Variable January Weather Concludes with a General Lack of Snow in Montana

The rolling hills of the Boulder Mountains south of Helena were mostly bare during February 1 snow surveys. Half of the survey points on Chessman Reservoir Snow Course, about a half mile from where this picture was taken, were bare ground and the snow course total was 22% of normal snow water equivalent for February 1. A majority of NRCS SNOTEL sites and snow courses in Montana have either the lowest or second lowest snowpack on record. There is still time for improvement, but snowpack deficits grow with each snowless day. (Photo: Lauren Austin, 1/30/2024)