Alert archive / Montana / Wind Chill Warnings in 2021

Wind Chill Warning 2, NWS Missoula, MT

December 25, 2021Flathead County, Lake County, Montana

NWS Missoula, MT issued this wind chill warning at Dec 25, 2021, 5:48 PM MST for Flathead County, Lake County, Montana. It was in force for 35 hr. 2 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
Dec 25, 2021, 5:48 PM MST (00:48 UTC)
Expired
Dec 27, 2021, 5:00 AM MST
In force
35 hr
Issued by
NWS Missoula, MT

Counties Flathead County, MT, Lake County, MT

The radar

The Missoula radar (KMSX), 104 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 00:52 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.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
Dec 26, 9:00 AM MSTSNOW 1Ronan, MTCOCORAHS STATION MT-LK-13 RONAN.
Dec 26, 5:25 PM MSTHEAVY SNOW 42 Wsw Columbia Falls, MT3 FELL BETWEEN 1530-1630 MST, DURING A SNOW SQUALL.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

The nearest sounding before it

Spokane, WA (KOTX), launched 00:00Z, 0.8 hours before the alert went out and 177 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, Spokane, WA at 00:00Z on 2021-12-26Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 1 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Spokane, WA at 00:00Z on 2021-12-26The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 160 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
1 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
956 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
51 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
160 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
133 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

384 
WWUS45 KMSO 260048
WSWMSO

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Missoula MT
548 PM MST Sat Dec 25 2021

MTZ002-270100-
/O.UPG.KMSO.WC.Y.0004.000000T0000Z-211226T1800Z/
/O.NEW.KMSO.WC.W.0002.211226T0048Z-211227T1200Z/
West Glacier Region-
548 PM MST Sat Dec 25 2021

...WIND CHILL WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST MONDAY...

* WHAT...Dangerously cold wind chills. Wind chills as low as 46
  below zero between West Glacier and Marias Pass. Wind chills as
  low as 35 below zero at Bad Rock Canyon. Periods of light to 
  moderate snow expected through Sunday combined with wind gusts 
  to 40 mph will create blowing and drifting snow at times.

* WHERE...Bad Rock Canyon, Essex, and Marias Pass.

* WHEN...Until 5 AM MST Monday.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite
  on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. Blowing snow will
  reduce visibility to less than one mile at times.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills could cause 
  frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Avoid outside activities if possible. When outside, make sure you
wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves. 

&&

$$

MTZ006-261800-
/O.EXB.KMSO.WW.Y.0079.211226T0800Z-211226T1800Z/
Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains-
548 PM MST Sat Dec 25 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 11 AM MST
SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 1 and 2
  inches.

* WHERE...Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains.

* WHEN...From 1 AM to 11 AM MST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

IDZ005-006-261800-
/O.EXB.KMSO.WW.Y.0079.211226T0800Z-211226T1800Z/
Northern Clearwater Mountains-Southern Clearwater Mountains-
448 PM PST Sat Dec 25 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO
10 AM PST SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 
  inches.

* WHERE...Elk River, Highway 11 Pierce to Headquarters, Pierce, 
  Dixie, Elk City, and Highway 12 Lowell to Lolo Pass.

* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 10 AM PST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

IDZ009-010-261800-
/O.EXB.KMSO.WW.Y.0079.211226T0300Z-211226T1800Z/
Western Lemhi County-Eastern Lemhi County-
548 PM MST Sat Dec 25 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM MST SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of up to two 
  inches.

* WHERE...Shoup, Bannock Pass, Highway 28 Tendoy to Lone Pine, 
  Highway 93 Lost Trail Pass to Gibbonsville, Lemhi Pass, and 
  Salmon.

* WHEN...Until 11 AM MST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

MTZ001-270000-
/O.EXT.KMSO.WW.Y.0079.211226T0900Z-211227T0000Z/
Kootenai/Cabinet Region-
548 PM MST Sat Dec 25 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 5 PM MST
SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 5 inches.
  Increasing northeast winds between 12 and 18 mph with gusts to
  28 mph on US-2 between Happy's Inn and Kila will create
  localized blowing and drifting snow with low visibility. Wind 
  chill as cold as 25 below zero.

* WHERE...Highway 2 Kalispell to Libby, Highway 37 Eureka to 
  Libby, Highway 56 Bull Lake Road, and Highway 93 Eureka to 
  Whitefish, Yaak.

* WHEN...From 2 AM to 5 PM MST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected. The cold wind chills as low
  as 25 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as
  little as 30 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

MTZ003-270000-
/O.EXT.KMSO.WW.Y.0079.211226T1100Z-211227T0000Z/
Flathead/Mission Valleys-
548 PM MST Sat Dec 25 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 5 PM MST
SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of up to 3
  inches. Increasing north to east winds between 15 and 25 mph
  with gusts to 35 mph overnight. This could lead to localized
  blowing and drifting snow in the Flathead Valley, around 
  Flathead Lake and on Highway 28 near Hot Springs. Wind chill as 
  cold as 25 below zero.

