A strong storm system resulted in a long duration snow event which was the heaviest across the Little Belt Mountains and Rocky Mountain Front. Area valleys and portions of the plains experienced blustery winds and a few inches of snow. The worst travel impacts occurred in Madison County where multiple vehicle incidents and a few injuries occurred.

Heavy Snow in SOUTHERN ROCKY MOUNTAIN FRONT, MONTANA
From 20-FEB-23 02:00:00 to 21-FEB-23 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

Automated equipment at Copper Camp estimated an event total of 20 inches of snow.

High Wind in EASTERN PONDERA AND EASTERN TETON, MONTANA
From 21-FEB-23 05:14:00 to 21-FEB-23 05:14:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

An Ambient Weather sensor measured a lone gust of 60 mph.

Winter Storm in EAST GLACIER PARK REGION, MONTANA
From 19-FEB-23 18:00:00 to 21-FEB-23 08:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

Automated equipment at Many Glacier estimated 20 inches of snow. Equipment at Badger Pass estimated an event total of 20 inches of snow that fell over a 36 hour period, at an elevation of 7,010 feet.

Heavy Snow in SOUTHERN ROCKY MOUNTAIN FRONT, MONTANA
From 20-FEB-23 01:00:00 to 21-FEB-23 06:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

Automated equipment at Dupuyer Creek estimated an event total of 15 inches of snow, with 14 inches falling over a 24 hour period.

Heavy Snow in SOUTHERN ROCKY MOUNTAIN FRONT, MONTANA
From 19-FEB-23 21:00:00 to 21-FEB-23 09:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

Automated equipment at Waldron estimated an event total of 14 inches of snow, with 8 inches falling over a 24 hour period.

Heavy Snow in SOUTHERN HIGH PLAINS, MONTANA
From 20-FEB-23 08:00:00 to 20-FEB-23 19:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Spotter located about 17 miles west/southwest of Bynum had an event total snow amount of 14 inches. 11 inches during Winter Storm Warning.

Heavy Snow in SNOWY AND JUDITH MOUNTAINS, MONTANA
From 19-FEB-23 18:00:00 to 20-FEB-23 18:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

COOP Observer located about 11 miles south/southeast of Lewistown recorded 10.3 inches of snow over a 24 hour period.

High Wind in MADISON RIVER VALLEY, MONTANA
From 20-FEB-23 20:51:00 to 20-FEB-23 21:51:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 36.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Mesonet station MTNOR Norris Hill measured sustained winds averaging 42 mph for an hour.

High Wind in BEAVERHEAD AND WESTERN MADISON BELOW 6000FT, MONTANA
From 20-FEB-23 09:30:00 to 20-FEB-23 09:30:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Mesonet station mtm16 6.6 miles north of Dell measured a lone 58 mph gust.

Heavy Snow in HILL COUNTY, MONTANA
From 20-FEB-23 23:00:00 to 21-FEB-23 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Official observer at Havre Airport reported 6.8 inches of snow over a 12 hour period.

Heavy Snow in NORTHERN BLAINE COUNTY, MONTANA
From 20-FEB-23 23:00:00 to 21-FEB-23 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Reported by: COOP Observer

COOP observer located near Chinook reported an event total snow amount of 6 inches. A COOP observer located 21 miles north of Rudyard reported an event total snow amount of 8 inches. The official observer located 11 miles north of Turner reported an event total amount of 7.2 inches.

Heavy Snow in GALLATIN AND MADISON COUNTY MOUNTAINS AND CENTENNIAL MOUNTAINS, MONTANA
From 20-FEB-23 00:00:00 to 21-FEB-23 01:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Spotter located about 10 miles south/southwest of Pony, and at an elevation of about 6,000 ft, had an event total snow amount of 12 inches.

Heavy Snow in GALLATIN AND MADISON COUNTY MOUNTAINS AND CENTENNIAL MOUNTAINS, MONTANA
From 19-FEB-23 05:00:00 to 20-FEB-23 05:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

Automated equipment at Brackett Creek estimated a 24 hour snow total of 12 inches.

Heavy Snow in BIG BELT, BRIDGER AND CASTLE MOUNTAINS, MONTANA
From 18-FEB-23 08:00:00 to 20-FEB-23 08:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

Automated equipment at Elk Peak estimated an event total of 11 inches of snow. 9 inches fell within the first 24 hours of the event.

Winter Storm in LITTLE BELT AND HIGHWOOD MOUNTAINS, MONTANA
From 19-FEB-23 08:00:00 to 20-FEB-23 12:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

High impact and heavy snow event. Several SNOTEL sites across the Little Belts estimated 20 to 24 inches of snow falling over a 24 hour period. A local ski resort was unable to open for business due to the heavy snow. All roads and highways in the area were closed.

Heavy Snow in BEARS PAW MOUNTAINS AND SOUTHERN BLAINE, MONTANA
From 19-FEB-23 11:00:00 to 20-FEB-23 04:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

Automated equipment at Rocky Boy estimated an event total of 13 inches of snow at an elevation of 4,730 feet.

High Wind in NORTHWEST BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, MONTANA
From 21-FEB-23 04:16:00 to 21-FEB-23 04:16:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Mesonet station WRSM8 Wise River RAWS measured a lone gust of 58 mph.

High Wind in CASCADE COUNTY BELOW 5000FT, MONTANA
From 21-FEB-23 00:45:00 to 21-FEB-23 00:45:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Mesonet station MTM76 measured a lone gust to 60 mph.

