All posts by nfpa

Main-stem rivers in western Montana could reach flood stage this week

Flood Information, News, , ,

It looks like this would be a good time to start keeping a close eye on the hydrological forecast. The National Weather Service is expecting a steady rise in river and stream levels throughout the week. Here’s the latest write-up from the Missoulian . . .

The National Weather Service cautioned western Montanans this morning to be on alert for rising river and stream flows through midweek.

“Recent warm daytime temperatures and mild overnight temperatures have resulted in a resurgence of snowmelt being added to already swollen rivers and streams,” the Weather Service’s latest hydrologic outlook said.

“In addition, a low pressure system will affect the northern Rockies beginning late Monday through Wednesday. This weather system could deliver rainfall amounts ranging from 0.25 inches to 0.75 inches across western Montana.

Continue reading . . .

Scientists debate “magic number” of wolves needed for species’ survival

Environmental Issues, News, , , ,

A good summary of the science and opinion behind the debate on wolf recovery numbers from yesterday’s Missoulian . . .

One of the biggest arguments left unresolved by last year’s wolf lawsuit was the most obvious: How many wolves are enough?

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service took the gray wolf off the endangered species list in 2009, with the caveat that at least 150 wolves and 15 breeding pairs endure in each of the three states in the northern Rocky Mountain population (Montana, Idaho and Wyoming).

Recent surveys found at least 1,700 wolves in that area – more than enough to justify delisting.

But a coalition of environmental groups sued the government, claiming those numbers were wrong. To survive and thrive, they argued, the population needed at least 2,000 and preferably 5,000 wolves.

Continue reading . . .

Jack Potter: “Conscience of Glacier” leaves lasting legacy for park

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More well-deserved kudos for Jack Potter, this time from the Missoulian . . .

Friends, colleagues and fellow conservationists call him the conscience of Glacier National Park, a fitting term of endearment for a somewhat unlikely candidate, particularly given Jack Potter’s humble beginnings.

He started his career with the National Park Service scraping dishes at a Many Glacier café and, having achieved the mantle of leadership over the next 41 years, helped shape some of the most influential resource protection policies of his time.

Vast expanses of wilderness remain rustic and undeveloped because of Potter’s influence, and his work has minimized the pressures of development along Glacier Park’s perimeter, preventing the park from becoming a “wilderness island” besieged by incompatible land uses.

Continue reading . . .

Weather Service drops flood watch; warning still in effect for Stillwater River

Flood Information, News, ,

The National Weather Service has dropped the flood watch for areas in northwest Montana, but a flood warning for the Stillwater River near Kalispell is still in effect. According to this morning’s forecast, “the river will remain steady at elevated levels before slowly rising again for beginning of the work week. Additional rises may be possible thereafter.”

Flooding causing problems in eastern Montana

Flood Information, News

Things are still pretty quiet in northwest Montana, but rain in the eastern part of the state is causing flooding problems . . .

Flooding in eastern Montana has caused the cancellation of several high-school graduations, fisherman have been trapped by washed out roads, a community near Billings has a voluntary evacuation in place and a private dam failed due to high water, meteorologists with the National Weather Service said Saturday.

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More roads open up in Glacier National Park

News,

Glacier National Park dug out some more last week.

On the North Fork side, for anyone willing to brave the road, the Bowman Lake Road and campground are open (no potable water yet). Also, the inside North Fork Road is now open as far south as Logging Creek.

Lake McDonald Lodge opens today and Glacier Park Boat Company and the Red Buses will begin operating tours.

They’ve still got lots of plowing left to do on the Sun Road, of course.

See the official press release for details. The Daily Inter Lake also has a summary.

As temperatures rise, so do next week’s flood worries

Flood Information, News,

Still waiting . . .

From today’s Missoulian . . .

Fluctuating spring temperatures continue to keep water levels across western Montana on a roller-coaster ride.

While lower temperatures at the beginning of this week eased the most urgent flooding fears, National Weather Service officials say temperatures in the high 60s across the region over the weekend will ramp up the worry meter again early next week.

Continue reading . . .

Glacier National Park to ramp up boat inspections this year

Environmental Issues, News, , , ,

Due to the increased threat of aquatic invasive species transported on watercraft, Glacier Park is getting hard-nosed this year about boat inspections. Short version: If the watercraft has a motor or is towed on a trailer, it must be thoroughly inspected every time it enters the park.

See the press release for all the gory details . . .

This summer Glacier National Park will step up its boat inspection and permit program due to the rapid westward migration of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) on recreational watercraft. The consequences of an AIS infestation in park waters could be devastating to ecosystems and the local economy.  Visitors can still launch most motorized and trailered watercraft in the park, however, a thorough boat inspection is required upon every entry to the park. Hand-propelled watercraft are not required to obtain a permit, though park managers encourage all boaters to thoroughly clean, drain, and dry their watercraft and/or fishing equipment before coming to the park.

Continue reading . . .