Western Snowpack (so far) 2016

[ScottP]

Compare to the previous 2 years; a lot more shades of blue in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Nevada. Hope this translates in to less fire this year. Still early, but could use some more in NW Montana; Glacier NP and the surrounding area took a big hit last year.












Regards,
Scott

[Longs for Cutts]

Despite our numbers around here being technically "lower" than they were last year, this winter just has a different and better feel to it. Several long dry patches intercut with periods of a lot of moisture, and no really warm temperatures. Even at this point last year we were seeing 40-45 degree days pretty routinely, so the snowpack, while high to this point, never really got cold enough to set up in a way that boded well for summer. It never got cold enough to become resistant to the first real heat or rain, so once it did start warming up for real in April it all melted in a hurry. Unless something changes dramatically in the next 2 months, I think SW Montana and the Yellowstone area should be in shape for an average water year.

For what it's worth, it's snowing as I type this and my local ski hill has gotten 30" of snow in the past week, with more to come...

[Jack Hise]

Scott;
You must be a mind reader!! I've been watching the snow pack here in North Idaho and just yesterday did a search for last years information and was about to send you a PM requesting your help!
Thank you.

[Jayatwork]

All that red in the Cascades, from the last couple of years, has turned green and blue. Great news! The ski resorts are happy and the reservoirs will be full this summer.

[ScottP]

just yesterday did a search for last years information

Jack,

Here the link I got the info from; I think they update it daily.


http://wwa.colorado.edu/climate/dashboard.html

Regards,
Scott

[DG]

While promising, it means little around here until about the second week of April, which is typical peak snowpack. The snow here is kind of spotty, six feet in one place and two in another at the same elevation. All I know for sure is that I am tired of plowing the parking lot.

[Byron Zuehlsdorff]

The southern end of the Wind River Range, the Big Sandy drainage is looking good. That means water for the ranch in EDEN. And good water for the Green River drainage for Flaming Gorge. Will have to wait and see what the rest of the year brings.

[Marco]

We have 77 inches here in Naples Florida.
OOPS, I meant 77 degrees. Sorry! :>)

Mark

[ScottP]

Latest and greatest; numbers still looking pretty good, although it's been mid-70's for the past 2 days in Montana and an early, warm spring could change things. Here's some happy snaps on the drive from Monida to Whitefish.

Tendoys




Clark Canyon Reservoir (April 7 and no ice)




Baldy Mountain (south Pioneers)/east Pioneers






Highland Mts (east of Melrose)




Anacondas




Sapphires (mouth of Rock Creek)




Missions (coming into St. Ignatius)




End of the line (closing weekend for the ski season)




On a fishing-related note, there were a load of baetis spinners flying around the parking lot at Van's IGA in Dillon; didn't have time to scope out the Beaverhead, though.


Regards,
Scott