Bozeman’s First Snow Arrives Late, Raising Low Snowpack Concerns

Bridger lacking its usual snow in November. Photo by Isla Bute.

Bozeman waited nearly all of November for a taste of snow, and it came hard and fast. The unexpected squall appeared early afternoon on the 24th, bringing extreme winds as well as whiteout conditions. The storm also made for a brief power outage inside Gallatin High School and many homes in the city. 

While the whiteout on the 24th brought a shimmer of hope for the snowbirds in the valley, the excitement comes with uncertainty. 

With higher than normal temperatures, Montana has been experiencing the lowest snowpack since the year 2017, according to the Montana Department of Natural Resources. Because of this, the winter has been off to a slow start, as even the deposit of precipitation on the 24th was 60% rain. 

These high temperatures and current low snowpack are not only frustrating for those who just want ski season to start: Snowpack is also extremely important for Bozeman in general. When the white stuff melts in the spring, it accounts for 80% of Bozeman’s drinking water. Not only that, but it also plays a large role in preventing wildfires in the hot and dry summers. 

So, does the first snow mean a start to the long awaited winter? Or will the high temperatures continue, leading to potentially negative environmental effects in the coming months? 

Federal forecasters say there may be hope yet for a good winter. The 2025 season falls during the La Niña phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle, a climate pattern that influences weather across the globe. This means there should be increased snowfall and wetter overall conditions. Historically, the La Niña phase has made for very extreme conditions in the Northern Rockies. However, this year it is expected to be weaker, which may account for the later start to winter. 

Whether you are an avid skier or snowboarder hoping for some pow, or someone who wants enough drinking water in years to come, the snow affects everyone in the Bozeman community. While the snow came late this year because of high temperatures, let's all hope it not only sticks, but builds up to create a solid winter snowpack.