Snowpack in Bitterroot Mountains Above Average

With snowpack in the Bitterroot Mountains surpassing 116 percent of normal, the Montana Natural Resources Conservation Service is calling spring and summer streamflow "near to slightly above average." However, water supply specialist Lucas Zukiewicz cautioned, "future snowfall, spring precipitation and temperatures during the next three months will play a critical role in both the timing and volumes we experience during runoff this year."

Zukiewicz expects more snow to fall, especially east of the Continental Divide. Already, the Bitterroot Range has received 145 percent of average precipitation so far this winter. West of the Divide received about 121 percent of average. Snowpack totals throughout Montana are near to above normal for March 1st.