Gallatin Bluster

A COUPLE OF INCHES

That's Good

catching steady at park line

SNOW SQUALS BLOW DOWN THE GALLATIN RIVER WITH REGULARITY

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.. The water is "too cold." So goes the expert wisdom. It just may be that the weather is not sweet enough for gentlemen fishers.


Yellowstone Sally

.. Granted, the fishing high up the Gallatin Canyon is not as easy or attractive as it is down low near  Gallatin Gateway. It is, on the other hand, an hour closer to our front door.
.. The snow of the last couple of days has served to reduce early fishing pressure on the Gallatin River. The fish seem to be a bit less cooperative as well.


Stiff Hackle

.. Subsurface attractor flies are the choice of the neighbors. A few large nymphs are also in the fly box of the brave fishers in the neighborhood.
.. Most of the catching activity starts immediatly north of the northern boundry of Yellowstone National Park - right at Snowflake Springs.
.. Catching along the upper portions of the Gallatin River requires a tedious persistance for covering every inch of water. The fish are there but they are not moving rapidly or with much gusto. "Hit 'em in the nose," is the manditory technique.

.. Along with the Yellowstone Sally a whole stable of Prince Nymphs is being used at the moment. The King Prince is a favorite with some folks down toward Big Sky and has made inroads into the psyche of some of the folks up here.


King Prince

.. Soft Hackles and Stiff Hackles also are getting a workout in the frigid waters. It looks like the trout are living up to their press clippings and are chomping anything that drifts by - within easy reach.
.. For an excellent overview of the varieties of Prince Nymphs check out the PRINCE NYMPH PAGE at  Fly Fishing The Sierra.
.. The tedium of cold water fishing in blustery weather with snow blowing into your eyes and nose and ears is not for the faint of heart. Braving the delays of road construction and the wreckage of disasters is a chore in itself. But if you need to catch a fish or two it is worth it.

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A HOT TAR DOUBLE TANKER RESTING ALONG THE GALLATIN RIVER ROAD

Ready To Go

Low Pack

High Pack

Wild Weekend

DOGS APLENTY

A Live Music Welcome

a little wet snow for the trails

HAND CRAFTED SPRINT SLED

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YEE HAW

.. The top 21 sled dog teams in the world visited West Yellowstone over the weekend.
.. They were welcomed by the Chamber of Commerce and Wild West Pizzera, including a night of live music.
.. The International Pedigree Stage Stop Race completed it's first cross-country stage yesterday. The race leader is world champion Buddy Streeper.

READY TO GO

.. West Yellowstone resident Charlotte Mooney finished the stage in eighth place with an average speed of  12.1 mph for the 56 mile stage that ended in Ashton, Idaho.
.. Jenny Gregor from Bozeman finished in twentieth place with an average speed of 10.3 mph.
.. A volunteer force of our neighbors took over the duties of staging the teams, weighing the required equipment to be carried, directing traffic, setting course markers, notifying teams of starting position, and general go-fer duties.
.. Fisher folks in the crowd of well wishers reveled in the fresh wet snow that lubricated the nicely groomed trail. It is much needed for our snowpack and is a cause for some back-slapping and rib-digging hijinx.

QUICK SNOOZE BEFORE THE RACE

.. The start of the race, after the evening's festivities, went off smoothly and all teams finished the stage in good shape.
.. This race is the largest stage race outside of Alaska, (over 350 miles.) Entries this year included teams from Sweden, Wyoming, Montana, Minnesota, Canada, Alaska, Oregon, and Michigan.
.. The neighborhood kids had a grand time checking out the license plates on the team rigs. Seldom seen plates from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, and Alaska were the subject of much posing and picture taking.
.. The purse for the race is $170,000. Stage money includes over $800 for first place, over $700 for second, over $500 for third - - etc.
.. The major sponsor of the race is Pedigree Dog Food. The company also donates a year's supply of dog food to a local shelter at each stop along the race trail. We're looking forward to next year's event.
.. Now our attention is turned to the ice fishing tournement. Blue buns galore!

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MUSHERS AND DOGS HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY

 

WORLD CAHMPIONSHIP RIG - NICE PERQ

 

Time To Burrow In

IT'S GETTING DEEP

That's A Good Thing

more good news on the horizon
[Montana DOJ administrative message below]

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Urgent - Immediate Broadcast Requested
Administrative Message
Montana Department Of Justice
Relayed By National Weather Service Great Falls MT
1152 AM MST Tue Dec 18 2012

The Following Message Is Transmitted At The Request Of The
Montana Department Of Justice.

