Evaluation of the 01-02 February 2003 South Central Montana and Northern Wyoming Snow Storm

摘要

A significant storm system impacted south central Montana and northern Wyoming from 01 February 2003 to 02 February 2003. The precipitation started in a southwest fetch of moisture extending from Hawaii to Montana. This brought widespread rain and snow above 8000 feet through the afternoon of 01 February. The heaviest precipitation on the first was on the southwest side of the Bearthooths and Absorakas Mountains such as Cooke City where over an inch of liquid fell (see figure 1 for location of terrain features). Since snow levels were above 8000 feet during this time, snow accumulations were less than four inches for most mountain locations. While the rain and snow fell in the mountains, strong 800-600mb frontogenesis coupled with a middle level speed max aided in widespread rain over the lower elevations.