* WHERE...Flathead Lake, Flathead Valley, Mission Valley, and 
  Polson.

* WHEN...From 4 AM to 5 PM MST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected. The cold wind chills as low
  as 25 below zero cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little 
  as 30 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

MTZ004-270000-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0079.211226T1200Z-211227T0000Z/
Lower Clark Fork Region-
548 PM MST Sat Dec 25 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TO 5 PM
MST SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 
  inches, with 3 to 5 inches for Lookout Pass.

* WHERE...Evaro Hill, Highway 200 Thompson Falls to Plains, 
  Highway 200 Trout Creek to Heron, and I-90 Lookout Pass to 
  Haugan.

* WHEN...From 5 AM to 5 PM MST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

MTZ007-270000-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0079.211226T1200Z-211227T0000Z/
Butte/Blackfoot Region-
548 PM MST Sat Dec 25 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TO 5 PM
MST SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of up to 3
  inches. East winds between 15 and 30 mph will create localized
  blowing and drifting snow with low visibility along Highways 
  200 and 12. Wind chill as cold as 30 below zero in Helmville and
  MacDonald Pass, to 20 below zero elsewhere.

* WHERE...Butte, Georgetown Lake, Ovando, Highway 12 Garrison to 
  Elliston, Homestake Pass, and MacDonald Pass.

* WHEN...From 5 AM to 5 PM MST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected. The cold wind chills as low
  as 30 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as 
  little as 30 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

MTZ043-270000-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0079.211226T1200Z-211227T0000Z/
Potomac/Seeley Lake Region-
548 PM MST Sat Dec 25 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TO 5 PM
MST SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 4 inches.
  East winds between 10 and 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph along
  Highway 200 near and east of Clearwater Junction will create 
  localized blowing and drifting snow and low visibility at times.
  Wind chill as cold as 15 below zero.

* WHERE...Highway 200 Bonner to Greenough, Highway 83 Seeley 
  Lake to Condon, and I-90 East Missoula to Bearmouth.

* WHEN...From 5 AM to 5 PM MST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected. The cold wind chills as low
  as 15 below zero could result in hypothermia if precautions are
  not taken.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$
2 follow-up statements
890 
WWUS45 KMSO 261818
WSWMSO

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Missoula MT
1118 AM MST Sun Dec 26 2021

IDZ005-006-009-010-MTZ006-261930-
/O.EXP.KMSO.WW.Y.0079.000000T0000Z-211226T1800Z/
Northern Clearwater Mountains-Southern Clearwater Mountains-
Western Lemhi County-Eastern Lemhi County-
Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains-
1118 AM MST Sun Dec 26 2021 /1018 AM PST Sun Dec 26 2021/

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY HAS EXPIRED...

Light snow is expected to continue throughout the afternoon.

$$

MTZ002-271200-
/O.CON.KMSO.WC.W.0002.000000T0000Z-211227T1200Z/
West Glacier Region-
1118 AM MST Sun Dec 26 2021

...WIND CHILL WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST MONDAY...

* WHAT...Dangerously cold wind chills. Wind chills as low as 46 
  below zero between West Glacier and Marias Pass. Wind chills 
  as low as 35 below zero at Bad Rock Canyon. Periods of light 
  to moderate snow expected through Sunday combined with wind 
  gusts to 40 mph will create blowing and drifting snow at times.

* WHERE...Bad Rock Canyon, Essex, and Marias Pass.

* WHEN...Until 5 AM MST Monday.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills could cause 
  frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. Blowing 
  snow will reduce visibility to less than one mile at times.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills could cause 
  frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Avoid outside activities if possible. When outside, make sure you
wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.

&&

$$

MTZ001-270000-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0079.000000T0000Z-211227T0000Z/
Kootenai/Cabinet Region-
1118 AM MST Sun Dec 26 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 5 
  inches. Increasing northeast winds between 12 and 18 mph with 
  gusts to 28 mph on US-2 between Happy's Inn and Kila will 
  create localized blowing and drifting snow with low 
  visibility. Wind chill as cold as 25 below zero.

* WHERE...Highway 2 Kalispell to Libby, Highway 37 Eureka to 
  Libby, Highway 56 Bull Lake Road, and Highway 93 Eureka to 
  Whitefish, Yaak.

* WHEN...From 2 AM to 5 PM MST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected. The cold wind chills as 
  low as 25 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in 
  as little as 30 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

MTZ003-270000-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0079.000000T0000Z-211227T0000Z/
Flathead/Mission Valleys-
1118 AM MST Sun Dec 26 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of up to 3 
  inches. Increasing north to east winds between 15 and 25 mph 
  with gusts to 35 mph overnight. This could lead to localized 
  blowing and drifting snow in the Flathead Valley, around 
  Flathead Lake and on Highway 28 near Hot Springs. Wind chill 
  as cold as 25 below zero.