The Sheridan County Sheriff Office Is Activating A Missing
Endangered Person Advisory For Eric Zinke. He Is Described As A 17
Year Old White Male...Who Is 5 Feet 11 Inches Tall...153
Pounds...With Brown Hair And Blue Eyes.

He Is Possibly Driving From Sheridan County To Livingston In A
White 1999 Chevrolet Malibu Two Door...Bearing Montana License
Plate Number: 34-3568a.

Eric May Be In Possession Of A Gun.

If Located...Contact The Sheridan County Sheriff Office At
406-765-1200.

A Missing Person Poster And Additional Information Can Be Found At
The Department Of Justice Website: Doj.Mt.Gov

.

Arrival

10" IS A GOOD START

Sledheads Happy

fishers hope it continues

HOME SWEET HOME

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.. Finally got a good base of snow. There's broken clouds right now - AND - more on the way.

Way Too Soon

ONE DAY - 2 RECORDS ?

Can It Be Happening Now ?

runoff increasing rapidly
(P.S. The Firehole River is at 70° F)

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.. With just three days, (four counting today,) of record and near-record temperatures the neighborhood rivers have, in one day, set nearly two discharge records, (the Gallatin shoud see one tomorrow.) Gadzooks! It's still April

.. The Gibbon is probably at record flows too. The gauge is gone now so we can't give detailed figures. We'll cruise in there and see what it looks like.

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.

Springtime Caprice

THE NORMAL STUFF

50° F Today - Gone Tomorrow

fish now

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.. Here comes the Springtime roller coaster. We're ready and may go "down canyon" just to see how the other half copes with the NWS Warning:

Winter Storm Watch in effect from:

Thursday evening through

Friday evening...

The National Weather Service in Great Falls has issued a Winter
Storm Watch... which is in effect from Thursday evening through
Friday evening.


* Timing and main impact: light snow is expected to develop over
the mountains of southwest Montana by Thursday morning then
spread to the mountains of central Montana later Thursday. Snow
will increase in intensity Thursday night and develop over the
lower elevations. The heaviest snow is expected Friday before
diminishing Friday night. Poor visibilities will hamper travel.

* Snow accumulations: for the mountains 8 to 16 inches are
possible. Several inches of snow are expected for the valleys
and plains though higher amounts are possible.

* Winds and visibility: southwest to west winds 10 to 20 mph are
expected over southwest Montana by Friday while northwest winds
10 to 20 mph are expected over central Montana. Visibilities
could be below a half-mile over the mountains and at times over
the plains and valleys.

* Other impacts: roads could become snow covered and slippery.
Heavy wet snow could cause damage to trees and possible power
outages. Young unprotected livestock could become stressed.

* Locations affected include: West Yellowstone... White Sulphur Springs...
Battle Ridge Pass... Bozeman... Bozeman Pass... Targhee Pass... Stanford... Lewistown... Lewistown Divide...
Boulder... Boulder Hill... Elk Park Pass... Homestake pass...
Whitehall... Big Hole Pass... Chief Joseph Pass... Dillon...
Monida Pass... Great Falls... Kings Hill Pass... Townsend...
Ennis... Norris Hill... Raynolds Pass... Twin Bridges.


Precautionary/preparedness actions...

A Winter Storm Watch means there is a potential for significant
snow... sleet... or ice accumulations that may impact travel.
Continue to monitor the latest forecasts.

Of Snowballs and Trout

AN AUTHENTIC SPRING SNOW

Heavy - Wet - Warm - Sticky

make some snowballs

Sodium lights from many of the businesses
give the town an eerie glow at midnight.

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.. Our snow is usually of the powder variety. It's highly prized by skiers, sledheads, and other adults of the mature variety. The neighborhood kids aren't much impressed most of the time.
.. Last night the kids got their snow. It was, (and is,) perfect for snowballs and snowmen.
.. As our Springtime inches closer, the snow becomes more to the liking of the kids and the informed fishers. It's moisture content is higher. It's heavy. It packs tight. It lasts through the upcoming rains of Spring. And, though they don't know it, the trout like it too.
.. The storm dropped only about eight inches here. It was widely scattered around the region. But it's a blessing and appreciated by all. The nighttime was cool: -15° F. This is even better for the snowballs and the fish. Amen.

