20 Montana Winter Signs You Need To Know

Signs Of A Harsh Montana Winter: Folklore Or Fact?

I'll let you in on a little secret about me: I don't care for winter.

It's my least favorite season in Montana, and I have a feeling I'm not alone either.

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The Start Of Montana’s Winter Season

Each fall I hope for a mild winter, one in which the temperatures are never bitterly cold and the snow is peaceful.

Those of us who have lived under the Big Sky long enough realize that Mother Nature rarely plays nice.

We've highlighted when the cold is going to come with the first frost dates across the Treasure State, but did you also know there are tell-tale signs that indicate a brutal and long winter?

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Predicting Weather The Old-Fashioned Way

Since the dawn of time we've been trying to predict the weather, and in the 1970s one man put together a list that gathered old wives' tales, superstitions, and folk tales and then published it in the Farmer's Almanac.

Some make sense, for example birds flying south earlier in the year would seem to indicate colder temperatures coming soon. Others, such as pigs gathering sticks, make less sense; besides, don't those pigs know it's bricks that make the best shelter?

See The Signs For Yourself

Jokes aside, before meteorologists and weather apps, these "signs" were all people had to go on, so what do you think? Are they real indicators of a brutal and harsh winter, or are they just a bunch of coincidences?

Decide for yourself by scrolling through our gallery below.

LOOK: 20 Ways To Tell If Montana Is In Store For A Harsh Winter

In the days before modern weather forecasting, people used any possible bit of information to get a glimpse into the future. Old tales and folklore get handed down for generations as people do whatever they can to survive another winter.

In the 70s, meteorologist Dick Goddard put together a list of common weather folklore for Farmers’ Almanac that some say can predict what nature has in store for the darkest months of the year.

So, take note, do you see any of these signs that winter has it out for us?

Gallery Credit: Ben Kuhns

KEEP READING: Montana Winter Survival: 10 Things You'll Need to Stay Warm

Here's a list of 10 items that are essential when it comes to winter survival in Montana.

Gallery Credit: Jesse James

KEEP SCROLLING: Montana's Top 10 Record-Setting Wild Weather Events

Montana is named Big Sky Country for several reasons, not only grandiose Sunsets but impressive weather events as well! Ask any Montana resident who has scoffed at the idea of tossing a blanket or snow shovel in the trunk of the car ” just in case”. Here is a list of Montana's Top 10 Record-Setting Wild Weather Events

Gallery Credit: Brian Lee

Source: 20 Signs This Winter Is Going To Be Brutal In Montana

Filed Under: Montana, winter, birds, snow, weather, big sky, cold, treasure state

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