A strong push of arctic air entered western Montana thanks to low pressure to the west. This brought high winds and scattered power outages across northwest Montana. Heavy snow near the front caused low visibility, slick roads and eventual drifting snow in places.

Winter Storm in KOOTENAI/CABINET REGION, MONTANA
From 21-FEB-23 03:30:00 to 21-FEB-23 16:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Reports of heavy snow started to come in before daybreak along US-93 between Eureka and Whitefish. Near Stryker there was an estimated 4 inches of snow on the road that fell in only 3 hours and by 0727, the wind picked up and caused near whiteout conditions. By the afternoon a traveler reported there were drifts on Highway 37, and it took them an hour to go from the Koocanusa Bridge to Eureka.

Winter Storm in MISSOULA / BITTERROOT VALLEYS, MONTANA
From 21-FEB-23 16:00:00 to 21-FEB-23 22:45:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

There were multiple reports of flash freeze in Missoula as the cold arctic air moved in and froze the wet roads. Cars were sliding off the roads and the Missoula Police issued a Emergency Travel Only alert due to whiteout conditions. A report from the public south of Hamilton reported 6 inches of heavy snow.

Winter Storm in POTOMAC / SEELEY LAKE REGION, MONTANA
From 21-FEB-23 09:00:00 to 21-FEB-23 13:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The Lindbergh Lake observer reported 10.6 inches of snow, and 8.3 inches fell in Seeley Lake during this event. The arctic cold front brought plummeting temperatures, with gusty east winds to 35 mph, and caused a flash freeze and slick roads.

Winter Storm in WEST GLACIER REGION, MONTANA
From 20-FEB-23 17:00:00 to 21-FEB-23 10:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

A weak arctic push brought heavy snow to Marias Pass between 6 and 9 am on the 20th, then ramped up again by the evening including Essex. Points north and west received a mixture of rain and snow before the arctic push westward overnight. Severe driving conditions were reported for US-2 between West Glacier and Columbia Falls and also at Marias Pass. Total snows included 17 inches at Marias Pass, 11.2 inches at Essex and 6 inches at West Glacier.

Winter Storm in FLATHEAD/MISSION VALLEYS, MONTANA
From 21-FEB-23 06:15:00 to 21-FEB-23 20:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 4.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Utility Company

High winds at least to 54 mph at the Glacier Park International airport were reported and could have been higher closer to Columbia Falls. A utility company experienced power outages with at least 4 of them caused by trees falling into electrical equipment. The wind damage locations included between Whitefish Lake and Columbia Falls, east side of Flathead Lake, east of Creston, and the area south of Beaver Lake. Heavy snow with 2 inch per hour rates was reported from Bigfork to Yellow Bay for at least 3 hours. Hodgson Road was closed the following night due to severe drifting and severe driving conditions were hoisted by MDT  on Highway 206 and 406. Severe drifting was reported on Mud Lake Road due to strong northeast winds coming down off the Swan Range.

Winter Weather in LOWER CLARK FORK REGION, MONTANA
From 21-FEB-23 02:00:00 to 21-FEB-23 08:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Heavy snow showers with the Pacific cold front impacted Lookout Pass where chains were required for a period. Heavy snow showers also impacted Evaro Hill and brought low visibility.

Winter Weather in BITTERROOT / SAPPHIRE MOUNTAINS, MONTANA
From 21-FEB-23 00:00:00 to 21-FEB-23 15:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

Heavy snow occurred at Lolo Pass with the Pacific cold front in the early morning hours and then heavy showers during the day. Overall it recorded a snow depth increase of 9 inches. The arctic cold front was mostly a dry front, but temperatures dropped to the single digits by late evening.

Winter Weather in BUTTE / BLACKFOOT REGION, MONTANA
From 21-FEB-23 03:40:00 to 21-FEB-23 21:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snow bands behind the Pacific cold front brought periods of heavy snow and slick conditions in the morning with multiple vehicle wrecks as a result. A weather spotter reported whiteout conditions in Drummond around 1330 as the arctic cold front pushed westward with plummeting temperatures and strong gusty east winds.