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It's Coming

WARMER, WETTER, DEEPER.

Snow Piling Up Slowly

we're pleased

West Yellowstone: 11:50 PM, February 20, 2012.

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.. Better late than never!! Went to bed with a gentle snow falling. Woke up to 5 inches of warm, soft, glorious powder. More on the way.

-------------------------------------------

Winter Storm Warning

Statement as of 3:47 AM MST on February 21, 2012

... Winter Storm Warning in effect until 5 am MST Thursday for

elevations above 6000 feet...

The National Weather Service in Great Falls has issued a Winter

Storm Warning for elevations above 6000 feet for heavy snow and

blowing snow... which is in effect until 5 am MST Thursday.

* Timing and main impact: widespread snow... heavy at times... will

combine with strong winds at the higher elevations to create

dangerous conditions in the mountains and passes of southwest

Montana.

* Snow accumulations: total snow accumulations of one to two feet

are expected in the mountains. Higher southwest valleys...

including the West Yellowstone area could see 8 to 15 inches of

accumulation.

* Winds and visibility: strong winds in the mountains will cause

blowing snow with visibility reduced below one quarter of a

mile at times.

* Elevations: for elevations above 6000 feet.

* Other impacts: roadways will become snow covered and slick

causing hazardous driving conditions. Mountain recreation will

become dangerous.

* Locations affected include: Battle Ridge Pass... Targhee Pass...

West Yellowstone... Raynolds Pass.

Precautionary/preparedness actions...

A Winter Storm Warning for heavy snow means severe winter weather

conditions are expected or occurring. Significant amounts of snow

are forecast that will make travel dangerous. Only travel in an

emergency. If you must... keep an extra flashlight... food... and

water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.

AT LAST !!

SNOW !!! WARNING !!!

About Time

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...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM MST FRIDAY FOR ELEVATIONS ABOVE 7000 FEET... ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM MST FRIDAY...

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR ELEVATIONS ABOVE 7000 FEET REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM MST FRIDAY. A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM MST FRIDAY.

* TIMING AND MAIN IMPACT: LIGHT SNOW IS EXPECTED TO SPREAD OVER THE AREA THIS MORNING AND INCREASE IN INTENSITY THIS AFTERNOON PARTICULARLY OVER ...THE MOUNTAINS. SNOW WILL BE HEAVY AT TIMES IN THE MOUNTAINS THROUGH THURSDAY NIGHT. SNOW COULD BE BRIEFLY HEAVY IN THE VALLEYS.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 4 TO 7 INCHES AT LOWER ELEVATIONS BUT 7 TO 15 INCHES IN THE MOUNTAINS ARE LIKELY.

* WINDS AND VISIBILITY: EXPECT SOUTHWEST WINDS 15 TO 25 MPH AT TIMES. VISIBILITIES WILL BE BELOW ONE-HALF MILE AT TIMES DUE TO SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW MAINLY IN THE MOUNTAINS.

* OTHER IMPACTS: EXPECT ROADS TO BECOME SNOW COVERED AND ICY... CREATING HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS.

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED INCLUDE: BATTLE RIDGE PASS...BOZEMAN... BOZEMAN PASS...TARGHEE PASS...WEST YELLOWSTONE... BIG HOLE PASS...CHIEF JOSEPH PASS...DILLON...MONIDA PASS... ENNIS... NORRIS HILL...RAYNOLDS PASS...TWIN BRIDGES

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW WILL CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW COVERED ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.

FOR SPECIFIC ROAD AND TRAVEL CONDITIONS IN MONTANA...DIAL 5 1 1.

G'day

Sunrise - West Yellowstone.

Another Warm, Beautiful, Dry Day.

Season's Greetings From The Neighborhood Kids

About Time

WEAK WARNING

We'll Take It

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.. A Bit of snow is falling. That's good for the rivers.
==========
Winter Storm Warning
MTZ015-055-212300-
/O.CON.KTFX.WS.W.0029.000000T0000Z-111222T0600Z/
/O.CON.KTFX.WW.Y.0056.000000T0000Z-111222T0600Z/
MADISON-GALLATIN-
INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS...ENNIS...NORRIS HILL...
RAYNOLDS PASS...TWIN BRIDGES...BATTLE RIDGE PASS...BOZEMAN...
BOZEMAN PASS...TARGHEE PASS...WEST YELLOWSTONE
419 AM MST WED DEC 21 2011

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS
EVENING FOR ELEVATIONS ABOVE 6000 FEET...
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS
EVENING FOR ELEVATIONS BELOW 6000 FEET...

