Agency reports snowpack to be above normal in Montana

GREAT FALLS – A federal agency says Montana’s mountain snowpack is above normal following heavy snowfall last month in several locations across the state.

The Great Falls Tribune reported snowpack data released Wednesday by the Natural Resources Conservation Service indicates snowpack totals are above normal in all major river basins in the state for March.

The agency said 15 snowpack measurement locations have set records for March.

Agency water supply specialist Lucas Zukiewicz said the abundant snowfall is a good indicator for long-term water supply.

Zukiewicz said the Montana snowpack is expected to cause above-average river flows this year in most locations in the state.

The agency reported the amount of water in the snowpack, the snow water equivalent, to be 140 percent above normal statewide.