High Wind in Montana, December 17 to 18, 2025

Mesonet station MTNOR Norris Hill (MT DOT) measured a 59 mph gust and high sustained winds of 44 mph, averaged over 2.5 hours. Additionally, AWOS station KEKS Ennis Airport measured sustained winds, averaged over an hour and 40 minutes, of 41 mph.

A few sensors measured gusts in excess of 58 mph or sustained winds of 40 mph averaged over at last an hour, including RAWS station SFJM8 South Fork Judith, and mesonet station MTMON Monarch Canyon (MT DOT), and MTKIH Kings Hill Pass (MT DOT). The peak gust observed was 74 mph at South Fork Judith RAWS.

Numerous sensors in this zone measured sustained winds averaged over at least an hour of 50 mph, or gusts in excess of 75 mph. These sensors include mesonet stations MTM49 7 NE Choteau, DELMT Dellwo, MTCTS Choteau South US-287 (MT DOT), MTPND Pendroy (MT DOT), RICMT Rice Ridge, MCBMT McBranty, TRFM Teton River Agrimet, HODMT Hodgkiss, DAHMT Dahlman, GOLMT Gollehan, and MTBOW Bowmans Corner (MT DOT), AWOS stations K1GM Golf and K1FM Foxtrot, Montana mesonet stations Bynum W, Augusta N, and Bowmans Corner. A co-op observer near Bynum reported roof damage and mailboxes being blown away. The peak gust observed was 104 mph at Bynum W Montana mesonet. Sustained winds at Bynum W averaged 74 mph between 1250 PM and 150 PM MST.

Quite a few sensors measured gusts of 58 mph or greater or sustained winds of 40 mph or greater averaged over at least an hour. These sensors include mesonet station MTM54 SW Power, MTTRV Teton River (MT DOT), AWOS stations K1HM Hotel and K1JM Juliett, mesonet station DAHMT Dahlman, and Montana mesonet stations Brady NE and Midway Colony. The peak gust was 78 mph and was observed at the Midway Colony.

Many sensors measured gusts of 58 mph or greater or sustained winds of 40 mph or greater averaged over at least an hour, including Montana mesonet stations Belt NW, Sun River SE, Benton Lake W, and Eden NW, ASOS/AWOS stations KGTF Great Falls Airport, K1IM India, K1AM Alpha, and KGFA Malmstrom Air Force Base, as well as mesonet stations FW1843 Great Falls (10 WSW Stockett) and FW5493 Vaughn (1 WSW Sun Prairie). TH epeak observed gust was 75 mph at the Belt NW Montana mesonet station.

Quite a few sensors measured sustained winds of 40 mph or greater averaged over at least an hour or gusts of 58 mph or greater, including mesonet stations MTEDD Eddies Corner (MT DOT), MTGYS Geyser (MT DOT), MWSM 2 W Moccasin, AWOS station K1CM Charlie, and Montana mesonet stations Moccasin and Judith Gap. The peak gust of the day was observed at Judith Gap (84 mph).

Numerous sensors measured gusts of 58 mph or greater or sustained winds of 40 mph or greater averaged over at least an hour. The quantity of sensors is too many to list, but here are a few that had notable gusts: Montana Mesonet station Mt Lebanon SE (94 mph), mesonet station GW3478 TCTIBER (80 mph), and mesonet station GW3546 Whitlash 7 South (91 mph).

Multiple sensors in this zone measured strong winds and gusts at lower elevations (Not at the high peaks), including MTBSK Big Sky Road (MT DOT), RAWS stations RRDM8 Red Rock and BTKM8 Burnt Creek, and NW Energy sensors Cornucopia Rd near Virginia City. The peak observed gust was at Cornucopia Rd and was 76 mph.

RAWS station WRSM8 and mesonet station MTBHP Big Hole Pass (MT DOT) measured gusts at or in excess of 58 mph, including a peak gust of 74 mph at Wise River. Big Hole Pass also measured sustained winds, averaging 41 mph, from 931AM MST through 335 PM MST.

