Alert archive / Montana / Winter Storm Warnings in 2012

Winter Storm Warning 4, NWS Billings, MT

February 21, 20124 counties in Montana

NWS Billings, MT issued this winter storm warning at Feb 21, 2012, 4:02 AM MST for 4 counties in Montana. It took effect at Feb 21, 2012, 6:00 AM MST. It was in force for 69 hr. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Feb 21, 2012, 4:02 AM MST (11:02 UTC)
In effect from
Feb 21, 2012, 6:00 AM MST
Expired
Feb 24, 2012, 2:34 AM MST
In force
69 hr
Issued by
NWS Billings, MT

Counties Carbon County, MT, Park County, MT, Stillwater County, MT, Sweet Grass County, MT

The radar

The Billings radar (KBLX), 93 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 11:03 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Great_falls, MT (KTFX), launched 00:00Z, 11.0 hours before the alert went out and 223 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Great_falls, MT at 00:00Z on 2012-02-21Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Great_falls, MT at 00:00Z on 2012-02-21The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 21 square meters per square second.1939587897Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
1100 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
46 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
21 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
167 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted, in the capitals the NWS used until 2016.

019 
WWUS45 KBYZ 211102
WSWBYZ

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BILLINGS MT
402 AM MST TUE FEB 21 2012

.A PROLONGED PERIOD OF HEAVY SNOW AND STRONG WINDS WILL IMPACT THE
BEARTOOTH/ABSAROKA MOUNTAINS..ALONG WITH THE BIG HORN MOUNTAINS
THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT. UP TO 2 FEET OF NEW SNOW CAN BE EXPECTED
ALONG WITH WIND GUSTS TO 65 MPH...CREATING VERY DANGEROUS
CONDITIONS IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.

MTZ067-220000-
/O.NEW.KBYZ.WS.W.0004.120221T1300Z-120223T1200Z/
ABSAROKA/BEARTOOTH MOUNTAINS-
INCLUDING THE LOCATIONS OF...COOKE CITY
402 AM MST TUE FEB 21 2012

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST THURSDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BILLINGS HAS ISSUED A WINTER
STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW...WHICH IS IN
EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST THURSDAY.

* TIMING...SNOW WILL INCREASE IN COVERAGE AND INTENSITY THIS
  AFTERNOON AND CONTINUE THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT. THE PERIOD OF
  HEAVIEST SNOW WILL BE TONIGHT AND WEDNESDAY.

* SNOW ACCUMULATION...14 TO 20 INCHES OF SNOW CAN BE EXPECTED WITH
  NORTHWEST FACING SLOPES PICKING UP 2 FEET.

* WINDS...WEST TO NORTHWEST WINDS OF 30 TO 45 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 65
  MPH WILL CAUSE SUBSTANTIAL BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW ALONG WITH
  WHITEOUT CONDITIONS.

* IMPACTS...THE COMBINATION OF HEAVY SNOW AND VERY STRONG WINDS
  WILL PRODUCE WHITEOUT CONDITIONS. THESE CONDITIONS WILL BE VERY
  DANGEROUS TO BE EXPOSED TOO. THOSE WITH TRAVEL PLANS OR
  RECREATION ACTIVITIES IN THE MOUNTAINS SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER
  THE NATURE OF THIS CRITICAL WEATHER SITUATION.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF SNOW IS
EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. STRONG WINDS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE.  THIS WILL
MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.

&&

$$

WYZ098-220000-
/O.NEW.KBYZ.WS.W.0004.120221T1900Z-120223T1200Z/
NORTHEAST BIG HORN MOUNTAINS-
INCLUDING THE LOCATIONS OF...BURGESS JCT
402 AM MST TUE FEB 21 2012

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 5 AM MST
THURSDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BILLINGS HAS ISSUED A WINTER
STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW...WHICH IS IN
EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 5 AM MST THURSDAY.

* TIMING...SNOW WILL INCREASE IN COVERAGE AND INTENSITY THIS
  AFTERNOON AND CONTINUE THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT. THE PERIOD OF
  HEAVIEST SNOW WILL BE LATE TONIGHT INTO WEDNESDAY EVENING.

* SNOW ACCUMULATION...14 TO 20 INCHES OF SNOW CAN BE EXPECTED WITH
  NORTHWEST FACING SLOPES PICKING UP TO 2 FEET.

* WINDS...WEST TO NORTHWEST WINDS OF 30 TO 45 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 65
  MPH WILL CAUSE SUBSTANTIAL BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW ALONG WITH
  WHITEOUT CONDITIONS.

* IMPACTS...THE COMBINATION OF HEAVY SNOW AND VERY STRONG WINDS
  WILL PRODUCE WHITEOUT CONDITIONS. THESE CONDITIONS WILL BE VERY
  DANGEROUS TO BE EXPOSED TOO. THOSE WITH TRAVEL PLANS OR
  RECREATION ACTIVITIES IN THE MOUNTAINS...SHOULD STRONGLY
  CONSIDER THE NATURE OF THIS CRITICAL WINTER WEATHER SITUATION.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF SNOW IS
EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. STRONG WINDS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE.  THIS WILL
MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.

&&

$$

HTTP://WEATHER.GOV/BILLINGS
9 follow-up statements
388 
WWUS45 KBYZ 212258
WSWBYZ

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BILLINGS MT
358 PM MST TUE FEB 21 2012

.A PROLONGED PERIOD OF HEAVY SNOW AND STRONG WINDS WILL IMPACT
THE BEARTOOTH/ABSAROKA MOUNTAINS..ALONG WITH THE BIG HORN
MOUNTAINS THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT. UP TO 2 FEET OF NEW SNOW CAN
BE EXPECTED ALONG WITH WIND GUSTS TO 65 MPH...CREATING VERY
DANGEROUS CONDITIONS IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.

MTZ067-222300-
/O.CON.KBYZ.WS.W.0004.000000T0000Z-120223T1200Z/
ABSAROKA/BEARTOOTH MOUNTAINS-
INCLUDING THE LOCATIONS OF...COOKE CITY
358 PM MST TUE FEB 21 2012

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST
THURSDAY...

