Crossing a shrinking snow bridge over North Krause Creek (Keith Hammer photos).

Eleven Swan Rangers skied a springtime-like loop up Krause Basin and down Peters Ridge Road on Saturday, March 2!

With nearly 50-degree weather, the snow pack is shrinking and peeling out of the trees!

Wildlife sign for the day included two members of the Mustelids (weasel family): tracks of wolverine and tracks of a weasel leading to its den!

The trees are mostly bare of snow below South Krause Creek.

This little tree dropped its snow load in one big piece . . .

. . . and this one is ready to unload. Look out below!

This stylish stalk of Indian Tobacco seems to brag "I didn't even get completely buried this winter!

Though a rolling stone may gather no moss, it can certainly gather a pinwheel of snow on its way down a road cutbank!

It is now March, which means its time to renew your $10 State Lands Recreation Use Permit, which is needed in the lower reaches of Krause Basin, the groomed Foothills ski trails, and other Montana State Lands unless you already hold a current Montana Conservation License for hunting or fishing.

The Swan Rangers meet every Saturday at the Echo Lake Cafe for breakfast at 8:30, leaving at 9:30 for a partial day outing in the northern Swan Mountains and foothills.

They carpool from the Swan River School parking lot next to the Cafe.

Everyone is welcome!