Weather

Weekly snowpack update for SW Montana

Posted: Jan 25, 2013 1:29 PM by Meteorologist Mike Heard
Updated: Jan 25, 2013 1:31 PM

This weeks snow survey for SW Montana shows another decline in snow/water percent of average values for all river basins and the Upper Clark Fork is now down to 85% of average.

The general trend through the month of January has seen a steady decline in the snow/water percent of average values despite a few weak storm systems. This last week temperatures have been well above average with 40's and lower 50's reported for highs in our region which is taking a bite out of the mountain snowpack.

Looking at next weeks general weather pattern a NW flow will develop and we are expecting several storm systems to pass through the Northern Rockies. It's unclear at this time as to how much snow the mountains could see but at least snow is in the forecast along with cooler temperatures. Next weeks report will hopefully show a slight increase in the snowpack data.

Although Montana's snowpack conditions are down this month we are doing well compared to the central and southern Rockies. New Mexico and Colorado are reporting 25% to 75% of average. Wyoming and Utah is reporting 50% to 90% of average. Pacific NW is near average with Washington State fairing better than Oregon with 90% to 125% of average.

We still have plenty of time to improve mountain snowpack as the season ends around mid April. I will continue to update mountain snowpack conditions weekly on Friday's 5:30pm and 10pm news.