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW REMAINS IN
EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST THURSDAY.

* TIMING...SNOW WILL CONTINUE THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT. THE PERIOD OF
  HEAVIEST SNOW WILL BE TONIGHT AND WEDNESDAY.

* SNOW ACCUMULATION...14 TO 20 INCHES OF SNOW CAN BE EXPECTED
  WITH NORTHWEST FACING SLOPES PICKING UP 2 FEET. 

* WINDS...WEST TO NORTHWEST WINDS OF 30 TO 45 MPH WITH GUSTS TO
  65 MPH WILL CAUSE SUBSTANTIAL BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW 
  ALONG WITH WHITEOUT CONDITIONS. 

* IMPACTS...THE COMBINATION OF HEAVY SNOW AND VERY STRONG WINDS 
  WILL PRODUCE WHITEOUT CONDITIONS. THESE CONDITIONS WILL BE 
  VERY DANGEROUS TO BE EXPOSED TOO. THOSE WITH TRAVEL PLANS OR 
  RECREATION ACTIVITIES IN THE MOUNTAINS SHOULD STRONGLY 
  CONSIDER THE NATURE OF THIS CRITICAL WEATHER SITUATION.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF SNOW IS
EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. STRONG WINDS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE.  THIS WILL
MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.

&&

$$

WYZ098-222300-
/O.CON.KBYZ.WS.W.0004.000000T0000Z-120223T1200Z/
NORTHEAST BIG HORN MOUNTAINS-
INCLUDING THE LOCATIONS OF...BURGESS JCT
358 PM MST TUE FEB 21 2012

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST
THURSDAY...

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW REMAINS IN
EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST THURSDAY.

* TIMING...SNOW WILL CONTINUE THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT. THE PERIOD
  OF HEAVIEST SNOW WILL BE LATE TONIGHT INTO WEDNESDAY EVENING.

* SNOW ACCUMULATION...14 TO 20 INCHES OF SNOW CAN BE EXPECTED
  WITH NORTHWEST FACING SLOPES PICKING UP TO 2 FEET. 

* WINDS...WEST TO NORTHWEST WINDS OF 30 TO 45 MPH WITH GUSTS TO
  65 MPH WILL CAUSE SUBSTANTIAL BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW 
  ALONG WITH WHITEOUT CONDITIONS. 

* IMPACTS...THE COMBINATION OF HEAVY SNOW AND VERY STRONG WINDS 
  WILL PRODUCE WHITEOUT CONDITIONS. THESE CONDITIONS WILL BE 
  VERY DANGEROUS TO BE EXPOSED TOO. THOSE WITH TRAVEL PLANS OR 
  RECREATION ACTIVITIES IN THE MOUNTAINS...SHOULD STRONGLY 
  CONSIDER THE NATURE OF THIS CRITICAL WINTER WEATHER 
  SITUATION.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF SNOW IS
EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. STRONG WINDS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE.  THIS WILL
MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.

&&

$$

HTTP://WEATHER.GOV/BILLINGS
649 
WWUS45 KBYZ 220441
WSWBYZ

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BILLINGS MT
941 PM MST TUE FEB 21 2012

.A PROLONGED PERIOD OF HEAVY SNOW AND STRONG WINDS WILL IMPACT
THE BEARTOOTH/ABSAROKA MOUNTAINS...ALONG WITH THE BIG HORN
MOUNTAINS THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT. UP TO 2 FEET OF NEW SNOW CAN
BE EXPECTED ALONG WITH WIND GUSTS TO 65 MPH...CREATING VERY
DANGEROUS CONDITIONS IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.

MTZ067-231200-
/O.CON.KBYZ.WS.W.0004.000000T0000Z-120223T1200Z/
ABSAROKA/BEARTOOTH MOUNTAINS-
INCLUDING THE LOCATIONS OF...COOKE CITY
941 PM MST TUE FEB 21 2012

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST
THURSDAY...

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW REMAINS IN
EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST THURSDAY. 

* TIMING...SNOW WILL CONTINUE THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT. THE 
  PERIOD OF HEAVIEST SNOW WILL BE TONIGHT AND WEDNESDAY. 

* SNOW ACCUMULATION...14 TO 20 INCHES OF SNOW CAN BE EXPECTED 
  WITH NORTHWEST FACING SLOPES PICKING UP 2 FEET.

* WINDS...WEST TO NORTHWEST WINDS OF 30 TO 45 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 
  65 MPH WILL CAUSE SUBSTANTIAL BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW 
  ALONG WITH WHITEOUT CONDITIONS.

* IMPACTS...THE COMBINATION OF HEAVY SNOW AND VERY STRONG WINDS
  WILL PRODUCE WHITEOUT CONDITIONS. THESE CONDITIONS WILL BE VERY
  DANGEROUS. THOSE WITH TRAVEL PLANS OR RECREATION ACTIVITIES IN
  THE MOUNTAINS SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER THE NATURE OF THIS
  CRITICAL WEATHER SITUATION.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF SNOW IS
EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. STRONG WINDS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE.  THIS WILL
MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.

&&

$$

WYZ098-231200-
/O.CON.KBYZ.WS.W.0004.000000T0000Z-120223T1200Z/
NORTHEAST BIG HORN MOUNTAINS-
INCLUDING THE LOCATIONS OF...BURGESS JCT
941 PM MST TUE FEB 21 2012

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST
THURSDAY...

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW REMAINS IN
EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST THURSDAY. 

* TIMING...SNOW WILL CONTINUE THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT. THE 
  PERIOD OF HEAVIEST SNOW WILL BE LATE TONIGHT INTO WEDNESDAY 
  EVENING. 

* SNOW ACCUMULATION...14 TO 20 INCHES OF SNOW CAN BE EXPECTED 
  WITH NORTHWEST FACING SLOPES PICKING UP TO 2 FEET.

