Flathead snowpack is above average

Even though there has been relatively little snow in the Flathead Valley so far this winter, December delivered above-average mountain snowfall across the state, according to snow survey data recently released by the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Bozeman.

Most of the snowfall came early last month, while drier conditions prevailed in the latter part of December.

Automated snow-measuring sites indicated that mountain snowpack was just 80 of average as of Dec. 1, but the month ended with a statewide snowpack at 110 percent of average.

The Flathead Basin’s mountain snowpack was at 120 percent of average.

“This is typically the turning point in the snow accumulation season with nearly half of a normal year’s accumulation behind us,” said Brian Domonkos, NRCS water supply specialist. “Snowpack is currently positioned well for the remainder of the year provided near normal snowfall for the remaining season.”