High winds and snow squalls developed along and behind a powerful pacific cold front across western Montana.

High Wind in KOOTENAI/CABINET REGION, MONTANA
From 04-APR-22 15:40:00 to 04-APR-22 22:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Utility Company

Downed trees damaged utility infrastructure along SR 508, in Libby, and in the Ashley Lake area. At least 1,500 customers were without power across the zone. In the Ashley Lake area, a few broken power poles were observed along with damage to a large main feeder.

Winter Weather in MISSOULA / BITTERROOT VALLEYS, MONTANA
From 04-APR-22 18:57:00 to 04-APR-22 19:30:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

A snow squall produced snowfall rates of 3 inches per hour. Visibility of one quarter mile or less and frequent wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph was observed. 1.4 inches of wet snow was observed at the Missoula Weather Forecast Office between 8:00 pm and 830 pm MDT.

High Wind in FLATHEAD/MISSION VALLEYS, MONTANA
From 04-APR-22 13:55:00 to 04-APR-22 22:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Utility Company

High winds damaged utility infrastructure and downed trees across the Flathead Valley. Farm to Market Road in Whitefish closed due to downed trees and power lines. Downed trees and power lines were also observed in Columbia Falls, where a spotter recorded a wind gust of 55 mph.

High Wind in LOWER CLARK FORK REGION, MONTANA
From 04-APR-22 15:00:00 to 04-APR-22 22:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

High winds knocked down trees in Thompson Falls; 500 customers lost power. In St. Regis, high winds downed a ponderosa pine tree, injuring and hospitalizing a local resident.

High Wind in MISSOULA / BITTERROOT VALLEYS, MONTANA
From 04-APR-22 15:30:00 to 04-APR-22 23:10:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 58.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

A peak wind gust of 67 mph was reported at the Missoula International Airport at 11:40 pm MST on April 4th. High winds and strong low level wind shear diverted two flights on approach to KMSO. Power outages were observed in Missoula, Frenchtown, and Hamilton.

High Wind in BITTERROOT / SAPPHIRE MOUNTAINS, MONTANA
From 04-APR-22 17:00:00 to 05-APR-22 01:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A peak wind gust of 59 mph was observed on Mt. Sentinel outside of Missoula.

High Wind in POTOMAC / SEELEY LAKE REGION, MONTANA
From 04-APR-22 18:44:00 to 05-APR-22 02:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 58.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A peak wind gust of 67 mph was observed at Point Six northeast of Missoula. The Montana Department of Transportation reported down trees in southbound lane on Montana State Highway 83 at milepost 34. The Seeley Lake Ranger Station reported two live trees, 25 to 30 inches in diameter, were snapped about four feet off the ground. Downed trees were also reported in the Big Larch Campground.

High Wind in WEST GLACIER REGION, MONTANA
From 04-APR-22 16:00:00 to 04-APR-22 22:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 62.00 MG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Utility Company

Wind gusts of 70 to 80 mph were observed above 6,000 feet. High winds downed trees in Essex and Hungry Horse leading to power outages.

Winter Weather in BITTERROOT / SAPPHIRE MOUNTAINS, MONTANA
From 04-APR-22 15:46:00 to 04-APR-22 16:15:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

The Idaho Department of Transportation weather and webcam sensors indicated visibility below a quarter of a mile along with wind gusts up to 25 mph at Lost Trail Pass. Road temperatures during the snow squall dropped from 35 to 29 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating the likelihood of a flash freeze.