Posted in Montana
December 14, 2017
It’s Impossible To Forget These 7 Horrific Winter Storms That Have Gone Down In Montana History
Winter is a beautiful season in Montana… but we’ll be the first to admit it can get pretty treacherous. In fact, some of our storms have made national news and caused some major damage. These are a few of the harshest on record.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
In October, the first blizzard of the season in Havre broke the record for snowfall in October. With over 30 inches being dumped on the city, it's safe to say this winter will be a long one for the people of Havre -- also, this is proof that Montana winters start long before the calendar dates dictate.
The cold front caused the temperature to drop from 44°F to -56°F in 24 hours. This 100+ degree change stands as the most dramatic 24 hour drop in temperature ever recorded in the United States.
After a particularly brutal winter in 1954 and 1955, Billings was subject to a record-breaking storm... in early April, nonetheless. Between April 2 and April 5, an estimated 42.3 inches of snow fell. This proves the point that Montana lives by its own rules -- it doesn't even have to officially be winter for us to see a huge snowstorm.
Local ranchers had seen harsh winters before, but this one was especially brutal. Deceived by a string of mild winters, many were not prepared for the snowfall in January of 1887, and their cattle suffered in the storm. 5,000 head of cattle invaded the outskirts of Great Falls, eating the saplings the townspeople had planted that spring and "bawling for food."
Record lows were established in Billings for 5 consecutive days, while Bozeman set record lows for 4 straight days. In Missoula, record lows of -22F and -23F were established on the 2nd and the 3rd. Wisdom, Montana, had a recorded temperature of -52F on February 3.
St. Mary saw a whopping 64 inches of snowfall between February 3 - 7, and Great Falls saw 60 inches, breaking a local record from 1954.
Slick roads and limited visibility were to blame, with many people being unprepared for the sudden snow.
Montana weather is predictable in any season. This massive blizzard in April of 1969 is proof.
