BOZEMAN – The Natural Resources Conservation Service says March gains in Montana’s mountain snow water content were well above average.
In the Columbia River Basin, March snow water content was 170 percent of average; in the Missouri River Basin it was 163 percent of average; and 102 percent in the Yellowstone River Basin.
The NRCS says that, as of April 1, seasonal snowpack accumulation for the Columbia Basin was 96 percent; the Missouri Basin 93 percent; and the Yellowstone Basin 91 percent.
Statewide mountain snow water content was 100 percent of average and 91 percent of last year.
West of the Continental Divide snowpack was 98 percent of average and 86 percent of last year.
East of the Divide, the snowpack was 100 percent of average and 97 percent of last year.
Statewide streamflow forecasts average 89 to 101 percent.
West of the Continental Divide, streamflow forecasts average between 95 and 103 percent; and east of the Divide they average between 85 and 100 percent.