[WATCH] Montana’s Massive August 1992 Snow Storm Revisited

Snow can fall in Montana anytime during the year, and the state's diverse climate can be unpredictable. It's still August and snow is possible in some parts of Montana over the weekend. How common is it for Montana to receive snow in August?

Remembering Massive Montana Snow Storm in 1992

As we enjoy the final days of summer, it's important to remember that the weather in Montana can change at any time. 32 years ago in August 1992, several parts of the state were blanketed with snow. The snow storm is one of the most memorable weather events in history. On August 23, 1992, Great Falls received over 10 inches of snow.

The National Weather Service released the following statement regarding the rare weather event.

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An unprecedented weather event occurred in north-central and southwestern Montana in August 1992. An early-season arctic surface airmass moved southward along the Continental Divide, resulting in record-cold temperatures throughout Montana for nearly a week. Even more impressive was the ability of this air mass to push southward under moist southwesterly flow aloft, a typical snow producer for north-central and southwestern portions of Montana, but not in August. Over 8 inches of snow fell at Great Falls during this storm, making it a significant event considering no snow had ever been measured in August at Great Falls in 100 years of record keeping.

According to KRTV in Great Falls, the temperature dropped below 34 degrees five times over an 8-day span. Snow usually starts falling at higher elevations in September, and many Montana residents were caught off guard by the massive snow storm. The cold temperatures destroyed crops, and visitors were forced to evacuate Glacier National Park due to the snow.