Early Season Snowstorm Buries Parts of the Northwest in 2019
While the official start of fall is relatively recent, some areas of the Northwest experienced winter-like conditions as early as late September. A particularly notable event occurred six years ago, with a significant snowstorm impacting several states.
The September 2019 Snowstorm
On September 29, 2019, residents in parts of Montana, northwest Wyoming, Idaho, and northeast Washington were dealing with an unusually early and intense snowstorm. This unseasonal weather brought significant snowfall and disruption to the region.
Snowfall Totals and Records
More than a dozen locations in northern Montana received over a foot of snow. The town of Browning, located approximately 105 miles northwest of Great Falls, recorded a staggering 48 inches (4 feet) of snow. Great Falls itself saw 19.3 inches of snowfall, with 17.7 inches falling within a 24-hour period. According to weather historian Christopher Burt, this was their all-time 24-hour snowfall record, a total typically not seen until mid-December.
State of Emergency and Impact
The severity of the early season storm prompted Montana's Governor, Steve Bullock, to issue an executive order declaring a state of emergency. The heavy, wet snow combined with high winds led to broken tree limbs, fallen trees, and damaged power lines, resulting in widespread power outages.
Impact Beyond Montana
The effects of the storm extended beyond Montana. Spokane, Washington, experienced only its second measurable September snowfall since records began in the late 19th century. The city's 3.3-inch total more than doubled the previous September snow record. In western Wyoming, areas around Jackson Hole reported up to a foot of snow. The snow even reached the valley floors surrounding Reno, Nevada, the day before.
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