BOZEMAN – A weak disturbance is producing a few showers across SW Montana Monday afternoon but will diminish overnight.
A weather pattern change begins Tuesday as a stronger High-pressure ridge build in from the west and with it a warming trend. In fact, temperatures will be 10 to 20 degrees above normal Wednesday.
There are side effects this time of year with temperatures reaching the 70s. Rapid snowmelt in the mid-level snowpack (5,000’ to 7,000’) will produce minor runoff issues for most smaller streams by the end of the week. That water eventually ends up in our larger river system and most will see rises in water levels as well but remain below flood stage.
The Big Hole River at Melrose could climb up to minor flood stage by Friday but with cooler temperatures moving back in by the weekend should help levels drop below action stage.
The Big Hole River at Melrose could climb up to minor flood stage by Friday but with cooler temperatures moving back in by the weekend should help levels drop below action stage.
The other river to watch will be the Jefferson. At Three Forks the river could rise just below action stage by the end of the week.
Again, at this time no major flooding is expected in SW Montana this week but minor runoff issues could develop on smaller streams and creeks.
By the end of the week and heading into this weekend our pattern will change back to cooler and unsettled. Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms are possible with a better chance for rain or snow by the first Monday in May.
