Location: Fort Keogh, Custer County
On January 28, 1887, Fort Keogh, Montana, became the site of an extraordinary weather phenomenon when the world's largest snowflakes on record were reported. Ranch foreman Matt Coleman claimed to have measured snowflakes that were 15 inches wide and 8 inches thick. While such measurements are difficult to verify precisely, the accounts from the time describe an incredibly unusual and severe snowstorm. This event highlights the extreme and often unpredictable weather conditions that characterize Montana winters. Fort Keogh, an important military outpost in eastern Montana, was accustomed to harsh weather, but this particular snowfall stood out in its intensity and the sheer size of the flakes. The incident remains a fascinating anecdote in meteorological history and a testament to the dramatic natural environment of Montana, contributing to its "Big Sky Country" image.