* WINDS...WEST TO NORTHWEST WINDS OF 30 TO 45 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 
  65 MPH WILL CAUSE SUBSTANTIAL BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW 
  ALONG WITH WHITEOUT CONDITIONS.

* IMPACTS...THE COMBINATION OF HEAVY SNOW AND VERY STRONG WINDS
  WILL PRODUCE WHITEOUT CONDITIONS. THESE CONDITIONS WILL BE VERY
  DANGEROUS. THOSE WITH TRAVEL PLANS OR RECREATION ACTIVITIES IN
  THE MOUNTAINS SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER THE NATURE OF THIS
  CRITICAL WINTER WEATHER SITUATION.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF SNOW IS
EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. STRONG WINDS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE.  THIS WILL
MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.

&&

$$

HTTP://WEATHER.GOV/BILLINGS
362 
WWUS45 KBYZ 221120
WSWBYZ

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BILLINGS MT
420 AM MST WED FEB 22 2012

.A PROLONGED PERIOD OF HEAVY SNOW AND STRONG WINDS WILL IMPACT
THE BEARTOOTH/ABSAROKA MOUNTAINS...ALONG WITH THE BIG HORN
MOUNTAINS TODAY AND TONIGHT. UP TO 2 FEET OF NEW SNOW CAN BE
EXPECTED ALONG WITH WIND GUSTS TO 65 MPH...CREATING VERY
DANGEROUS CONDITIONS IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.

MTZ067-230000-
/O.CON.KBYZ.WS.W.0004.000000T0000Z-120223T1200Z/
ABSAROKA/BEARTOOTH MOUNTAINS-
INCLUDING THE LOCATIONS OF...COOKE CITY
420 AM MST WED FEB 22 2012

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST
THURSDAY...

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW REMAINS IN
EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST THURSDAY.

* TIMING...SNOW AMOUNTS OF 6 TO 10 INCHES HAVE ALREADY OCCURRED IN
  THE MOUNTAINS AROUND COOKE CITY. SNOW WILL CONTINUE TODAY AND
  TONIGHT AND BE HEAVY AT TIMES.

* SNOW ACCUMULATION...14 TO 20 INCHES OF SNOW CAN BE EXPECTED 
  WITH NORTHWEST FACING SLOPES PICKING UP TO 2 FEET.

* WINDS...WEST TO NORTHWEST WINDS OF 30 TO 45 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 
  65 MPH WILL CAUSE SUBSTANTIAL BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW 
  ALONG WITH WHITEOUT CONDITIONS.

* IMPACTS...THE COMBINATION OF HEAVY SNOW AND VERY STRONG WINDS 
  WILL PRODUCE WHITEOUT CONDITIONS. THESE CONDITIONS WILL BE 
  VERY DANGEROUS. THOSE WITH TRAVEL PLANS OR RECREATION 
  ACTIVITIES IN THE MOUNTAINS SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER THE 
  NATURE OF THIS CRITICAL WEATHER SITUATION.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF SNOW IS
EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. STRONG WINDS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE.  THIS WILL
MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.

&&

$$

WYZ098-230000-
/O.CON.KBYZ.WS.W.0004.000000T0000Z-120223T1200Z/
NORTHEAST BIG HORN MOUNTAINS-
INCLUDING THE LOCATIONS OF...BURGESS JCT
420 AM MST WED FEB 22 2012

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST
THURSDAY...

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW AND BLOWING REMAINS IN
EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST THURSDAY.

* TIMING...SNOW AMOUNTS OF 3 TO 5 INCHES HAVE ALREADY OCCURRED OVER
  THE AREA. THE SNOW WILL INTENSIFY TODAY AND TONIGHT WITH HEAVY
  SNOW LIKELY THROUGH THE PERIOD.

* SNOW ACCUMULATION...14 TO 20 INCHES OF SNOW CAN BE EXPECTED 
  WITH NORTHWEST FACING SLOPES PICKING UP TO 2 FEET.

* WINDS...WEST TO NORTHWEST WINDS OF 30 TO 45 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 
  65 MPH WILL CAUSE SUBSTANTIAL BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW 
  ALONG WITH WHITEOUT CONDITIONS.

* IMPACTS...THE COMBINATION OF HEAVY SNOW AND VERY STRONG WINDS 
  WILL PRODUCE WHITEOUT CONDITIONS. THESE CONDITIONS WILL BE 
  VERY DANGEROUS. THOSE WITH TRAVEL PLANS OR RECREATION 
  ACTIVITIES IN THE MOUNTAINS SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER THE 
  NATURE OF THIS CRITICAL WINTER WEATHER SITUATION.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF SNOW IS
EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. STRONG WINDS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE.  THIS WILL
MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.

&&

$$

HTTP://WEATHER.GOV/BILLINGS
605 
WWUS45 KBYZ 222249
WSWBYZ

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BILLINGS MT
349 PM MST WED FEB 22 2012


MTZ067-231200-
/O.CON.KBYZ.WS.W.0004.000000T0000Z-120223T1200Z/
ABSAROKA/BEARTOOTH MOUNTAINS-
INCLUDING THE LOCATIONS OF...COOKE CITY
349 PM MST WED FEB 22 2012

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST
THURSDAY...

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW REMAINS IN
EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST THURSDAY.

* TIMING...SNOW AMOUNTS OF AROUND ONE FOOT SINCE 6 AM THIS
  MORNING HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN THE COOKE CITY AREA. SNOW WILL
  CONTINUE THROUGH TONIGHT AND BE HEAVY AT TIMES.

* SNOW ACCUMULATION...AN ADDITIONAL 5 TO 8 INCHES OF SNOW CAN BE
  EXPECTED...ESPECIALLY ALONG NORTHWEST FACING SLOPES.

* WINDS...WEST TO NORTHWEST WINDS OF 30 TO 45 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 
  65 MPH WILL CAUSE SUBSTANTIAL BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW 
  ALONG WITH WHITEOUT CONDITIONS.

