Blue Lakes Snow Report
Blue Lakes at a glance
How the snowpack at Blue Lakes looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Blue Lakes 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 8,057ft, where the air temperature is about 72°F right now.
Seasonal average snowpack on this calendar day is 1 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 Blue Lakes is expected to hold near today's 0.0 inches of snow-water equivalent, toward roughly 0.0 inches by 2026-07-21.
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.
Blue Lakes
Blue Lakes, CA is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range and sits at an elevation of 7,200 feet. The area experiences an average annual snowfall of 200 inches, with an average peak snowpack of 100 inches in the month of March. This snowpack is crucial for the nearby ski resorts, including Kirkwood and Bear Valley, which rely on the snowpack to provide winter recreation for visitors.
The snowpack also plays a crucial role in the hydrology of the area, with snowmelt feeding into nearby creeks and rivers, ultimately flowing into the Mokelumne River and surrounding reservoirs. As climate trends continue to shift, the snowpack in Blue Lakes is expected to experience more variability and potentially decline in the future. This could have significant impacts on the surrounding ecosystems and water resources. Monitoring and understanding the snowpack in Blue Lakes is crucial for the continued health and sustainability of the region.
1. Fishing: Blue Lakes offer excellent fishing opportunities for a variety of fish species, including trout, bass, and catfish. The lakes are stocked regularly, making it a popular spot for anglers of all skill levels. 2. Boating: Blue Lakes are great for boating, with plenty of space to kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. Motorized boats are also allowed on the lakes, making it a great spot for water activities. 3. Hiking: There are several hiking trails near Blue Lakes that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. The Blue Lakes Trail is a popular choice, offering a moderate hike with beautiful scenery. 4. Camping: Blue Lakes Campground is a popular spot for camping, with plenty of amenities and beautiful lake views. The campground offers both tent and RV sites, making it a great spot for a weekend getaway. 5. Swimming: Blue Lakes are a popular spot for swimming, with clear, refreshing water perfect for a dip on a hot day. There are designated swimming areas along the shore, making it a safe spot for families to enjoy the water.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Blue Lakes's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Blue Lakes | 2 in |
| Nohrsc Blue Lakes | 2 in |
| Lost Lake Snotel | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Forestdale Creek | 0 in |
| Forestdale Creek | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Spratt 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 Blue Lakes in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Blue Lakes reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Blue Lakes
Where does the snow data for Blue Lakes come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 356. 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 Blue Lakes report
Create your free account to track this — and everything else you love outdoors.
- Custom alerts — get pinged the moment conditions change
- Save favorites — every river, lake, snowpack & resort in one place
- Full history & forecasts — plus the free iPhone app