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR ELEVATIONS ABOVE 6000 FEET REMAINS IN
EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS EVENING. A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY
FOR ELEVATIONS BELOW 6000 FEET REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST
THIS EVENING.

* TIMING AND MAIN IMPACT: PERIODS OF SNOW ARE EXPECTED THROUGH
TODAY...THEN DIMINISH LATER THIS EVENING.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: TOTAL SNOW AMOUNTS OF 8 TO 12 INCHES ARE
EXPECTED ABOVE 6000 FEET. 2 TO 5 INCHES ARE EXPECTED BELOW 6000
FEET.

* WINDS AND VISIBILITY: WINDS WILL BE BREEZY AND CREATE AREAS OF
BLOWING SNOW. VISIBILITIES COULD BE REDUCED BELOW ONE HALF MILE
AT TIMES.

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED INCLUDE: BATTLE RIDGE PASS...BOZEMAN...
BOZEMAN PASS...TARGHEE PASS...WEST YELLOWSTONE.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW...
SLEET...AND ICE ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. STRONG WINDS ARE ALSO
POSSIBLE. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW
WILL CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW
COVERED ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE
DRIVING.

FOR SPECIFIC ROAD AND TRAVEL CONDITIONS IN MONTANA...DIAL 5 1 1.

&&

$$

BEYOND BELIEF !!

RECORDS SMASHED !

Rivers Gone Wild

take pictures for posterity

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.. Just enough time to let you know that there is massive flooding in Yellowstone. The west side rivers are spewing forth astronomical amounts of water. And it's raining and the temperature is climbing.
.. We'd post the charts but they're changing too quickly. HERE'S THE LINKS:

==> FIREHOLE RIVER
==> GIBBON RIVER
==> MADISON RIVER

.. If you want to brave it, check the post below.

Obligatory Bison

GENEROUS SNOW PACK

No Muddy Water - Yet

very few visitors

The Stroll
(note injured horn)

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.. It's incumbent upon every visitor to Yellowstone National Park to photograph a bison in the road. So we did. They look less stressed from the continuing winter than was to be expected: the ones that survived.

Gibbon River At National Park Meadows

.. Our brief reconnoiter was just to Old Faithful for ice cream and then back to town for chores. We only stopped briefly to view the waters. We did see fish rising in Biscuit Basin. Must have been the phantom midge hatch.

Firehole River Just Above The Falls

.. The roads are mostly clear of snow but the continuing snowfall, (4" today,) will keep most visitors in their cars, (a fairly normal way to "see" Yellowstone - anyway.) There are only a few pull-outs that are navigable, while most have between 2 and 4 feet of snow blocking passage.

Nez Perce Creek At Grand Loop Road Bridge

.. The snow is wind polished and crusted; some of the 4 foot deep snow banks even held our considerable mass and girth as we ventured close to the waters for a better view. Persons of the rotund variety, (including us,) could easily find themselves chest deep in the white stuff if imprudence wins the day.

Upper Gas Station At Old Faithful

.. The river edges are still covered with overhanging cornices in many stretches. Too close a look and cold and wet awaits. The warm meadows and geyser basins are clearing nicely but not a trace of green grass is yet to be seen.

Old Faithful Inn

.. We did some dry-run photos for World Wide Pinhole Photography Day and have about mastered the digital techniques. The large format pieces are at the processor's right now. We'll see: aiming, exposure, reciprocity effects, and film choice are variables that we're not very conversant with yet.
..Time is precious right now and we'll continue to monitor the snow melt and grass greening inside Yellowstone National Park. But, the trip "down-canyon" to good fishing gets shorter every day and the gradual warming, punctuated with some spring snowfall, is making the trout crazy. We'll be there tomorrow.

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Opening Day Ice Cream

Biscuit Basin Bridge - Digital

Biscuit Basin Bridge - Digital Pinhole

.

There Is Hope

JUST 90 MILES AWAY

Grass Is Growing

.. And the fish are hungry! Just had to run down canyon to join the throngs of urbanites on a blustery but sunny day.
.. The catching was nothing to write home about. Steady, nymphs, windy, and crowded.
.. But then again it's a day away from the beautiful whiteness that is home.
.. Yellowstone National Park opens tomorrow, not for fishing but for viewing. If the weather and the government cooperate we'll buzz in there and have a look around