The West Old & New November Vol. II Issue XI | Page 20

There is a joke in Montana that there are two seasons: Winter and Road Work. The east side of the Continental Divide
is commonly a deep freeze with zero temperatures. West of the Continental Divide the temperatures can be fifty degrees
warmer. However, sometimes the cold mass of air gets through the passes and then western Montana can be even
colder than the east side. Western Montana generally has more snow. Eastern Montana suffers from blowing snow and
can have some great drifts. The mountains of Montana generally have substantial snow fall accumulations, well over a
100 inches which requires 250 inches of snow. In January of 2007 West Yellowstone was minus 42 degrees at 10 a.m.
in the morning. Residents of the state are always warned about severe weather conditions in the winter months. A wise
traveler carries: bottled water, blankets, matches, and snacks. It is often a good idea to have chains which can be put on
your tires especially if you have to cross over a mountain pass, of which Montana has quite a few. Photograph and
sculpture by Alan Howes