* IMPACTS...THE COMBINATION OF HEAVY SNOW AND VERY STRONG WINDS 
  WILL PRODUCE WHITEOUT CONDITIONS. THESE CONDITIONS WILL BE 
  VERY DANGEROUS. THOSE WITH TRAVEL PLANS OR RECREATION 
  ACTIVITIES IN THE MOUNTAINS SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER THE 
  NATURE OF THIS CRITICAL WEATHER SITUATION.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF SNOW IS
EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. STRONG WINDS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE.  THIS WILL
MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.

&&

$$

WYZ098-231200-
/O.CON.KBYZ.WS.W.0004.000000T0000Z-120223T1200Z/
NORTHEAST BIG HORN MOUNTAINS-
INCLUDING THE LOCATIONS OF...BURGESS JCT
349 PM MST WED FEB 22 2012

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST
THURSDAY...

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW REMAINS IN
EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST THURSDAY.

* TIMING...SNOW...HEAVY AT TIMES WILL CONTINUE THROUGH TONIGHT.

* SNOW ACCUMULATION...AN ADDITIONAL 5 TO 8 INCHES OF SNOW CAN BE
  EXPECTED ESPECIALLY ALONG NORTHWEST FACING SLOPES.

* WINDS...WEST TO NORTHWEST WINDS OF 30 TO 45 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 
  65 MPH WILL CAUSE SUBSTANTIAL BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW 
  ALONG WITH WHITEOUT CONDITIONS.

* IMPACTS...THE COMBINATION OF HEAVY SNOW AND VERY STRONG WINDS 
  WILL PRODUCE WHITEOUT CONDITIONS. THESE CONDITIONS WILL BE 
  VERY DANGEROUS. THOSE WITH TRAVEL PLANS OR RECREATION 
  ACTIVITIES IN THE MOUNTAINS SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER THE 
  NATURE OF THIS CRITICAL WINTER WEATHER SITUATION.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF SNOW IS
EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. STRONG WINDS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE.  THIS WILL
MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.

&&

$$

HTTP://WEATHER.GOV/BILLINGS

HOOLEY
353 
WWUS45 KBYZ 230333
WSWBYZ

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BILLINGS MT
833 PM MST WED FEB 22 2012

MTZ067-231200-
/O.CON.KBYZ.WS.W.0004.000000T0000Z-120223T1200Z/
ABSAROKA/BEARTOOTH MOUNTAINS-
INCLUDING THE LOCATIONS OF...COOKE CITY
833 PM MST WED FEB 22 2012

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST
THURSDAY...

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW REMAINS IN
EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST THURSDAY.

* TIMING...SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW WILL CONTINUE THROUGH THE NIGHT.

* SNOW ACCUMULATION...AN ADDITIONAL 4 TO 7 INCHES OF SNOW CAN BE
  EXPECTED...ESPECIALLY ALONG NORTHWEST FACING SLOPES. AROUND A
  FOOT OF SNOW HAS ALREADY BEEN REPORTED IN COOKE CITY SINCE 6 AM.

* WINDS...WEST TO NORTHWEST WINDS OF 30 TO 45 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 
  65 MPH WILL CAUSE SUBSTANTIAL BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW 
  ALONG WITH WHITEOUT CONDITIONS.

* IMPACTS...THE COMBINATION OF HEAVY SNOW AND VERY STRONG WINDS IS
  PRODUCING WHITEOUT CONDITIONS. THESE CONDITIONS ARE VERY
  DANGEROUS. THOSE WITH TRAVEL PLANS OR RECREATION ACTIVITIES IN
  THE MOUNTAINS SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER THE NATURE OF THIS
  CRITICAL WEATHER SITUATION.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF SNOW AND
STRONG WINDS ARE OCCURRING. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS
OR IMPOSSIBLE.

&&

$$

WYZ098-231200-
/O.CON.KBYZ.WS.W.0004.000000T0000Z-120223T1200Z/
NORTHEAST BIG HORN MOUNTAINS-
INCLUDING THE LOCATIONS OF...BURGESS JCT
833 PM MST WED FEB 22 2012

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST
THURSDAY...

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW REMAINS IN
EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST THURSDAY. 

* TIMING...HEAVY SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW WILL CONTINUE THROUGH THE
  NIGHT.

* SNOW ACCUMULATION...AN ADDITIONAL 4 TO 7 INCHES OF SNOW CAN BE
  EXPECTED...ESPECIALLY ALONG NORTHWEST FACING SLOPES. AROUND A
  FOOT OF SNOW HAS ALREADY BEEN REPORTED IN SOME PARTS OF THE BIG
  HORN MOUNTAINS. 

* WINDS...WEST TO NORTHWEST WINDS OF 30 TO 45 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 
  65 MPH WILL CAUSE SUBSTANTIAL BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW 
  ALONG WITH WHITEOUT CONDITIONS.

* IMPACTS...US HIGHWAY 14 IS CLOSED FROM GREYBULL TO BURGESS
  JUNCTION AND DAYTON. THE COMBINATION OF HEAVY SNOW AND VERY
  STRONG WINDS IS PRODUCING WHITEOUT CONDITIONS. THESE CONDITIONS
  ARE VERY DANGEROUS. THOSE WITH TRAVEL PLANS OR RECREATION
  ACTIVITIES IN THE MOUNTAINS SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER THE NATURE
  OF THIS CRITICAL WINTER WEATHER SITUATION.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF SNOW AND
STRONG WINDS ARE OCCURRING. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS
OR IMPOSSIBLE.

&&

$$

MTZ033-037-231300-
/O.NEW.KBYZ.WW.Y.0009.120223T0333Z-120223T1300Z/
FALLON-CARTER-
INCLUDING THE LOCATIONS OF...BAKER...PLEVNA...WEBSTER...EKALAKA...
ALZADA...HAMMOND...BELLTOWER
833 PM MST WED FEB 22 2012

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM MST THURSDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BILLINGS HAS ISSUED A WINTER
WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT
UNTIL 6 AM MST THURSDAY.

