KECI • December 30th, 2024

Lolo Pass sees four feet of snow

While some of our valleys have not seen much snow yet this winter, passes are seeing quite a bit of powder. That includes Lolo Pass.On Monday, the visitor’s center reported on Facebook that they saw 6 new inches of accumulation overnight. Right now, that puts them around 4 feet of snow.All of this powder brought thrill seekers to the pass, with the visitor’s center reporting a full parking lot by 11 a.m. on Saturday.“My friend and I are going up to Mount Fuji just on the other side of the cross-...

KECI • December 9th, 2024

Some NW Montana areas sitting above average for snowpack

MISSOULA, Mont. — With little snowfall around western Montana so far this December, people are wondering how much we will see over the coming season. However, some areas are already seeing more snowpack than average for this time of year.Northwest Montana is a prime example, as the Kootenai Basin is performing at 33% above average.The Flathead and Lower Clark Fork Basins are also overperforming, at around 13% above average.Parts of west-central and southwest Montana are seeing less than average...

KECI • December 3rd, 2024

Ronan student selected for trip to Florida to learn about space travel

RONAN, Mont. — A Montana student received the opportunity of a lifetime -- a trip to Florida to explore the facilities that make space travel possible.Over 1,000 children applied for the chance to join SpaceKids Global Press Squad. Of the pool of applications, eight lucky students from across the country were selected including 11-year-old Tobias Becker of Ronan.“In third grade, my teacher was having a lesson about asteroids, and I've loved it ever since,” Tobias said, explaining where his love...

KECI • October 27th, 2024

Driving instructor shares tips for winter driving

MISSOULA, MONT. — Winter is approaching, which means snow and ice are going to be hitting Montana roads soon. Some areas have already begun to see a bit of snowfall, and valleys are not far behind.Knowing what causes cars to skid on ice and how skidding can be corrected can make driving in the winter less frightening.Susan Carney, a driver’s education teacher with Arlee School and Montana DRIVE, showed us how to correct this unfortunately common driving experience using a “Skid Monster,” which i...

KECI • September 3rd, 2024

Montana schools weigh pros, cons of AI use in higher education

Popular artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT are becoming more commonly used in in day-to-day life, whether in programming, human resources and even in the classroom.According to Forbes, around 89% of polled students nationwide said they used ChatGPT in one way or another to complete an assignment.NBC Montana spoke with local universities to see when they allow the use of AI, how many students use it and what the consequences are if a student crosses the line into academic dishonesty.“We a...

KECI • August 2nd, 2024

NWS reveals rare cause behind July 24 storm

MISSOULA, MONT. — The severe storm that hit Missoula July 24 shook residents and left extensive damage around town. Now, we’re learning more about the weather phenomenon behind the storm.People have wondered exactly what caused this weather event. The most common theory for a while was that it was a microburst, a small localized downdraft in a thunderstorm. However, it turns out that it is something far more rare.NBC Montana spoke with the National Weather Service to learn more about the storm....

KECI • July 8th, 2024

Officials urge pet safety during heatwave

MISSOULA, MONT. — This time of year is defined by blistering temperatures, sweating, and wincing when you put your hand on the seatbelt when getting into your car.We spoke with Cindy Syrjala, an officer with Missoula City-County Animal Control about one particularly vulnerable party: man’s best friend.With hot temperatures on the approach, there is nothing worse you can do than leaving your pet in the car.People leave their animals inside their car as they go into the store or out to eat. Then,...

KECI • July 5th, 2024

Sunscreen tips to keep your skin safe this summer

MISSOULA, Mont. — Summer is here, and it’s time to enjoy some fun in the sun. However, there are some things you need to know to keep you and your skin safe.People love to be out and spend time in the great outdoors during this time of year. But how often do you remember being told to put on your sunscreen? Parents and grandparents have been telling this to children for years and for good reason.Sunscreen can reduce your risk of sunburns, skin cancer and even premature aging.This summer staple c...