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NRCS Montana Conservation News Release  -  January 9, 2026

NRCS Montana Monthly Water Supply Outlook Report

Bison grazing in Yellowstone National Park. Photo courtesy Alex Zaideman, Yellowstone National Park, December 2026.

Montana’s snowpack accumulation season began with a stark elevational contrast. At lower elevations, winter started slowly, with warm temperatures and most precipitation falling as rain. At higher elevations, abundant precipitation accumulated as snow despite above average temperatures.

“Statewide, snow water equivalent (SWE) is looking deceptively positive,” said Florence Miller, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) hydrologist.

Read the full news release.

Get the January 2026 Montana Water Supply Outlook Report.

Get B-roll and photos of the Snow Survey Team at work.