High Wind in GALLATIN AND MADISON COUNTY MOUNTAINS AND CENTENNIAL MOUNTAINS, MONTANA
From 20-FEB-23 22:45:00 to 21-FEB-23 05:15:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Mesonet station ntn17 BLM - Virginia City measured multiple gusts in excess of 58 mph, including a 61 mph gust.

High Wind in EASTERN PONDERA AND EASTERN TETON, MONTANA
From 21-FEB-23 05:14:00 to 21-FEB-23 05:14:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Via Ambient Weather.

High Wind in BEAVERHEAD AND WESTERN MADISON BELOW 6000FT, MONTANA
From 20-FEB-23 04:15:00 to 20-FEB-23 23:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Mesonet station mtm14 blm Argenta measured two gusts of 58 mph or greater, inclduing a peak gust of 60 mph.

Winter Storm in GALLATIN AND MADISON COUNTY MOUNTAINS AND CENTENNIAL MOUNTAINS, MONTANA
From 22-FEB-23 08:00:00 to 22-FEB-23 18:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Gallatin County DES urged public not to travel if unnecessary due to significant drifting of snow on area roadways and snow plows unable to keep up with clearing the road.

Winter Storm in MADISON RIVER VALLEY, MONTANA
From 21-FEB-23 06:00:00 to 22-FEB-23 06:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Near blizzard conditions resulted in a 3-vehicle non-injury accident on MT Highway 287 in Sheridan at mile marker 35.5, reported at 9:38. Multi-car pile-up reported at 16:02 at mile marker 37 on MT Highway 287 in Sheridan. Ten vehicles were involved, and a loaded school bus was stuck in the chaos. There were six ambulatory patients. Conditions were blizzard-like, with little to no visibility. The temperature with wind chill was approximately -37. Victims were escorted to a local church to speak with Montana Highway Patrol and evaluated by EMTs. Some vehicles were left in the ditches until the weather improved for them to be removed safely. Throughout the evening and the following day, there were additional slide-offs. Two minutes after the 10-car pile-up report, another incident at mile marker 1 MT Highway 84 in Norris occurred on the opposite side of the county, reported at 16:04. This incident involved two vehicles, one of which was a school vehicle carrying numerous children. No reported injuries were involved, but road and weather conditions were terrible and deteriorating quickly.

Heavy Snow in EASTERN TOOLE AND LIBERTY, MONTANA
From 20-FEB-23 07:00:00 to 21-FEB-23 07:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Two CoCoRaHS stations in northeast Liberty County reported a 24 hour total of 6 to 8 inches of snow.

Winter Storm in BEAVERHEAD AND WESTERN MADISON BELOW 6000FT, MONTANA
From 22-FEB-23 00:00:00 to 22-FEB-23 22:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Large portion of Interstate 15, south of Dillon, closed due to significant blowing of snow and poor road conditions.

High Wind in RUBY MOUNTAINS AND SOUTHERN BEAVERHEAD MOUNTAINS, MONTANA
From 21-FEB-23 01:05:00 to 21-FEB-23 01:05:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 68.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

Mesonet station Harkness RAWS (HRKM8) measured a lone gust of 78 mph.

High Wind in RUBY MOUNTAINS AND SOUTHERN BEAVERHEAD MOUNTAINS, MONTANA
From 21-FEB-23 01:47:00 to 21-FEB-23 01:47:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

Mesonet station Brenner RAWS (BRRM8) measured a lone gust of 61 mph.

High Wind in RUBY MOUNTAINS AND SOUTHERN BEAVERHEAD MOUNTAINS, MONTANA
From 21-FEB-23 01:59:00 to 21-FEB-23 01:59:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

Mesonet station Antelope RAWS (LMRM8) measured a lone gust of 58 mph.

High Wind in GALLATIN AND MADISON COUNTY MOUNTAINS AND CENTENNIAL MOUNTAINS, MONTANA
From 20-FEB-23 22:45:00 to 21-FEB-23 05:15:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Mesonet station mtm17 Virginia City measured two gusts in excess of 58 mph, including a peak gust of 61 mph.

High Wind in BEAVERHEAD AND WESTERN MADISON BELOW 6000FT, MONTANA
From 20-FEB-23 23:15:00 to 20-FEB-23 23:15:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Mesonet station mtm18 6.8 miles se of Melrose measured a lone 59 mph gust.

Heavy Snow in SOUTHERN ROCKY MOUNTAIN FRONT, MONTANA
From 20-FEB-23 03:00:00 to 21-FEB-23 07:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

Automated equipment at Mount Lockhart estimated an event total of 15 inches of snow, with 13 inches falling over a 24 hour period.

Heavy Snow in SNOWY AND JUDITH MOUNTAINS, MONTANA
From 19-FEB-23 08:00:00 to 20-FEB-23 10:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

Automated equipment at Crystal Lake estimated 10 inches of snow over a 14 hour period, at an elevation of 6,213 feet.

Heavy Snow in FERGUS COUNTY BELOW 4500FT, MONTANA
From 19-FEB-23 20:00:00 to 20-FEB-23 08:19:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Trained spotter reports 6 inches new snow over approximately 12 hours. The spotter reported snow was still falling heavily at the time. Start time was estimated by radar.

Heavy Snow in JUDITH BASIN COUNTY AND JUDITH GAP, MONTANA
From 19-FEB-23 19:00:00 to 20-FEB-23 12:00:00 (MST-7)
Reported by: COOP Observer

COOP observer in Stanford reported an event total snow amount of 7.4 inches.