Bear Saddle snow report
Bear Saddle at a glance
How the snowpack at Bear Saddle looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Bear Saddle 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 Idaho at an elevation of 6,180ft, where the air temperature is about 79°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 Bear Saddle is expected to hold near today's 0.0 inches of snow-water equivalent, toward roughly 0.0 inches by 2026-07-17.
For real-time and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other stations in the Idaho 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.
Bear Saddle
Bear Saddle is located in the Pioneer Mountains, Idaho, at an elevation of 8,800 feet. This region typically receives an average annual snowfall of 200 inches, with average peak snowpack reaching up to 100 inches. The nearby ski resorts of Sun Valley and Soldier Mountain benefit from the consistent snowpack, drawing skiers from across the country. In recent years, climate change has impacted the snowpack in the region, leading to decreased snowfall and earlier melting. This has resulted in decreased streamflow for downstream rivers and creeks, as well as decreased water levels in nearby reservoirs such as Magic Reservoir. The hydrology of the region is closely tied to the snowpack, making it crucial to monitor and assess the impacts of climate change on this important resource.
1. Hiking: There are numerous hiking trails near Bear Saddle, ID that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. One popular trail is the Bear Saddle Trail, which takes hikers through lush forests and up to a scenic overlook with panoramic views. 2. Fishing: Bear Saddle is located near several lakes and rivers that are popular fishing spots. Anglers can try their luck at catching trout, bass, and other freshwater fish in places like Bear Saddle Creek or nearby lakes such as Bear Lake. 3. Mountain Biking: The rugged terrain around Bear Saddle is perfect for mountain biking enthusiasts. There are several trails that cater to different skill levels, from beginner to advanced, offering a thrilling ride through the wilderness. 4. Camping: Camping is a popular outdoor activity near Bear Saddle, with several campgrounds and dispersed camping areas available for visitors. Campers can enjoy sleeping under the stars, cooking over a campfire, and immersing themselves in the peaceful surroundings. 5. Wildlife Watching: Bear Saddle is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including deer, elk, moose, and various bird species. Nature enthusiasts can go wildlife watching in the area and may even spot some of these animals in their natural habitat. 6. Rock Climbing: For those seeking a more adventurous outdoor activity, rock climbing is a popular option near Bear Saddle. There are several rock faces and cliffs in the area that offer challenging routes for climbers of all levels. Overall, Bear Saddle, ID offers a wide range of outdoor recreational activities for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. Whether you prefer hiking, fishing, camping, or rock climbing, there is something for everyone to experience in this beautiful natural setting.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Bear Saddle's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Bear Saddle | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Bear Saddle | 0 in |
| Halfway | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Schneider Meadows | 0 in |
| Schneider Meadows | 0 in |
| Van Wyck | 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 Bear Saddle in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Bear Saddle reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Bear Saddle
Where does the snow data for Bear Saddle come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 324. 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 Bear Saddle report
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