Online Exclusive: Snowpack below average in Kootenai River Basin

Mountain snowpack in the Kootenai River Basin is below average, the Montana Natural Resources Conservation Service reported Friday.

A survey conducted by Montana NRCS officials said that mountain snowpack statewide is below average.

“Jan. 1 represents about 45 percent of the expected seasonal snowfall, so more than half of the snowfall season remains,” the NRCS said through a press release. “Low amounts of November and December precipitation resulted in the Jan. 1 mountain snowpack being below average and streamflow prospects for the spring and summer being below to well below average.”

The Kootenai River Basin is about 78 percent of average. Similar numbers are seen in the Flathead and Bitterroot basins.

“Water managers pay particular attention to their local area and plan for possible low streamflows in the event that mountain precipitation continues to be poor,” said Roy Kaiser, NRCS water supply specialist.

Mountain snow water content statewide was 76 percent of average and 87 percent of last year. West of the Continental Divide mountain snow water content was 74 percent of average and 92 percent of last year. East of the Continental Divide mountain snow water content was 80 percent of average and 86 percent of last year.