Winter Storm and Heavy Snow in Montana, November 4 to 5, 2022

Name: Winter Storm and Heavy Snow in Montana, November 4 to 5, 2022
Start: 2022-11-04T05:00
End: 2022-11-05T20:00
Location: Montana

November 4 to 5, 2022 · NWS MSO · 14 events in 8 counties and zones

An atmospheric river of moisture brought heavy snowfall and slow travel to the region. A cold front brought high winds and power outages, followed by snow bands later in the day on the 5th.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 14 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

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The toll

Deaths: 1
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $7,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 14

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS MSO wrote it up.

An atmospheric river of moisture brought heavy snowfall and slow travel to the region. A cold front brought high winds and power outages, followed by snow bands later in the day on the 5th.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Missoula, MT wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Nov 4, 2:32 AM MST, 2 hours 28 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Nov 4, 2:32 AM MST, 2 hours 28 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Missoula MT
332 AM MDT Fri Nov 4 2022

...HEAVY MOUNTAIN SNOW AND STRONG WINDS THROUGH SATURDAY...
...ARCTIC AIR TO BRING COLD IMPACTS AND SNOW NEXT WEEK...

.DISCUSSION...The leading edge of a multi-day Atmospheric River
event has begun to move over the Northern Rockies this morning.
This wave of moisture will bring light to moderate snowfall to
the mountains and valleys along the MT/ID border through mid
morning today. Winter Weather Advisories remain in place for
north-central Idaho, the Lower Clark Fork region, as well as the
Kootenai/Cabinet regions, where the valleys could see around 1 to
3 inches of snow. The lowest valleys in north-central Idaho, such
as Orofino, will only see trace amounts to 1 inch in the grassy
areas. The grades and benches above Orofino and vicinity will see
slightly higher amounts of around 4 inches. While 1 to 3 inches
of snow doesn't seem that much, the heavy and wet nature of the
snow will increase the risk of tree limb and power line damage
across these areas. Breezy southerly winds this morning will also
impact travel for US-95 from Whitebird Hill to Grangeville and
vicinity, with low visibility due to blowing snow.

The bulk of the moisture associated with the Atmospheric River
will arrive this afternoon, and continue to stream overhead
through Saturday. This storm system will bring a host of impacts
that will effect travel throughout the region. First, Snow levels
will briefly rise to around 6000 feet this afternoon and evening
as warm air advection accompanies the surge of moisture. Snow
levels will quickly lower back down to valley floors Saturday
morning as the cold front pushes through. Heavy snow and strong
winds will create very difficult to impassable conditions in the
backcountry during this time, as remote trails and roads could
become blocked due to downed trees and/or snow drifts. Winter
Storm Warnings remain in place for the Clearwater Mountains in
Idaho, and the Bitterroot/Sapphires in western Montana from 11AM
PDT/Noon MDT today through tomorrow morning.

Another impact from this storm system will be strong damaging
winds that will develop ahead and behind the Pacific cold front
that will begin to track across the region tonight. The front
will first impact northwest Montana after midnight tonight, then
central Idaho and western Montana soon after sunrise Saturday
morning. High Wind Watches remain in place for the Flathead,
Mission, Missoula and Bitterroot valleys and for the
Butte/Blackfoot region, where wind gusts of 50-60 mph are
possible. High resolution models suggest convection along the
front could help mix down even stronger winds gusts for a brief
period of time, especially in the Bitterroot Valley. Highly
traveled corridors along Hwy-2 near MacDonald Pass and I-90 near
Butte, could see travel further impacted due to the potential for
snow squalls.  A burst of heavy snow, strong winds, and a rapid drop in
temperature will create an environment favorable for roadways to
quickly freeze. Atmospheric conditions are also looking quite
favorable for snowbands developing across the rest of western
Montana by late Saturday evening and overnight. If these bands do
develop, isolated areas of moderate to heavy snowfall will be
possible for both the valleys and mountains through early Sunday
morning.

Ensemble model guidance remain in good agreement with a Pacific
trough deepening southward across the Pacific Northwest Sunday.
This will aide in the southerly progression of an Arctic airmass
moving out of Alberta Canada and over the Continental Divide into
western Montana. The arctic front is expected to move into
northwest Montana by Sunday morning, then the rest of western
Montana late Sunday night. A dramatic decrease in temperatures,
along with gusty east-northeast winds and brief periods of
moderate to heavy snow can be expected along the front. High
temperatures Monday are not expected to eclipse 20F across
northwest Montana, and not get out of the 20s for west-central
Montana. This will be quite the shock to the system, as well as to
anything not winterized for the season.

We continue to watch for the potential of a surge of moisture
moving over the Northern Rockies Monday and Tuesday, as the
Pacific low pressure system moves on shore. This moisture will be
overrunning the arctic airmass already in place, that will
promote widespread snowfall for all elevations. Stay tuned as we
refine the forecast in the next few days.

