Below normal January precipitation and unseasonably warm temperatures stalled Montana’s snowpack accumulation last month. 

As of Feb. 1, most major basins across the state held 65% to 90% of median snowpack, a 10% to 30% decrease from the Jan. 1 medians.  

On Feb. 1, Flathead Basin’s snow depth was about 65%.  

On Feb. 9, snow water equivalent in the Flathead Basin was 89% of median. 

While some higher elevations are holding onto snow, mid elevation snow is falling behind, and low elevation snow is noticeably absent.  

In the upper Whitefish Range, Stahl Peak is at 112% of average, while nearby Grave Creek is at 40% of average. 

The contrast comes from an unseasonably wet December, when higher elevations accumulated snowpack as it rained in the valley.  

However, January’s dryness and warmth erased any snowpack surpluses at all but the highest sites. 

Big Mountain received about 10 inches of snow Jan. 7-8 and saw light refreshes of about 5 inches total from Jan. 29-31, but otherwise it has remained dry in the new year.  

With sunny days and high temperatures reaching 50 degrees last week, Whitefish Mountain Resort has had conditions reminiscent of April.  

Some lower frontside runs are sparse, and Chair 9 is closed. Last weekend, the final runs of an IFSA freeride competition were canceled on Sunday as the East Rim saw rough freeze-thaw cycles.  

Montana’s mountains typically reach peak snowpack between late March and early May. Conditions at that time will give a better snapshot of how snowmelt will fare in the summer. 

“Mid-to-high elevation snowpack is the main contributor to summer streamflow,” said Florence Miller, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service hydrologist, in a statement.  

With two to three months remaining in the snowpack accumulation season, a return of winter and continued snowfall will be crucial to catch up current snowpack deficits across the state. 

“How the lack of low elevation snow coverage will influence snowmelt driven runoff this year is yet to be determined,” Miller said. “Official water supply forecasts will be available starting next month after more of the snowpack accumulation season has played out.”