* TIMING...SNOW WILL OCCUR THROUGH THE NIGHT. IT MAY BE HEAVY AT
  TIMES WITH AREAS OF BLOWING SNOW AFTER MIDNIGHT.

* SNOW ACCUMULATION...2 TO 5 INCHES.

* WINDS...NORTHWEST WINDS WILL GUST TO 45 MPH.

* IMPACTS...ROADS WILL BECOME SLIPPERY AND VISIBILITY WILL BE
  DRASTICALLY REDUCED AT TIMES.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

BE PREPARED FOR SLIPPERY ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE
CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.


&&

$$

HTTP://WEATHER.GOV/BILLINGS

CJS
922 
WWUS45 KBYZ 231106
WSWBYZ

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BILLINGS MT
406 AM MST THU FEB 23 2012

MTZ067-231215-
/O.CAN.KBYZ.WS.W.0004.000000T0000Z-120223T1200Z/
ABSAROKA/BEARTOOTH MOUNTAINS-
INCLUDING THE LOCATIONS OF...COOKE CITY
406 AM MST THU FEB 23 2012

...WINTER STORM WARNING IS CANCELLED...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BILLINGS HAS CANCELLED THE WINTER
STORM WARNING. 

ALTHOUGH SNOW SHOWERS WILL CONTINUE THROUGH THE DAY...SNOW IS NOT
EXPECTED TO BE ON THE HEAVY SIDE. ADDITIONAL ACCUMULATIONS SHOULD
RANGE FROM 2 TO 4 INCHES. WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO BE LIGHTER TOO AND
REDUCE THE EFFECTS FROM BLOWING SNOW. THEREFORE...THE WINTER
STORM WARNING HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

$$

MTZ033-037-231215-
/O.CAN.KBYZ.WW.Y.0009.000000T0000Z-120223T1300Z/
FALLON-CARTER-
INCLUDING THE LOCATIONS OF...BAKER...PLEVNA...WEBSTER...EKALAKA...
ALZADA...HAMMOND...BELLTOWER
406 AM MST THU FEB 23 2012

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BILLINGS HAS CANCELLED THE WINTER
WEATHER ADVISORY. 

SNOW HAS DECREASED TO SCATTERED SNOW SHOWERS. WIDESPREAD
ACCUMULATING SNOW IS NO LONGER EXPECTED...THEREFORE THE WINTER
WEATHER ADVISORY HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

$$

WYZ098-240000-
/O.EXT.KBYZ.WS.W.0004.000000T0000Z-120224T1200Z/
NORTHEAST BIG HORN MOUNTAINS-
INCLUDING THE LOCATIONS OF...BURGESS JCT
406 AM MST THU FEB 23 2012

...WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST FRIDAY...

THE WINTER STORM WARNING FOR SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW IS NOW IN
EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST FRIDAY.

* TIMING...HEAVY SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW WILL CONTINUE TODAY AND
  TONIGHT.

* SNOW ACCUMULATION...10 TO 16 INCHES OF SNOW HAS ALREADY FALLEN
  WITH AN ADDITIONAL 6 TO 8 INCHES EXPECTED BY FRIDAY MORNING. THE
  HEAVIEST SNOW WILL BE ALONG NORTHWEST FACING SLOPES.

* WINDS...WEST TO NORTHWEST WINDS OF 15 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS TO
  40 MPH WILL CAUSE SUBSTANTIAL BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW ALONG
  WITH NEAR WHITEOUT CONDITIONS.

* IMPACTS...AS OF EARLY THURSDAY MORNING...US HIGHWAY 14 WAS
  CLOSED FROM GREYBULL TO BURGESS JUNCTION AND DAYTON. THE
  COMBINATION OF HEAVY SNOW AND STRONG WINDS WAS PRODUCING NEAR
  WHITEOUT CONDITIONS ALONG WITH SIGNIFICANT BLOWING AND DRIFTING
  SNOW. CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE TO BE VERY DANGEROUS TODAY AND
  TONIGHT. THOSE WITH TRAVEL PLANS OR RECREATION ACTIVITIES IN THE
  MOUNTAINS SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER THE NATURE OF THIS CRITICAL
  WINTER WEATHER SITUATION.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF SNOW AND
STRONG WINDS ARE OCCURRING. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS
OR IMPOSSIBLE.

&&

$$

HTTP://WEATHER.GOV/BILLINGS
891 
WWUS45 KBYZ 232030
WSWBYZ

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BILLINGS MT
130 PM MST THU FEB 23 2012

WYZ098-241200-
/O.CON.KBYZ.WS.W.0004.000000T0000Z-120224T1200Z/
NORTHEAST BIG HORN MOUNTAINS-
INCLUDING THE LOCATIONS OF...BURGESS JCT
130 PM MST THU FEB 23 2012

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST FRIDAY...

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW REMAINS IN
EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST FRIDAY.

* TIMING...PERIODS OF HEAVY SNOW SHOWERS AND BLOWING SNOW WILL
  CONTINUE THE REST OF TODAY AND TONIGHT. SNOW SHOWERS ARE
  EXPECTED TO DECREASE BY LATE TONIGHT. 

* SNOW ACCUMULATION...UP TO 18 INCHES OF SNOWFALL HAS FALLEN IN
  THE BIG HORN MOUNTAINS SINCE TUESDAY NIGHT. AN ADDITIONAL 3-5
  INCHES OF SNOWFALL CAN BE EXPECTED THROUGH TONIGHT. THE
  HEAVIEST SNOW WILL BE ALONG NORTHWEST FACING SLOPES.

* WINDS...WEST TO NORTHWEST WINDS OF 15 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 40
  MPH WILL CAUSE SUBSTANTIAL BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW.

* IMPACTS...LIMITED VISIBILITY WITH SNOW PACKED ROADS WILL
  CONTINUE TO CREATE HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS TODAY AND TONIGHT. THOSE
  WITH TRAVEL PLANS OR RECREATION ACTIVITIES IN THE MOUNTAINS
  SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER THE NATURE OF THIS CRITICAL WINTER
  WEATHER SITUATION.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF SNOW AND
STRONG WINDS ARE OCCURRING. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS
OR IMPOSSIBLE.