&&

.AVIATION...South winds have developed across the Northern Rockies
this morning and are expected to increase in magnitude throughout
the day. Additionally, radar is demonstrating an area of moisture
pushing into the region, at KMSO, KGPI, and KSMN ceilings are
expected to lower in response. Also, a period of light and
potentially at times, moderate snow is expected at KGPI and KSMN
before changing to light rain. After 05/0000z winds will increase
gusting 25 to 30 kts at area terminals, it will not be until the cold
front passage on Saturday when gusts will peak between 38 to 50
kts. Additionally, post frontal snow levels will quickly decrease
to valley levels and snow squalls will be possible during
Saturday evening at KGPI, KMSO, and KBTM greatly reducing
visibility and ceilings at times.

&&

.MSO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MT...     Winter Storm Warning from noon today to noon MDT Saturday ABOVE
     5000 FEET for the Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains.

     Winter Weather Advisory until noon MDT today for
     Kootenai/Cabinet Region.

     Winter Weather Advisory from noon today to noon MDT Saturday
     ABOVE 5000 FEET for the Potomac/Seeley Lake Region...West
     Glacier Region.

     High Wind Watch from late tonight through Saturday morning for
     Flathead/Mission Valleys.

     Winter Weather Advisory until noon MDT today for Lower Clark
     Fork Region.

     High Wind Watch from Saturday morning through Saturday afternoon
     for Missoula/Bitterroot Valleys.

     High Wind Watch from Saturday morning through Saturday afternoon
     for Butte/Blackfoot Region.

ID...Winter Weather Advisory until 11 AM PDT this morning for
     Northern Clearwater Mountains...Southern Clearwater
     Mountains.

     Winter Storm Warning from 11 AM this morning to 11 AM PDT
     Saturday ABOVE 5000 FEET for the Northern Clearwater
     Mountains...Southern Clearwater Mountains.

     Winter Weather Advisory until 11 AM PDT this morning for
     Orofino/Grangeville Region.

     Winter Weather Advisory until 11 AM PDT this morning for Lower
     Hells Canyon/Salmon River Region.

     Winter Weather Advisory from midnight tonight to 3 PM MDT
     Saturday for Eastern Lemhi County...Western Lemhi County.

&&

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

6 winter weather, 5 high wind, 1 heavy snow, 1 winter storm, 1 strong wind. Local standard time, as filed.

Winter Weather, Potomac / Seeley Lake Region

When: November 4, 5:00 AM MST to November 5, 6:00 AM MST
Where: Potomac / Seeley Lake Region forecast zone
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 46.986, -113.597 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Between 10 and 20 inches of heavy snow fell in the mountains while 8 inches fell at Seeley Lake. After the passage of the cold front, winds gusted as high as 83 mph on the peak of Point 6 Mountain, and to 53 mph in both Clinton and Bearmouth on the morning of the 5th. A tree was reported down on Highway 83 near mile-marker 21, north of Seeley Lake.

Heavy Snow, Lower Clark Fork Region

When: November 4, 12:00 PM MST to November 5, 1:00 AM MST
Where: Lower Clark Fork Region forecast zone
Deaths: 0 direct, 1 indirect
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 47.286, -114.685 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Very heavy snow caused difficult travel along Interstate 90 and Thompson Pass. Multiple semitrucks became stuck near Lookout Pass because of the deep snow. The Lookout Pass SNOTEL recorded 16 inches of snow depth increase with 2.70 inches of snow water equivalent during this event. The Haugan COOP reported 5 inches of snow. A 39 year old woman passed away after hitting a semitruck head-on near Evaro Hill as road conditions were wet and slick.

Winter Storm, Bitterroot / Sapphire Mountains

When: November 4, 3:00 PM MST to November 5, 9:00 AM MST
Where: Bitterroot / Sapphire Mountains forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 46.508, -113.828 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Between 16 and 24 inches of heavy snow fell in the mountains across west-central Montana. Chains were required for Lolo Pass during the event. Very high winds in excess of 50 and 60 mph were reported in the higher elevations behind the cold front on the morning of the 5th.

High Wind, Lower Clark Fork Region

When: November 5, 2:00 AM MST to 1:00 PM MST
Where: Lower Clark Fork Region forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 47.286, -114.685 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Roughly 20 medium size trees were down with debris along Interstate 90 near Lookout Pass. Several power outages were reported including in the Thompson Falls area, and between Alberton and Superior.

Strong Wind, Kootenai/Cabinet Region

When: November 5, 5:00 AM MST to 1:00 PM MST
Where: Kootenai/Cabinet Region forecast zone
Measured: 48 kt (55 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $500
Reported by: Utility Company
Coordinates: 48.171, -114.863 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A power company reported 402 customers without power due to wind damage in Lincoln County.

