Snowpack Update - January, 2025
Hello from wintery West Yellowstone. This is the first of our regular snowpack updates for the 2025 water year. Despite a bit of a slow start to winter around these parts, nature’s snow machine kicked on right around Christmas, bringing us all what we ask Santa for every year – water in the mountains.
As of January 5th, things are looking pretty decent relative to historic values in most of our angling area. The Madison and Gallatin are at 94% and 103% of median snow water equivalent (SWE) respectively. The Henry’s Fork is right in there too at 99%. The Upper Yellowstone And Upper Missouri are lagging a bit behind, but are still looking better than they were this time last year. Shout out to our friends up in northwest Montana too, where thing are looking good for those Westslope Cutties!
We are seeing some additional promising news from NOAA in their January Precipitation Outlook. While it’s far from a sure thing, their models have us at a 50-60% chance of above average precipitation for the next 30 days or so. With at least some snow in the forecast for town on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, things should at least stay fresh on the ski and sled trails!
While all of this is interesting and perhaps even encouraging, an important story is told by the basin specific plot for the Madison River. The scenario is the same across our region. Most important to recognize is that it is still very early in the winter season. We have another 100+ days before our watersheds typically reach that ever important “Median Peak SWE” for the year. That is the moment when our mountains are storing their maximum water in the snowpack and runoff technically begins. So, despite currently being at 94% of the daily median SWE, we are only at 39% of the median peak (compare the black line to the bright green asterisk). Once we stack up another 14 or 15 inches of SWE, we can break out the Champagne and celebrate.
Until next time, keep tying flies, doing snow dances, reading books, and being kind to others.
Take Care,
Matt (BSA's Chief of Klarification) & the BSA Crew
