Prolonged December Dry Spell Decreases Early Season Snowpack Totals

Entering the 2021 Water Year on Oct. 1 there was a great deal of excitement about the possible “La Nina” winter forecasted for the fall and winter seasons. What would this mean for Montana’s winter air temperatures and one of Montana’s most precious resources, the snowpack?

October delivered the predicted outcome, well below normal temperatures statewide and above average precipitation for most areas of Montana. Only the eastern border and southwest corner of the state would be missed by passing storms. Ending the month, snowpack was off to a strong start in most mountain locations.

Weather pa...