made this wind event more difficult is that the high winds lasted longer and occurred more frequently, which made it tough for mitigation.

High Wind in KOOTENAI/CABINET REGION, MONTANA
From 13-MAR-20 17:00:00 to 14-MAR-20 09:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Utility Company

Approximately 30 percent of tall spruce trees in a 20 acre swatch fell over due to the high winds at the mouth of Deep Creek Canyon, located 3 miles ENE of Fortine. Multiple trees were reported down with power outages in the following areas: Glen Lake, Grave's Creek, and Farm-to-Market Road in Whitefish. A chain-linked fence was damaged at a private residence in the Deep Creek area. Power crews were unable to mitigate initially due to the hazardous conditions.

High Wind in MISSOULA / BITTERROOT VALLEYS, MONTANA
From 13-MAR-20 14:50:00 to 14-MAR-20 08:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 48.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Multiple trees were damaged by high winds in Missoula proper and also in the Rattlesnake area. Just before daybreak on the 14th, a 24 inch diameter tree fell onto Rattlesnake Drive, causing damage to a vehicle and blocking part of the road. A 60 to 70 foot tree snapped off about 6 feet from the base in Greenough Park, located in the Rattlesnake area, north of Missoula. Winds were gusting up to 84 mph on top of Point 6 Mountain, north of Missoula which contributed in a local ski area closing for two days straight.

Strong Wind in LOWER CLARK FORK REGION, MONTANA
From 13-MAR-20 20:00:00 to 14-MAR-20 08:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Trees were reported down between mile-markers 6 and 7 on Highway 200 in Heron.