&&

$$

HTTP://WEATHER.GOV/BILLINGS
038 
WWUS45 KBYZ 240416
WSWBYZ

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BILLINGS MT
916 PM MST THU FEB 23 2012

WYZ098-241200-
/O.CON.KBYZ.WS.W.0004.000000T0000Z-120224T1200Z/
NORTHEAST BIG HORN MOUNTAINS-
INCLUDING THE LOCATIONS OF...BURGESS JCT
916 PM MST THU FEB 23 2012

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST FRIDAY...

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW REMAINS IN
EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST FRIDAY. 

* TIMING...SNOW SHOWERS WILL CONTINUE TONIGHT...BUT DECREASE IN
  COVERAGE AND INTENSITY BY FRIDAY MORNING.

* SNOW ACCUMULATION...AN ADDITIONAL 2 TO 4 INCHES OF SNOW COULD
  FALL OVERNIGHT. UP TO 18 INCHES OF SNOW HAS ALREADY FALLEN IN
  THE BIG HORN MOUNTAINS SINCE TUESDAY NIGHT.

* WINDS...NORTHWEST WINDS WILL OCCASIONALLY GUST TO 30 MPH...AND
  PRODUCE SOME BLOWING SNOW OVERNIGHT.

* IMPACTS...ROADS WILL REMAIN SNOW PACKED AND VISIBILITY WILL BE
  REDUCED AT TIMES OVERNIGHT.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF SNOW AND
STRONG WINDS ARE OCCURRING. THIS IS MAKING TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS.

&&

$$

HTTP://WEATHER.GOV/BILLINGS

CJS
526 
WWUS45 KBYZ 240934
WSWBYZ

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BILLINGS MT
234 AM MST FRI FEB 24 2012

WYZ098-241045-
/O.CAN.KBYZ.WS.W.0004.000000T0000Z-120224T1200Z/
NORTHEAST BIG HORN MOUNTAINS-
INCLUDING THE LOCATIONS OF...BURGESS JCT
234 AM MST FRI FEB 24 2012

...WINTER STORM WARNING IS CANCELLED...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BILLINGS HAS CANCELLED THE WINTER
STORM WARNING. 

HEAVY SNOW HAS ENDED...WITH ONLY ISOLATED LIGHT SNOW SHOWERS
ANTICIPATED THIS MORNING.

$$

HTTP://WEATHER.GOV/BILLINGS

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this winter storm warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Billings, MT wrote its last area forecast discussion before this winter storm warning went out at Feb 21, 3:29 AM MST, 33 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Feb 21, 3:29 AM MST, 33 minutes before
AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BILLINGS MT
329 AM MST TUE FEB 21 2012

.SHORT TERM...VALID FOR TDY AND WED...

A VERY ACTIVE WEATHER PATTERN IN STORE THROUGH MID WEEK. ACTIVE
ON MANY FRONTS WITH A LOT OF THINGS TO CONSIDER. MOIST NORTHWEST
FLOW WILL PROVIDE A PERSISTENT PERIOD OF SNOW OVER THE MOUNTAINS.
THE EMPHASIS WILL BE THE NORTHWEST FACING SLOPES. ATMOSPHERE IS
NOT PROGGED TO BE TREMENDOUSLY UNSTABLE AT MOUNTAIN TOP LEVEL
TODAY AND TONIGHT...WITH 850-500MB LAPSE RATES AROUND 6.5C...BUT
ENOUGH TO GET LIFT. THE LIFT THAT IS GENERATED FROM JET ENERGY
AND OROGRAPHICS WILL BE THROUGH THE STRONG DENDRITIC GROWTH ZONE
WHICH WILL BE A MOUNTAIN TOP LEVEL. WATER VAPOR IMAGERY WAS
SHOWING AN IMPRESSIVE PLUME OF MOISTURE OVER THE PACIFIC THAT
WILL STREAM INTO THE MOUNTAINS. SNOW WILL GO FROM TODAY THROUGH
WEDNESDAY EVENING AND WILL PILE UP OVER A FOOT TO POSSIBLY TWO
FEET. ALSO...WINDS OVER THE MOUNTAINS WILL BE VERY STRONG THROUGH
THE PERIOD AND CAUSE SUBSTANTIAL BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW WITH
VERY DANGEROUS CONDITIONS IN THE HIGH COUNTRY. WILL GO AHEAD AND
ISSUE A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR THE BEARTOOTH/ABSAROKAS THROUGH
WEDNESDAY NIGHT. WILL ALSO ISSUE A WARNING FOR THE BIG HORN
MOUNTAINS FROM THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT. MOIST
NORTHWEST FLOW IS A FAVORABLE PATTERN THERE.