Two MDT sensors (Flesher Pass and MacDonald Pass) and a NW Energy sensor (002NW Hwy 12 measured gusts in excess of 58 mph, including a peak gust of 78 mph at Flesher Pass. The sensor at MacDonald Pass measured sustained winds of 44 mph between 1145 AM and 715PM. At the NW energy sensor Hwy 12, sustained winds averaged 40 mph between 320 PM and 420 PM. Finally, a public report was received stating 26 trees were blown down across Stemple Pass Rd 10 miles ESE of Lincoln.

Multiple sensors measured sustained winds of 50 mph or greater averaged over at least an hour, or gusts in excess of 75 mph, including Montana mesonet stations Dog Gun Lake E, Wetzel NE, and Dupuyer N, mesonet stations MTBWG Browning (MT DOT), SHBM Browning, MTBRN Two Medicine Bridge (MT DOT), and RAWS station BGRM8 Browning. The peak observed gust in this zone was 95 mph at Dog Gun Lake E. This sensor also recorded sustained winds, averaged over an hour, of 68 mph between 1205 PM and 105 PM MST.

ASOS station KDLN measured multiple gusts in excess of 58 mph, including a peak gust of 97 mph at 931 AM. Power to the ASOS and surrounding community was lost as this peak gust occurred, resulting in limited observations elsewhere. Two other reports were received from the Dillon area stating that a large tree was uprooted and that the wind caused a greenhouse to collapse.

Several sources reported sustained winds of 40 mph averaged over at least an hour or gusts of 58 mph, including ASOS station KBZN Bozeman Airport, Montana mesonet station Manhattan S, mesonet station AV387 Manhattan, as well as trained spotters. The peak gust in the Gallatin valley was reported by a trained spotter 1 NW of Amsterdam, who measured a 78 mph gust. Additional damage reports include 100-foot pine trees being snapped and blown over and portions of 8-feet fences being blown away completely.

Numerous sensors and a trained spotter reported gusts in excess of 58 mph or sustained winds averaging at least 40 mph over an hour or more, including mesonet station MTSBN Sieben Flats (MT DOT), RAWS station DBOM8 Dearborn and NW Energy sensor Birdseye Rd. The peak gust reported was from the trained spotter 7 miles east of Marysville, which was 80 mph. The trained spotter also reported a 40 foot tall pine tree was toppled due to the winds. Additionally, the Sieben Flats sensor measured sustained winds averaging 41 mph between 931AM and 234 PM, at which time the sensor lost power and stopped reporting. The last observation at this sensor before reporting stopped was sustained winds of 60 mph with a gust to 79 mph.

Quite a few sensors in this zone measured sustained winds of 40 mph or greater, averaged over at least an hour, or gusts of 58 mph or greater, including mesonet sensors MTBDC Bridger Canyon (MT DOT), MTBZH Bozeman Pass (MT DOT), and MTDPC Deep Creek Pass (MT DOT), as well as RAWS station TT838 Battle Ridge. The peak gust observed was 84 mph at Bozeman Pass along Interstate 90.

Several RAWS stations, including HRKM8 Harkness, LMRM8 Antelope, and BRRM8 Brenner in addition to mesonet station MTMQM Monida Pass (MT DOT) measured gusts in excess of 60 mph. The peak observed gust was 68 mph at Brenner.

A few sensors in this zone measured gusts of 58 mph or greater or sustaiend winds of 40 mph or greater averaged over at least an hour, including RAWS stations EKHM8 Elkhorn and GAAM8 Galena, and mesonet stations MTSPK Spokane Creek (MT DOT) and MTCLN Clancy (MT DOT). Public reports were also received from Montana City and Clancyof pine trees down blocking roadways. THe peak observed gust was at Spokane Creek (75 mph).

