Winter Storm in Montana, December 26 to 27, 2003

A strong and powerful storm brought heavy snows to central Montana during the Christmas holiday season, December 26 and 27. A swath of snow (over 3 feet of snow fall) fell from northern Meagher to Southern Phillips counties. The storm tied the maximum 24-hour snowfall total for Montana when 48 inches fell at Millegan 14SE (near the Cascade-Meagher county line). Reported snow fall amounts include: 53 inches at Shonkin 7S, 48 inches near Millegan 14SE, 41 inches at the Crystal Lake SNOTEL site, 36 inches at Hobson, 25 inches at the Onion Park SNOTEL site, 24 inches at Stanford, 20 inches at Lewistown, 14 inches at Chinook, 13 inches at Valentine, 12 inches at Grassrange, 12 inches at Utica, 12 inches at Bozeman, and 5 inches at Ennis and White Sulphur Springs. The heavy snow was notable for its high water content. Water equivalents of 2 to 3 inches were common with the storm. In addition to the heavy snow, northwest wind gusts up to 50 mph created blizzard conditions over portions of central and eastern Montana. Snow drifts 3 to 4 feet high were reported in some areas.The storm caused dozens of traffic accidents including numerous semi tractor-trailers sliding off roads or into ditches. Hundreds of motorists were stranded and many roads were closed including portions of Interstate 90. Holiday air travelers were also stranded as airlines canceled many flights. Some ski areas were forced to postpone opening due to the heavy snow. Bridger Bowl (a ski area 16 miles north of Bozeman) received more than 5 feet of snow and could not open as planned on the 26th.