Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Montana news about the environment, natural resources, wildlife, climate change and more.

Snowpack remains below normal for most of Montana

A map titled 'Major Basin Snow Water Equivalent, April 1, 2022.' The map shows below-normal snowpack across the state, with north-central Montana hit the hardest, followed by south and central Montana. Parts of northwestern Montana show normal snow-water equivalent.
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Major Basin Snow Water Equivalent, April 1, 2022

For the third consecutive month, precipitation was well below normal across most of Montana. Mountain snowpack is subpar across most of the state and time is running out to make up the difference.

March failed to deliver on widespread hopes for snowfall that would benefit Montana’s mountain snowpack. According to the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Bozeman, snowpack is below normal across the state, except for northwest Montana and the northern Rocky Mountain Front. While those areas received near to above-normal precipitation, it mostly fell as rain due to unseasonably warm temperatures.

Current streamflow forecasts for southwest Montana and the main stem of the Missouri are all well below normal. The Rocky Mountain Front and river basins west of the Continental Divide are forecast to have near to above-normal flows, except for the Upper Clark Fork region which is forecast to be below normal.

According to NRCS, the best scenario for improved streamflows will be sustained cool weather and well above-normal spring precipitation. The National Climate Prediction Center however is not anticipating a strong chance for either.

Edward O’Brien first landed at Montana Public Radio three decades ago as a news intern while attending the UM School of Journalism. He covers a wide range of stories from around the state.
edward.obrien@umt.edu.  
(406) 243-4065
Become a sustaining member for as low as $5/month
Make an annual or one-time donation to support MTPR
Pay an existing pledge or update your payment information