* WHERE...Flathead Lake, Flathead Valley, Mission Valley, and 
  Polson.

* WHEN...From 4 AM to 5 PM MST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected. The cold wind chills as 
  low as 25 below zero cause frostbite on exposed skin in as 
  little as 30 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

MTZ004-270000-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0079.000000T0000Z-211227T0000Z/
Lower Clark Fork Region-
1118 AM MST Sun Dec 26 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 
  inches, with 3 to 5 inches for Lookout Pass.

* WHERE...Evaro Hill, Highway 200 Thompson Falls to Plains, 
  Highway 200 Trout Creek to Heron, and I-90 Lookout Pass to 
  Haugan.

* WHEN...From 5 AM to 5 PM MST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

MTZ007-270000-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0079.000000T0000Z-211227T0000Z/
Butte/Blackfoot Region-
1118 AM MST Sun Dec 26 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of up to 3 
  inches. East winds between 15 and 30 mph will create localized 
  blowing and drifting snow with low visibility along Highways 
  200 and 12. Wind chill as cold as 30 below zero in Helmville 
  and MacDonald Pass, to 20 below zero elsewhere.

* WHERE...Butte, Georgetown Lake, Ovando, Highway 12 Garrison to 
  Elliston, Homestake Pass, and MacDonald Pass.

* WHEN...From 5 AM to 5 PM MST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected. The cold wind chills as 
  low as 30 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in 
  as little as 30 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

MTZ043-270000-
/O.CON.KMSO.WW.Y.0079.000000T0000Z-211227T0000Z/
Potomac/Seeley Lake Region-
1118 AM MST Sun Dec 26 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 4 
  inches. East winds between 10 and 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph 
  along Highway 200 near and east of Clearwater Junction will 
  create localized blowing and drifting snow and low visibility 
  at times. Wind chill as cold as 15 below zero.

* WHERE...Highway 200 Bonner to Greenough, Highway 83 Seeley 
  Lake to Condon, and I-90 East Missoula to Bearmouth.

* WHEN...From 5 AM to 5 PM MST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be affected. The cold wind chills as 
  low as 15 below zero could result in hypothermia if 
  precautions are not taken.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$
089 
WWUS45 KMSO 270000
WSWMSO

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Missoula MT
500 PM MST Sun Dec 26 2021

MTZ001-270100-
/O.EXP.KMSO.WW.Y.0079.000000T0000Z-211227T0000Z/
Kootenai/Cabinet Region-
500 PM MST Sun Dec 26 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON...

A few snow showers may persist through 8pm.

$$

MTZ003-270100-
/O.EXP.KMSO.WW.Y.0079.000000T0000Z-211227T0000Z/
Flathead/Mission Valleys-
500 PM MST Sun Dec 26 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON...

A few remaining showers will continue through 8pm.

$$

MTZ004-270100-
/O.EXP.KMSO.WW.Y.0079.000000T0000Z-211227T0000Z/
Lower Clark Fork Region-
500 PM MST Sun Dec 26 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON...



$$

MTZ007-270100-
/O.EXP.KMSO.WW.Y.0079.000000T0000Z-211227T0000Z/
Butte/Blackfoot Region-
500 PM MST Sun Dec 26 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON...


$$

MTZ043-270100-
/O.EXP.KMSO.WW.Y.0079.000000T0000Z-211227T0000Z/
Potomac/Seeley Lake Region-
500 PM MST Sun Dec 26 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON...



$$

MTZ002-271200-
/O.CON.KMSO.WC.W.0002.000000T0000Z-211227T1200Z/
West Glacier Region-
500 PM MST Sun Dec 26 2021

...WIND CHILL WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST MONDAY...

* WHAT...Dangerously cold wind chills. Wind chills as low as 46 
  below zero between West Glacier and Marias Pass. Wind chills 
  as low as 35 below zero at Bad Rock Canyon. Periods of light 
  to moderate snow expected through Sunday combined with wind 
  gusts to 40 mph will create blowing and drifting snow at times.

* WHERE...Bad Rock Canyon, Essex, and Marias Pass.

* WHEN...Until 5 AM MST Monday.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills could cause 
  frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. Blowing 
  snow will reduce visibility to less than one mile at times.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills could cause 
  frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Avoid outside activities if possible. When outside, make sure you
wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.

&&

$$

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Dec 26, 10:52 AM MSTSpecial Weather StatementMSOMissoula38 min

Nearby

Wind Chill Warnings in Montana, 2021Every wind chill warning in 2021

Sources

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