Numerous sensors reported sustained winds of 40 mph or greater averaged over at least an hour, or gusts of 58 mph or greater, including Montana mesonet stations Mission Lake S, Buffalo Lake E, Ethridge N, Sunburst NW, and Conrad N, ASOS station KCTB Cut Bank Airport, AWOS station KSBX Shelby Airport, mesonet stations BFAM 12 W Cut Bank, MTVAR Valier Junction I-15 (MT DOT), GW1987 Ethridge 3 SE, MTSUN Sunburst (MT DOT), GW0664 Shelby Airport, DW0975 Kevin, MTSWT Sweet Grass (MT DOT), and FW8513 Sunburst. The peak observed gust was 88 mph at Mission Lake S. Several instances of sustained winds averaging 50 mph over at least an hour were observed along Interstate 15.

MT DOT sensor MTBLS Boulder South MT-69 mp 27.7 measured multiple gusts of greater than 58 mph in addition to a period of high sustained winds (42 mph averaged over an hour). The peak gust was 71 mph.

Wunderground sensor Upper Elk Creek (KMTAUGUS3) Measured a 71 mph gust. While this does not satisfy the typical higher criteria of 75 mph for this zone, the overwhelming pile of evidence supporting a high-end wind day in addition the fact that there are no Windy sensors in this zone leaves very little options. It was incredibly windy but there were no sensors in areas that were not protected from winds at least in some capacity.

Numerous sensors measured high winds and numerous reports of damage were received from trained spotters and the public. Sensors that reported criteria winds: ASOS station KHLN Helena Airport, mesonet station HVMT Helena Agrimet, HRWM8 Helena RAWS, and mesonet station FW7359 Helena. The peak observed gust was 91 mph at the Helena Airport ASOS. Power was lost at the Helena Airport when this gust occurred. Due to the power outage the extend of 5 minute data was lost, bur prior to this 91 mph gust, sustained winds averaged 42 mph between 1035 AM and 2 PM.

As for reports received from trained spotters and the public: 1 mile SE of Helena there was a report of a traffic sign bent over with debris blowing through the streets. Several reports were received stating large trees were down across the valley. 4 miles ENE or Helena there was a report of a horse shelter being destroyed. A more comprehensive tree damage report was received from Helena stating the top third of 50-60 ft conifers were snapped off, power poles broke, and roof tiles were coming off of buildings.

KTVH posted a video interviewing Helena Parks, which stated there were greater than 1,000 trees down across city limits, and that each tree was approximately $450 to address. Additionally, trees weakened that are still standing will still have to be addressed later in the spring, adding even most cost to the cleanup activities. The video estimated a cost between $25,000 and $30,000 for the cleanup, not including any private property damaged. Given there is additional cleanup necessary later this spring, and that there is likely no way to get a final estimate for damages combining public and private damage, the cost will be left as unknown at this time.

Additional Impacts: Helena Public Schools implemented an early release and activated emergency protocol for students traveling home. Several images were received showing a metal light post being bent all the way to the ground. Severe driving conditions were reported by 511MT along Interstate 15 through the Helena Valley due to exceedingly strong cross winds and numerous tipped semis.

Numerous sensors in this zone measured gusts of 58 mph or greater or sustained winds of 40 mph or greater averaged over at least an hour, including Montana mesonet stations Carter N, Big Sandy SW, Highwood Bench, Big Sandy NW, and Frenchman Ridge, AWOS station K79S Fort Benton Airport, mesonet stations MTLOM Loma (MT DOT), GW6710 Meadowlane, GW6518 Big Sandy Airport, and GW3862 Loma 18 NW. The peak observed gust was 85 at Montana Mesonet station Carter N.

