Uncategorized
Snowpack below average in southwest Montana
Published
11 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersBy Emily Stifler Explorebigsky.com Managing Editor
BOZEMAN – As of April 1, the snowpack in most Montana river basins was slightly below normal, but a weeklong weather system starting April 8 improved the average statewide, according to snow survey data from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
The NRCS shifted its normals period this year, and is now excluding the wetter-than-average decade of 1971-1980 and including the drier 2001-2010 decade.
“That is going to make everything [this year] look wetter than it would have in previous years with the old averages,” said Brian Domonkos, NRCS water supply specialist. “So, 96 percent this year would have been 88 percent last year, with the old normals… The percents of average are markedly changed.”
That, he explained, is why the mountains may look much drier than the snowpack numbers this year would indicate.
The snowpack in the mid- and upper elevations of the basins in southwest Montana is in fact below average, Domonkos said, even compared to last year, which was also a low year. These elevations yield the bulk of the state’s water supply, so continued monitoring will determine the timing and volume of the upcoming runoff.
This was caused in part by nearly a month of high pressure in central and southern Montana, which led to above average temperatures and below average precipitation.
However, the Gallatin and Yellowstone river basins both saw significant increases during the early April storm, Domonkos said, with the Gallatin up 6 percent over the entire basin, to 96 percent of average as of April 15.
The upper Gallatin River Basin – which is everything above Gallatin Gateway – is at 100 percent of average, and the Hyalite watershed, which drains into the Gallatin in Belgrade, is now at 98 percent, Domonkos said.
The storm had a significant effect on the Yellowstone above Billings, which is up 5 percent to 89 percent. Above Livingston the Yellowstone is at 92 percent. The Madison and Jefferson rivers, which didn’t see as much precipitation that week, are at 91 and 85 percent of average, respectively.
Given the current snowpack and near normal expected precipitation and temperatures in the coming weeks, the NRCS is predicting stream flows will be below average this year. However, snowpack typically reaches its maximum in April, and weather this month will impact their timing and volume.
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
Upcoming Events
march, 2024
Event Type :
All
All
Arts
Education
Music
Other
Sports
Event Details
Children turning 5 on or before 9/10/2024:
more
Event Details
Children turning 5 on or before
9/10/2024: Kindergarten
enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year can be completed by following the
registration process now.
Children
born on or after September 11, 2019: 4K enrollment is now open for
families that have a 4-year-old they would like to enroll in our program for
the 2023-2024 school year. Please complete the 4K Interest Form to
express your interest. Completing this form does not guarantee enrollment into
the 4K program. Enrollment is capped at twenty 4-year-olds currently
residing within Big Sky School District boundary full time and will be
determined by birth date in calendar order of those born on or after September
11, 2018. Interest form closes on May 30th.
Enrollment now is critical for fall preparations. Thank you!
Time
February 26 (Monday) - April 21 (Sunday)
Event Details
My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy
more
Event Details
My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy that tells the story of Toby and Melinda, two lonely people whose lives are forever changed the night they encounter a starving coyote at their apartment building. Over time they grow to expect him, leaving ritual offerings to entice the coyote every night. Toby and Melinda forge a connection over this visitor and share curiosity and concern about his presence in the city. The coyote expands their world–until, one night, their world is shattered. Their lives are pushed suddenly into uncharted territory, sending them on a surreal odyssey that changes their city–and the world–forever.
Directed by LX Miller. Starring Max Schneider and Denise Hergett
Verge Theater is continuing their mission to provide accessible theater to our community. Tickets for My Barking Dog are Pay What You Wish with a suggested price of $35. Audience members are offered the opportunity to select the price point that is comfortable for them when purchasing tickets.
My Barking Dog runs March 15-17, 22-24, 28-30
Performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays begin at 7:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees offered at 3:00 p.m.
Suitable for ages 16 . No animals are harmed in the staging of this production.
Tickets are available online at www.vergetheater.com
Time
15 (Friday) 7:00 pm - 30 (Saturday) 8:30 pm
Location
Verge Theater
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
more
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
Time
March 23 (Saturday) 6:00 pm - April 23 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
Location
Santosha Wellness Center
169 Snowy Mountain Circle
29mar3:00 pm4:00 pmGood Friday Mass: St. Joseph Catholic Mission3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event City:Big Sky
Event Details
Friday of the Passion of the Lord St. Joseph Catholic Mission
Event Details
Friday of the Passion of the Lord
St. Joseph Catholic Mission
Time
(Friday) 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm