February snowfall boosts mountain snowpack

Mountain snowpack numbers have improved this month following a slow start to winter.

A La Nina weather pattern was projected this winter and although December and January were mostly dry, local basins have rebounded to the normal range. La Nina episodes in the winter months feature a wave-like jet stream flow across the United States and Canada, which causes colder and stormier than average conditions across the north, and warmer and less stormier conditions across the south. 

La Niña winters tend to be banner years for snow across western Canada, the Pacific Northwest, and the northern Rockies. Some of the strongest La Nina seasons in Montana were the winters of 2010-2011, and longtime locals still talk about the notable snow totals in the winter of 1995-1996. 

As of Feb. 20, after a recent round of winter storms bringing several inches to Mineral County, the snowpack water content levels are trending more toward normal. The Upper Clark Fork is at 87% of normal for the year, and the Lower Clark Fork is sitting around 82%. In a broader scope, Montana as a whole is around 95% of normal snowpack while looking at the western states overall. 

Why does snowpack matter so much? A strong spring runoff will fill alpine lakes and reservoirs, ensuring better summer flows in rivers and streams. More cold, clean water means healthier trout populations and better fishing conditions this summer. But most significantly is it helps reduce forest fire risk and improves soil moisture for native plants.

Mid-March will offer a clearer picture of streamflow and air quality projections. The majority of local mountain basins see a median peak of snowfall amounts in mid-April, so there are still a few weeks to go. 

Historically, Montana sees the most snowfall in February, with an average of 47 inches spread throughout an average of 17 snow fall days. January is the second highest month on average with 38 inches. But the area has higher snowfall averages in March and April than in November and December. 

Maybe that’s why cabin fever come springtime is so prominent in the north?

To the east, Snowbowl ski area near Missoula gets an average of 133 inches a year. While Lookout Pass on the western border of Mineral County gets a monstrous 370 inches of powder each winter. 

So regardless of what Punxsutawney Phil predicted, still expect snow and cold and the more snow we get, the better.