Montana’s Snowpack Starting Rebound, But Dry Weather Ahead

There's finally some good news to report when it comes to Montana's snowpack this week.

While Snotel sites had been showing some dismal readings right before Christmas, the latest maps from the Natural Resources Conservation Service show we may be finally making up for the warm, wet start to the winter.

Last month, many sites, especially in Western Montana, were woefully behind; some, like the Sun-Teton-Marias Basin along the Front, were less than half of normal. But the latest readings show that the basin has climbed to 122% of "snow water equivalent". And many of the basins, like the Flathead and Upper Clark Fork, are finally at, or above, 100%.

      This week's snow is helping in some areas of Northwest Montana.

But there's concern about an extended ridge of high pressure that will keep storms out of the Northern Rockies, starting this weekend.

Blackfoot Basin drought is over

The better news comes on the drought front, where some Western Montana counties on the Blackfoot Basin are finally off the "U.S. drought monitor" list for the first time in a couple of years. Eastern Missoula County, Powell County, and parts of Lewis & Clark County in the upper watershed have been hurting for runoff after several winters of subpar snowfall and hot, dry summers and falls.

     💧 Sections of Teton and Choteau counties are still experiencing "extreme drought."

Blame La Niña for December warmth

National Weather Service forecasters in Missoula are saying it was "variable La Niña conditions" that resulted in the warm and very wet start to winter. In fact, December was the second warmest on record in Missoula.

While the La Niña ocean current is still going, its effect is expected to start fading in a few weeks.

MHP releases details of another holiday fatal crash

Montana Highway Patrol is finally releasing details of a crash that killed two people near Lincoln over the weekend, saying it was a 68-year old man and a 60-year old woman, both from Great Falls, who lost their lives.

Troopers say the wreck happened when an oncoming pickup driven by a 30-year old Wolf Point man lost control on Highway 200 and slid into oncoming traffic.

The truck hit the victim's KIA SUV on the side, and both cars went off the road. Some passengers in both cars were injured.

Snowmobiler rescued in Mineral County

Several agencies were called out yesterday evening to find an injured snowmobiler, who got hurt while sledding near Hoodoo Pass outside Superior.

The Mineral County Sheriff's Office says responders from both sides of the border were involved in the effort, but managed to find the rider and get them evacuated, and then transported to St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula.

Havre Senior Center will have to close

It's going to take several months to re-boot the Havre North Central Senior Center, providing a gathering place, probably until summer.

This week, Hill County Commissioners wrestled with the pending closure of the center, which has been struggling with funding, volunteer scheduling, and several other problems. The Havre Weekly Chronicle says the center will still close on the 16th, and could remain shuttered until July.

In the meantime, leaders are looking for new board members to help reorganize and relaunch the center, as well as volunteers. Programs like meal delivery and transportation will continue in the meantime.

Smith River permit applications underway

Summer seems like a long time away, but the scramble is on for permits to float the legendary Smith River this season.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks opened applications on New Year's Day and will continue taking applications through February 15th. The agency doesn't take long to pick the winners, either, with the drawing scheduled for February 18th this year. You have to shell out $15 for a permit application, but if you get a coveted permit, you and up to 14-others can float the Smith on a single permit.