I heard on the radio this morning that parts of Idaho and Montana are predicted to have higher than normal forest fire potential this summer due to the mild winter.
Looking at the US Forest Service preliminary report (
http://gacc.nifc.gov/nrcc/predictive/ou ... utlook.pdf), it looks like the area including Glacier is forecasted to have moderate drought, with more severe drought potential south and west of Glacier in Idaho and Montana.
Some excerpts from the above preliminary report:
• Below normal snow pack to date (April 21).State averages: 50-70% Montana and Idaho.
• Remainder of Spring (May, June): Above normal temperatures and normal precipitation are anticipated for Idaho and Montana.
• Below average snow pack may melt earlier in response to above normal spring temperatures.
• Summer (July, August, September): Above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation especially Idaho and western Montana with a relatively high confidence due to persistence of forecast trends.
• Fuels at all elevations should become receptive to fire by mid to late July with an above normal fire activity anticipated for August into September.
• Confident that the Northern Rockies will need additional resources this summer due to anticipated fire activity.