Numerous sensors in Hill County measured sustained winds of 40 mph or greater averaged over at least an hour or gusts of 58 mph or greater, including mesonet sensors EW1937 Goldstone, GW3530 Rudyard 11 S, GW4079 Inverness 10 SSE, MTINV Inverness (MT DOT), EW1931 Rudyard, FW1664 Hingham, MTM06 ARC N Havre, GW6391 Gildford 10 N, GW6390 Gildford 6 SE, and GW6392 Gildford 15 N, ASOS station KHVR Havre Airport, and Montana mesonet stations Fox Crossing SW, Lake Thibadeau W, Simpson, Kremlin NW, Inverness S, and Inverness N. The peak gust of 79 mph was observed at Fox Crossing. Some stations lost power through the event, so the peak gust may have been stronger. Sustained winds at Fox Crossing averaged 59 mph over an hour between 345 and 445 PM MST.

Numerous sensors in this zone measured sustained winds of 40 mph or greater averaged over at least an hour or gust of 58 mph or greater, including Montana mesonet sensors Coffee Creek N, Christina W, Forestgrove N, Roy E, and Winifred NE, AWOS/ASOS sensors KLWT Lewistown Airport, K1EM Echo, K1OM Oscar, K1NM November, KMVH N Bar Ranch, and K1DM Delta, mesonet sensors MTDEN Denton (MT DOT), MTBOH Bohemian Corner (MT DOT), MTBCH Beacon Hill (MT DOT), and RAWS sensor ARMM8 Armells Creek. Public reports were received of shingles blown off of roofs, in addition to power going in and out all day near Denton. The peak gust in this zone was 87 mph at Beacon Hill in SE Fergus county. Of particular note, sustained winds averaged 53 mph at Beacon Hill between 145 PM 12/17 and 1 AM 12/18.

Several sensors measured sustained winds of 40 mph or greater averaged over at least an hour or gusts of 58 mph or greater, including RAWS station GINM8 Ginger, Montana mesonet station Toston, Agrimet station TOSM 5.5 SW Toston, and mesonet station MTTOS Toston Bridge US-287 (MT DOT). The peak observed gust was at the Ginger RAWS (85 mph).

Multiple sensors across Northern Blaine county (including the US-2 corridor), measured gusts in excess of 58 mph or sustained winds, averaging 40 mph over at least an hour. These sensors include MTCHK Chinook US-2 mp 403.5 (MT DOT), BFTM 4.4 E Hogeland (Agrimet), MT mesonet sensor Savoy SW, AWOS station S719 Chinook, MT mesonet sensor Hogeland SW, and MT mesonet sensor Turner N. The peak observed gust was at Savoy SW (9 miles ESE of Fort Belknap) and was 82 mph. Sustained winds averaging 50 mph, averaged over an hour, were observed north of US-2 near Turner and Hogeland.

Two Ambient stations measured gusts in excess of 60 mph, including ambient station Howards Lodge in Babb and Glacier Park Trading Company in East Glacier Park. The peak gust observed was at Howards Lodge (72 mph).

Numerous sensors in this zone measured sustained winds of 40 mph or greater averaged over at least an hour, or gusts of 58 mph or greater, including RAWS station FBLM8 Fort Belknap and LBCM8 Little Bullwhacker Creek, Montana mesonet stations Dry Lake, Cleveland N, Warrick S, and Big Sandy SE. An additional public report was received stating gusts similar to what these sensors observed. The peak observed gust in this zone was observed on the Fort Belknap reservation at the Fort Belknap RAWS (88 mph) between 618 PM and 718 PM.

A wunderground sensor at IngerRanch 5 WSW of Martinsdale measured a gust of 86 mph. Additionally, a trained spotter reported a 67 mph gust 1 mile SW of White Sulphur Springs.

This zone does not have many sensors, so verification is a bit sparse. The one DOT sensor at Lewistown Divide lost power and did not report winds/gusts for the overwhelming majority of the event. The other reliable sensor is Judith Peak RAWS JPKM8, though that sensor is at a mountain peak. Given these factors, the source for this verification is a single Ambient Weather sensor which measured a 59 mph gust southeast of Lewistown. If you were to include Judith Peak, the peak observed gust in this zone was 94 mph and the duration of the event would expand through much of the day December 17.