Virga over the Clark Fork River by amontanaview
amontanaview

Virga over the Clark Fork River by

This was taken April 9, 2011 west of Missoula, Montana USA on the Clark Fork River. The camera is looking north and east at Montana Snowbowl Ski Area and the Rattlesnake Wilderness Area. It was a gorgeous spring day and the fishing was good.

Featured in the 2012 NBC Montana Weather Calendar

Virga is precipitation that falls from a cloud but evaporates before reaching the ground.

Canon EOS 7D, 1/500s, f/10.0, ISO:200, 39mm
SIGMA 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Aspherical DF Macro SLD Autofocus Lens

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About amontanaview

Merle Loman is an outdoor enthusiast living in the Bitterroot Valley located south of Missoula in western Montana. Her adventures start there but will also travel the world. She runs, hikes, bikes, fishes, hunts, skis and always take photos.

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Tags

virga, clark fork river, snowbowl, ski area, spring, weather, golden light, rattlesnake wilderness area, river

Comments

  • John Morrison
    John Morrison3 months ago

    What a super image!!

  • Thank you John, I was surprised not to have more comments. I think the “weather” in this photo is amazing and having the river, bottom land and mountains in the view, nice place to be on a cold spring day. I appreciate your appreciating this one.

    – amontanaview

  • John Morrison
    John Morrison3 months ago

    It’s strange as it’s a beautiful capture!

  • Thank you John, I just now saw this comment.

    – amontanaview

  • Wendy Wilton
    Wendy Wilton3 months ago

    Wonderful shot with great rain clouds…it reminds me of the song lyrics…He was born in the Bitterroot Valley in the early morning rain

  • Wow, what song was that? Love it. Thank you Wendy.

    – amontanaview

  • Wendy Wilton
    Wendy Wilton3 months ago

    It was a John Denver song ‘Wild Montana Skies’ a great song to go with the great scenery!

  • rocamiadesign
    rocamiadesign2 months ago

    This is awesome! My son took some nice photos of the Clark Fork, by Plains, but the stormy sky in this one really makes it a stunner.

  • Thanks, it was a very interesting day. We were actually very comfortable until we go to the take-out on the river…thank goodness.

    – amontanaview

  • luxuryloghomes
    luxuryloghomesabout 1 month ago

    Bravo! I thought the image is just another painting. How I wish I can visit places like this someday. I want to see the changing color of the trees’ leaves. And watch the snow covered mountains. I’m happy looking at this, even in pictures. I hope to see some more of your shots soon.

  • You can, just get in a boat (with a friend or hire a fishing trip with us – or bribe us) and float, in this case, the Clark Fork west of Missoula. There are so many beautiful rivers in western Montana. The Flathead is one of our favorites. This was in the early spring, you must be brave and dress warm to see this scene.

    – amontanaview