High Wind, Flathead/Mission Valleys

When: November 5, 6:00 AM MST to 1:00 PM MST
Where: Flathead/Mission Valleys forecast zone
Measured: 54 kt (62 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Utility Company
Coordinates: 47.872, -114.424 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

An electric company reported 2,300 members were without power because of the high winds. A weather station northeast of Hot Springs recorded a peak wind gust of 61 mph. Another company reported a power outage along Highway 35 north of Finley Point.

High Wind, West Glacier Region

When: November 5, 6:00 AM MST to 3:00 PM MST
Where: West Glacier Region forecast zone
Measured: 74 kt (85 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $500
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 47.971, -114.069 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Weather stations in the Whitefish Range reported up to 85 mph wind gusts while lower elevation stations had gusts near 50 mph. Due to the concern for hunters being in the backcountry, the danger for treefall was very high.

High Wind, Missoula / Bitterroot Valleys

When: November 5, 6:00 AM MST to 2:00 PM MST
Where: Missoula / Bitterroot Valleys forecast zone
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 46.560, -114.023 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Widespread gusts between 50 and 60 mph were recorded in both the Missoula and Bitterroot Valleys. Power outages were reported in both the Missoula and Hamilton areas.

High Wind, Butte / Blackfoot Region

When: November 5, 7:00 AM MST to 4:00 PM MST
Where: Butte / Blackfoot Region forecast zone
Measured: 53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: RAWS
Coordinates: 46.306, -113.025 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A strong cold front brought wind gusts between 50 and 60 mph across southwest Montana. Trees were observed falling down in the higher elevations just south of Nevada Lake due to the strong winds. A few roadways were covered with a little bit of snow from the the cold front passage. The Bert Mooney Airport south of Butte saw gusts to 55 mph and light snow. The Wise River RAWS reported a wind gust to 61 mph and the sensor north of Avon recorded a peak wind of 60 mph.

Winter Weather, Kootenai/Cabinet Region

When: November 5, 4:00 PM MST to 8:00 PM MST
Where: Kootenai/Cabinet Region forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 48.171, -114.863 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Between 2 and 4 inches of snow fell between the Happy's Inn and Marion.

Winter Weather, Lower Clark Fork Region

When: November 5, 4:30 PM MST to 7:00 PM MST
Where: Lower Clark Fork Region forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 47.286, -114.685 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The observer in Alberton reported 1.6 inches of snow, but the main snow band made a direct hit to the Petty Creek and Fish Creek areas where radar estimated precipitation could deduce snow amounts closer to 4 inches.

Winter Weather, Missoula / Bitterroot Valleys

When: November 5, 5:00 PM MST to 8:00 PM MST
Where: Missoula / Bitterroot Valleys forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 46.560, -114.023 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A snow band produced 1.5 inch per hour rates across the South Hills of Missoula where a total of 4 inches fell. Other location snowfall totals include 2.3 inches in Florence, and 1.6 inches in Hamilton.

Winter Weather, Potomac / Seeley Lake Region

When: November 5, 5:15 PM MST to 7:30 PM MST
Where: Potomac / Seeley Lake Region forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 46.986, -113.597 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Two to four inches of snow fell between Swan Lake and Seeley Lake. While only 1.2 fell just southeast of Bonner, radar estimates would suggest that heavier amounts likely occurred towards Clinton.

Winter Weather, Bitterroot / Sapphire Mountains

When: November 5, 6:00 PM MST to 8:00 PM MST
Where: Bitterroot / Sapphire Mountains forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 46.508, -113.828 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The ITD sensor and webcams at Lolo Pass reported heavy snow, with rates potentially as highs as 2 inches per hour (as snow water equivalent hourly values were 0.20 inches). An accident blocked the pass for a few hours. Another location that received heavy snow showers was just northwest of Charlo where 4 inches of snow fell later in the evening.

The people who died

As the offices recorded each death: direct deaths were caused by the weather itself, indirect ones by something it set in motion.

Event	Date	Age	Sex	Where	Kind
Heavy Snow, Lower Clark Fork Region	2022-11-04	39	Female	Vehicle/Towed Trailer	Indirect

What these are

Winter Weather: Snow, sleet or freezing rain below warning levels that still caused disruption, damage or casualties.
Heavy Snow: Snowfall reaching the local warning threshold without the other hazards of a winter storm.
Winter Storm: A storm that brought snow, sleet or freezing rain at warning levels, usually over several hours or days.
High Wind: Sustained non-thunderstorm winds of 40 mph or more for an hour, or gusts of 58 mph or more.
Strong Wind: Non-thunderstorm winds below high wind criteria that nonetheless caused damage or casualties.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Montana in 2022 Every state in 2022 This day in weather history Warnings in Montana, November 2022

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-10-01. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1060180, 1060176, 1060178, 1060307, 1060310, 1060308, 1060309, 1060311, 1060312, 1060524, 1060526, 1060528, 1060531, 1060529.