THE NEXT ATTENTION WILL BE WINDS. SOUTHWEST WINDS HAVE BEEN
INCREASING AT LIVINGSTON OVERNIGHT...BUT HAVE YET TO HIT ADVISORY
CRITERIA. A LEE TROUGH CONTINUES TO DEEPEN WITH SURFACE PRESSURE
FALLS OVER SOUTHERN CANADA AND NORTHERN MONTANA. GRADIENT SHOULD
TIGHTEN THIS MORNING TO ALLOW WINDS TO APPROACH ADVISORY
CRITERIA. THE WINDS WILL DECREASE A BIT THIS AFTERNOON AND
EVENING BEFORE BECOMING VERY STRONG TONIGHT AND EARLY WEDNESDAY.
THE COMBINATION OF SURFACE PRESSURE GRADIENT AND 700MB WINDS
INCREASING TO 75KTS SHOULD PROVIDE HIGH WINDS WITHOUT MUCH GAP
FLOW. WARNING THERE LOOKS GOOD. FOR THE PLAINS...HIGH WIND WATCH
LOOKS IN GOOD SHAPE. ATMOSPHERE PROGGED QUITE UNSTABLE THROUGH
500MB. DESPITE ASCENT THROUGH THE COLUMN WEDNESDAY...HIGH WINDS
SHOULD BE HIT WITH 55KTS JUST OFF THE SURFACE AND 70KTS AT 700MB.
SHOWERS WILL TAP INTO THESE WINDS ALOFT AND PULL THEM DOWN TOO.
EXTENDED THE WATCH EAST A BIT AS 850MB WINDS THERE WERE PROGGED
AT 55KTS AND SHOULD BE ABLE TO TAP INTO THEM. OVERALL...LOOKS
VERY WINDY. THE GFS HAS BACKED OFF JUST A BIT ON THE STRENGTH OF
THE WINDS BUT NOT ENOUGH TO WARRANT CONCERN ABOUT THE HIGHLIGHT.
ALSO...THE GFS WAS QUICKER IN BRINGING A COLD FRONT DOWN
WEDNESDAY AND SWITCHING WINDS TO THE NORTHWEST AND DECREASING
WINDS ALOFT. LOOKS LIKE THE STRONGEST PERIOD OF WINDS SHOULD BE
LATE MORNING AND EARLY AFTERNOON.

MODERATING TEMPERATURES CAN BE EXPECTED TODAY AND WEDNESDAY WITH
READINGS APPROACHING 60 DEGREES ON WEDNESDAY. NORTHWEST FLOW WILL
PROVIDE BANDED PRECIPITATION CHANCES...WITH THE MOST LIKELY
LOCATION TO THE EAST OF DOWNSLOPE INFLUENCES...BASICALLY EAST OF
BILLINGS. RAISED POPS EAST OF BILLINGS THROUGH THE PERIOD. AS THE
FRONT PULLS THROUGH WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON...THIS WILL DECREASE
DOWNSLOPE INFLUENCES AND INCREASE THE CHANCE OF SHOWERS IN
BILLINGS. THE AIRMASS WILL BE WARM ENOUGH THAT SNOW SHOULD NOT BE
A BIG CONCERN. TWH

.LONG TERM...VALID FOR THU...FRI...SAT...SUN...MON...

RELATIVELY FEW MINOR CHANGES TO THE EXTENDED PERIOD THIS MORNING.
MODELS IN PRETTY GOOD AGREEMENT OVERALL...WITH CONTINUED TIMING
ISSUES WITH REGARD PACIFIC TROF AND ASSOCIATED ARCTIC INTRUSION.

UNSETTLED NORTHWEST PERSISTS THURSDAY...WITH CHANCE FOR SCATTERED
PRECIP ACROSS THE REGION. BEST CHANCES APPEARS THAT SHOULD BE
FROM KBIL EAST...DUE TO SOME DOWNSLOPING INHIBITING SHOWERS IN
WEST PLAINS. SLIGHT PERIOD OF CLEARING ON FRIDAY AS RIDGING
DEVELOPS IN ADVANCE OF APPROACHING PACIFIC TROF. THE PACIFIC TROF
IS PROGGED INTO THE AREA AS EARLY AS FRIDAY NIGHT...WITH GFS...OR
AS LATE AS SATURDAY NIGHT...WITH THE EC. BOTH APPEAR TO KEEP COOL
AIR IN THE AREA THROUGH THE END OF THE EXTENDED PERIOD...BRINGING
SOME SEMBLANCE OF A REINFORCING FRONT IN ON MONDAY EVENING/NIGHT.
THE COLD AIR INTRUSION LOOKS LIKE THE BIG STORY AT THIS
POINT...BUT CHANCES FOR PRECIP WITH SYSTEM SHOULD BE PRETTY
GOOD...WITH MAINLY RAIN AHEAD OF FRONT ON SATURDAY...AND SNOW
BEHIND FOR SUNDAY AND MONDAY. IT DOES NOT APPEAR THAT WE WILL SEE
PROLONGED PACIFIC MOISTURE FLOWING INTO THE AREA WITH THIS SYSTEM
FOR OVERRUNNING. HAVE CONTINUED WITH HIGH CHANCE POPS THROUGH THE
WEEKEND FOR THE TIME BEING. HAVE PARED POPS BACK THROUGH THE
BEGINNING OF NEXT WEEK TO ONLY REMNANT SHOWERS IN SOUTH AND HIGH
TERRAIN BY TUESDAY NIGHT...MAINLY BASED ON LIMITED MOISTURE
AVAILABILITY AND PROGGED RIDGE DEVELOPMENT.

AS FOR TEMPS...HAVE COOLED OFF THE EARLY PORTION OF THE EXTENDED
FORECAST. PERSISTENT CLOUD COVER AND COOL AIR ADVECTION SHOULD
KEEP TEMPS DOWN. RIDGING ON FRIDAY WILL ALLOW FOR BIT OF
WARMUP...BUT STILL LOOKS COOLER THAN INHERITED. COOLED OFF
SATURDAY AS WELL...LEANING ON EARLY PROG OF TROF IN THE GFS.
ALTHOUGH MEX GUIDANCE IS COMING IN WARMER...HAVE HELD ON TO TEENS
FOR SUNDAY AND MONDAY, AS MIX DOWNS CONTINUE TO LOOK SIMILAR TO
PREVIOUS RUNS...AND GUIDANCE STILL BELOW CLIMO. DID INTRODUCE
RETURN TO MID 20S FOR TUESDAY...WITH SOME INDICATION OF DRYING
AND RIDGING. AAG

&&

.AVIATION...

SCATTERED SNOW SHOWERS CONTINUE EAST OF KBIL...RESULTING IN
MVFR/IFR FLIGHT CONDITIONS IN REDUCED CIGS AND VIS.
OTHERWISE...VFR CONDITIONS WILL PREVAIL TODAY. STRONG AND GUSTY
WINDS WILL BE GREATEST CONCERN TODAY...WITH THE KLVM AREA AND
NEAR FOOTHILLS EXPERIENCING GUSTS OF 50 KNOTS LATER THIS MORNING.
PERIODIC GUSTS OF 30 KNOTS ARE ALSO EXPECTED ACROSS THE PLAINS
TODAY...WITH BEST CHANCES FROM AROUND KBIL AND WEST. AAG

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMP/POPS...

