WEATHER 



Table 1 summarizes \911-1Q changes in certain weather parameters 

 at the Circle and Fort Peck recording stations. The weather pattern 

 during 1978 had a marked effect on vegetation, which in turn affected 

 wildlife populations. The winters of 1977-78 and 1978-79 were "severe" 

 in comparison to the "moderate" winter of 1976-1977 (Table 1). The 

 National Weather Service at Glasgow recorded only eight days with at 

 least 13 cm (5 in) of snow on the ground during December and January 

 of 1976-1977, compared to 50 such days during December and January 

 of 1977-1978. The average temperature in January 1977 was -16°C 

 (3°F), (which is 3 C°(6 F°) below the norm), while the average in 

 January 1978 was -19°C (-2°F), (which is 6 C° (11°F ) below the norm). 

 April-July precipitation in 1978 was nearly twice that recorded in 1977 

 for both the Circle and Fort Peck stations. Precipitation at Circle 

 during the spring and summer months (April through July) was 33.43 cm 

 (13.16 in), or 10.16 cm (4.00 in) above normal. Thus, 1977 was an ab- 

 normally dry year following a mild winter; 1978 was a wet year follow- 

 ing a severe winter. 



