Independence Lake snow report
Independence Lake at a glance
How the snowpack at Independence Lake looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Independence Lake reports 0.0″ of new snowfall today, raising snowpack levels to 0 inches. Snowpack depth is 0% of normal, which is very low for this time of year. The mountain is perched in California at an elevation of 8,352ft, where the air temperature is about 73°F right now.
Seasonal average snowpack on this calendar day is 23 inches across the station's full record. Below-normal snowpack like this typically translates to a thinner spring runoff downstream and earlier snowmelt -- worth watching for downstream water-supply forecasts.
Over the next 5 days, the snowpack at Independence Lake is expected to hold near today's 0.1 inches of snow-water equivalent, toward roughly 0.1 inches by 2026-07-20.
For real-time and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other stations in the California snow report.
How does this compare to past years?
Year-over-year percentile bands, every recorded powder day, and the deepest snowpack on record each water year at this station.
Weather Forecast
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & snow
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Independence Lake
Independence Lake, located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California at an elevation of 7,200 feet, is a vital source of water for downstream rivers, creeks, and reservoirs. The average annual snowfall in the area is around 300 inches with average peak snowpacks of around 100 inches. The snowpack is an essential source of water for nearby ski resorts such as Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows. Climate trends indicate that the region has experienced a decline in snowpack in recent years, which has led to lower water levels in Independence Lake and surrounding waterways. This decline is attributed to rising temperatures caused by climate change. The lake is the origin of Independence Creek, which flows into the Little Truckee River, and ultimately into the Truckee River. As such, Independence Lake is a critical component of the hydrology of the region, sustaining the nearby ecosystem and providing water for both agricultural and municipal use.
1. Hiking: Independence Lake is surrounded by beautiful hiking trails that offer stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscapes. One popular hiking trail is the Independence Lake Trail, which is a moderate 4-mile loop that takes you around the lake and through pine forests. 2. Fishing: Independence Lake is known for its excellent fishing opportunities. The lake is stocked with rainbow and brown trout, making it a popular spot for anglers. Fishing from the shore or from a boat are both popular options at Independence Lake. 3. Camping: There are several campgrounds near Independence Lake that offer a chance to enjoy the great outdoors and spend the night under the stars. The Independence Lake Campground is a popular choice, offering tent and RV sites with access to restrooms and drinking water. 4. Wildlife viewing: Independence Lake is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, bears, and bald eagles. Birdwatching is also a popular activity, with opportunities to spot a variety of bird species around the lake. 5. Kayaking and paddleboarding: Independence Lake is a great spot for kayaking and paddleboarding, with calm waters and beautiful scenery. Renting a kayak or paddleboard is a popular option for exploring the lake and getting some exercise on the water. 6. Mountain biking: The surrounding area of Independence Lake offers great mountain biking trails for all skill levels. The Independence Lake Trail System is a popular choice, with trails ranging from easy to challenging and offering beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Independence Lake's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Independence Lake | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Independence Lake | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Independence Camp | 0 in |
| Independence Camp | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Independence Creek | 0 in |
| Independence Creek | 0 in |
Mountain & avalanche safety
- Know before you go
- Check today's avalanche bulletin from the regional avalanche center before any backcountry / side-country travel. Conditions can shift dramatically between morning and afternoon on storm days.
- Carry the gear, know how to use it
- Beacon, shovel, probe. Practice companion rescue on a calm day, not during a real burial.
- Mind the weather window
- Heavy snow + wind builds wind slabs at ridgelines. The day after a storm is often the riskiest in the backcountry.
- Read the snowpack
- A weak, faceted, or wind-loaded snowpack — like the depth and trend shown above — is exactly what feeds slab avalanches. Dig a pit or check the bulletin before committing to steep terrain.
Track Independence Lake in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Independence Lake reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Independence Lake
Where does the snow data for Independence Lake come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 541. Forecast comes from the NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NRCS SNOTEL stations report continuously (typically hourly). Snoflo refreshes throughout the day; check the "as of" timestamp on the snowpack hero card.
What's the difference between snowpack depth and SWE?
Snowpack depth measures how tall the snow is. SWE (snow water equivalent) measures how much WATER is in that snow. SWE matters more for hydrology and ski-season prediction since dry powder packs less water than wet/spring snow at the same depth.
How is "% of normal" calculated?
Today's snowpack is compared to the historical average snowpack on this calendar day across the station's full record. 100% = right on average; 130% = a big year; 60% = a thin year.
Can I get alerts when fresh snow hits?
Yes -- snow alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this station, set a snowfall threshold (e.g. "alert me when 6+ inches"), and you'll get a push the moment NRCS reports the crossing.
Access the free Independence Lake report
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