Eye-Opening Perspective: We Need Snow In Montana

Montana Winter Weather Is Coming Soon

As weather gets colder I can hear the complaints already. There are plenty of reasons to love Montana and yes sometimes snow can be one of the most dreaded things to happen here but there is an important reason we need snow.

What Is Snowpack?

Layers and layers of snow all packed in together high up on the mountain tops that usually can be seen through out most of spring and some of summer. The snowpack builds up throughout the winter from snowfall and cold temperatures and creates its own reservoir of water for later months. As the weather starts to warm up the snowpack starts to melt and flow into creeks, rivers and lakes.

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READ MORE: The Ultimate Snow Removal Checklist In Montana

Fire Season In Montana

Snowpack has a huge impact on fires in Montana during the heat of the summer and fall. The more snow we get in the winter the better chances we have of having a mild fire season. However, if the snow melts before we get to summer then trees and grass dry out, creating ideal conditions for a fire to spread and burn.

READ MORE: Winter Weather Resources For Homeless In Great Falls

National Geographic shows that snowpack is important to millions of people in the Wester states. The Rockies bring a significant amount of water to communities for drinking water, farm lands and other resources. They also report the average "snowpack season" is becoming less and less.

This year when the flakes start falling instead of being upset think of the millions of people snowpack impacts every year and be grateful we still have snow for the time being.