    TDY WED     THU     FRI     SAT     SUN     MON
-------------------------------------------------------
BIL 048 042/060 028/036 019/036 022/031 007/016 001/018
    2/W 36/W    43/W    21/B    24/J    44/J    33/J
LVM 044 042/051 022/033 014/033 021/029 005/015 901/017
    3/W 55/W    33/J    21/B    34/J    54/J    54/J
HDN 048 036/055 026/035 020/040 019/033 009/016 004/018
    4/W 76/W    43/W    22/J    24/J    44/J    33/J
MLS 047 036/051 026/034 019/035 018/029 007/013 902/015
    2/W 67/W    33/W    22/J    24/J    54/J    33/J
4BQ 045 034/052 024/032 017/037 017/035 009/018 003/019
    4/W 77/W    44/J    22/J    23/J    54/J    22/J
BHK 043 027/046 023/027 015/030 014/024 008/012 903/014
    2/W 37/W    44/J    22/J    13/J    53/J    22/J
SHR 044 035/052 026/032 017/035 017/038 010/017 000/019
    3/W 56/W    55/W    22/J    24/J    44/J    33/J

&&

.BYZ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MT...HIGH WIND WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING THROUGH
      WEDNESDAY EVENING FOR ZONES 28>32-34>40-42-56>58-63-64.
     HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM
      MST WEDNESDAY FOR ZONES 41-65-66.
     WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST THURSDAY FOR
      ZONE 67.
WY...HIGH WIND WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING THROUGH
      WEDNESDAY EVENING FOR ZONE 99.
     WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 5 AM MST
      THURSDAY FOR ZONE 98.

&&

WEATHER.GOV/BILLINGS
Hazardous weather outlook, Feb 20, 9:19 PM MST, 6 hours 43 minutes before
HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BILLINGS MT
919 PM MST MON FEB 20 2012

MTZ028>042-056>058-063>068-WYZ098-099-220430-
SOUTHERN WHEATLAND-MUSSELSHELL-TREASURE-NORTHERN ROSEBUD-CUSTER-
FALLON-NORTHERN STILLWATER-YELLOWSTONE-POWDER RIVER-CARTER-
SOUTHERN BIG HORN-EASTERN CARBON-NORTHERN PARK-
NORTHERN SWEET GRASS-GOLDEN VALLEY-RED LODGE FOOTHILLS-
NORTHERN BIG HORN-SOUTHERN ROSEBUD-JUDITH GAP-PARADISE VALLEY-
LIVINGSTON AREA-BEARTOOTH FOOTHILLS-ABSAROKA/BEARTOOTH MOUNTAINS-
CRAZY MOUNTAINS-NORTHEAST BIG HORN MOUNTAINS-SHERIDAN FOOTHILLS-
919 PM MST MON FEB 20 2012

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF CENTRAL
MONTANA...SOUTH CENTRAL MONTANA...SOUTHEAST MONTANA AND NORTH
CENTRAL WYOMING.

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT

SOUTHWEST WINDS WILL INCREASE OVER THE UPPER YELLOWSTONE AND
UPPER STILLWATER RIVER VALLEYS LATE TONIGHT. WIND GUSTS TO 60 MPH
WILL BE POSSIBLE TOWARD MORNING. DANGEROUS CROSS WINDS WILL OCCUR
ALONG INTERSTATE 90 FROM BIG TIMBER TO LIVINGSTON AND MOTORISTS
ARE URGED TO USE CAUTION.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY

STRONG WINDS WILL CONTINUE FROM NYE TO LIVINGSTON TUESDAY MORNING
INTO EARLY TUESDAY AFTERNOON WITH GUSTS AROUND 60 MPH EXPECTED.
THESE WINDS WILL CAUSE DANGEROUS CROSS WINDS ON INTERSTATE 90 FROM
BIG TIMBER TO LIVINGSTON.

SOUTHWEST WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO GET EVEN STRONGER LATE TUESDAY
NIGHT INTO EARLY WEDNESDAY FROM NYE TO LIVINGSTON. WIND GUSTS TO
80 MPH ARE EXPECTED AND TRAVELERS ARE URGED TO MONITOR THE LATEST
FORECAST ON THIS DEVELOPING SITUATION. GUSTS COULD APPROACH 90 MPH
IN THESE AREAS WEDNESDAY.

VERY STRONG WINDS ARE ALSO EXPECTED TO DEVELOP ACROSS THE REST OF
THE REGION ON WEDNESDAY. AT THIS TIME...THE STRONGEST WINDS OVER
THE PLAINS ARE EXPECTED TO BE FROM BIG TIMBER TO FORSYTH.
SUSTAINED WINDS OF 40 TO 50 MPH WITH GUSTS AROUND 70 MPH ARE
POSSIBLE. PLEASE MONITOR THE LATEST FORECAST ON THIS DEVELOPING
SITUATION.

IN ADDITION...AN ARCTIC FRONT IS EXPECTED TO MOVE ACROSS THE AREA
ON SATURDAY. VERY COLD AIR WILL FILTER IN BEHIND THE FRONT
SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY. HIGH TEMPERATURES SUNDAY WILL
STRUGGLE TO MAKE IT INTO THE TEENS WITH OVERNIGHT LOWS SUNDAY
NIGHT IN THE SINGLE DIGITS ABOVE AND BELOW ZERO. SNOW WILL ALSO
BE LIKELY WITH ACCUMULATIONS POSSIBLE.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER
CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES.

The office that day

Everything else NWS Billings, MT issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Feb 20, 9:04 PM MSTHigh Wind WarningBYZBig Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Golden Valley, Musselshell and 7 more47 hr

Nearby

Winter Storm Warnings in Montana, 2012Winter Storm Warnings in Wyoming, 2012Every winter storm warning in 2012

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.