As Montanans wake up to a winter devoid of the traditional white Christmas and temperatures refusing to dip below freezing, questions about the unusual weather patterns find their answers in the Pacific Ocean — specifically, El Niño.
Chief Meteorologist Lewis Dortch from KPAX sheds light on this meteorological phenomenon, describing El Niño as a warming of the Pacific Ocean waters off the west coast of South America.
The Impact of Pacific Jet Stream Shift
This warming triggers a shift in the Pacific jet stream, a fast-moving column of air, southward. As a result, weather congregates along this jet stream, leaving the northern half of the United States, including Montana, relatively drier and warmer. The consequences of this weather pattern are felt across the state, impacting businesses and recreationists alike.
Dog Creek Lodge and Nordic Center, nestled 20 miles northwest of Whitefish in Olney, is grappling with less snow on the ground, affecting their winter offerings.
Brett Svetlik, the General Manager of Dog Creek Lodge, shares the challenges faced by the business: “We’re less than a quarter of our normal trails that would be open in full season. And then just, you know, it affects other parts of our business as well—the restaurant, the bar, the lodging.”
The drier conditions are not only impacting businesses but also altering the plans of winter sports enthusiasts.
Ash Sward, a first-time split border, expresses disappointment at the lack of snow but remains optimistic about making the most of the season.
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Montana’s Winter Resilience
“Honestly, I am a little bummed that there’s not more snow, I would love more snow, but at the end of the day, I’m going to be outside whether it’s snowing, raining, [or] sunny,” says Sward.
Despite the challenges, Sward emphasizes a positive outlook and gratitude for the ability to enjoy outdoor activities.
Others, like Sward, are exploring areas with the limited snow available, adapting to the circumstances with resilience.
Dortch warns that El Niño’s dryness is expected to persist until mid-2024, making predictions about future weather conditions uncertain.
While there may not be immediate relief in sight for snow enthusiasts, the hope remains that weather patterns might shift as the year progresses.
As Montanans navigate this atypical winter, the resilience and adaptability of individuals like Sward showcase a spirit of making the most of what nature offers, no matter the challenges posed by El Niño’s influence.
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