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Flathead Valley

Ecoregion in Rocky Mountains, MT

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The broad, intermontane Flathead Valley ecoregion is largely treeless. It lies west of the Canadian Rockies (41), contains Flathead Lake, and is underlain by Quaternary glacial outwash, till, lake sediments, and alluvium. Considerable climatic diversity occurs within the valley; the north experiences frequent outbreaks of arctic air during the winter, near shore areas are lake-moderated, and low-lying areas can be cold. The average growing season approaches 150 days in the most favorable sites and can be less than 90 days in the least favorable sites. Average annual precipitation ranges from about 14 to just over 25 inches. Typically, the eastern and northern areas receive the most rainfall, and maximums exceed those of the Camas Valley (15b). Potential natural vegetation is mostly foothills prairie and is distinct from the forests of the Northern Rockies (15) and Western Canadian Rockies (41c). Local land use is affected by microclimate. Unirrigated-irrigated agriculture, rural residential, suburban, and commercial activity dominates the region and orchards are found in especially mild locations. Alkali accumulation has occurred locally as a result of irrigation.

— EPA

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