Storms give boost to still low snowpack

April delivered the most mountain precipitation since October in Montana, but only slightly improved snowpack and stream runoff forecasts in most parts of the state.

Precipitation west of the Continental Divide in April was 125 percent of average and 123 percent of average east of the Divide, according to the Bozeman-based Natural Resources Conservation Service.

“Although recent storms have improved the summer stream flow outlook, stream flow forecasts in most river basins remain below to well-below average,” the agency states in its May report.

Statewide mountain snowpack improved to be only 68 percent of average, and 62 percent of last year’s measurements on May 1.

The snow water content in basins that flow to the Columbia River were 68 percent of average and 67 percent of last year’s content.

The Flathead Basin improved to 75 percent of average and 81 percent of last year’s mark. The Kootenai Basin is at 70 percent of average and 72 percent of last year.

Streamflow forecasts assume average spring precipitation from May through July.

The Kootenai streamflow forecast is 57 percent of average and 93 percent of last year, while the Flathead forecast is 79 percent of average and 96 percent of last year.