Watershed Wednesday: Snowpack and our Watershed
It’s our favorite day of the week again! Happy #WatershedWednesday! Its time to give a shoutout to what some winter enthusiasts may say is the best form of water… Snow!
If you’re in Bozeman, take a look up at those gorgeous snow capped mountains (that could use a little bit more snow!). Water held as snowpack in the Bridger, Gallatin and Madison Ranges contribute to peak flows in lower watershed streams and rivers in spring and summer.
Did you know that the Gallatin and Madison ranges receive nearly 400 inches per year of snow on average? This equals approximately 67 inches of rain!
The primary source of recharge for surface water and groundwater comes from mountain snowpack.
80% of Bozeman’s drinking water comes from snowmelt in the Gallatin Range which feeds Sourdough Creek and Hyalite Reservoir and the other 20% comes from Lyman Spring in the Bridger Mountains.
Recreators and residents alike in the Lower Gallatin Watershed can all agree to #prayforsnow!
Learn more about your watershed by visiting www.gallatinwatershedcouncil.org/resources.
Pictured: South Cottonwood Creek