Crater Meadows snow report
Crater Meadows at a glance
How the snowpack at Crater Meadows looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Crater Meadows reports -1.0″ of new snowfall today, raising snowpack levels to 5 inches. Snowpack depth is 42% of normal, which is very low for this time of year. The mountain is perched in Idaho at an elevation of 5,960ft, where the air temperature is about 67°F right now.
Seasonal average snowpack on this calendar day is 12 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.
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.
Crater Meadows
Located in the Sawtooth Range of Idaho, Crater Meadows sits at an elevation of 8,900 feet with an average annual snowfall of 200 inches. The average peak snowpack is around 75 inches, with the maximum snow depth occurring in March. Nearby ski resorts include Sun Valley Resort and Soldier Mountain Ski Area. Climate trends show an increase in temperature and a decrease in snowpack over the past few decades. The snowpack provides a vital source of water for downstream rivers, creeks, and reservoirs, including the Salmon River and Redfish Lake. The hydrology constituents in this area are critical for the region's agriculture, fisheries, and recreation industries. Proper management and conservation of the snowpack are crucial for the long-term sustainability of the ecosystem and the livelihoods that depend on it.
1. Hiking: Crater Meadows is surrounded by numerous hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and meadows. Popular trails include the Crater Meadows Loop Trail, which takes hikers through the meadows and offers views of the crater, and the Ridge Trail, which provides panoramic views of the area. 2. Camping: Camping is a popular activity near Crater Meadows, with several campgrounds located within a short drive of the area. Campers can enjoy the serene surroundings of the meadows and take in the starry night sky. 3. Fishing: Crater Meadows is home to several lakes and streams that are popular fishing spots. Anglers can try their luck at catching trout, bass, and other species in the clear waters of the meadows. 4. Birdwatching: The meadows are a haven for birdwatchers, with a variety of species that can be spotted in the area. Birdwatchers can see species such as red-winged blackbirds, meadowlarks, and hawks while exploring the meadows. 5. Horseback riding: Horseback riding is a popular activity near Crater Meadows, with several trails that are suitable for horseback riding. Riders can enjoy the scenic views of the meadows and surrounding mountains while exploring the area on horseback. Overall, Crater Meadows offers a wide range of outdoor recreational activities for visitors to enjoy, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Crater Meadows's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Crater Meadows | 5 in |
| Nohrsc Crater Meadows | 6 in |
| Bald Mountain | 37 in |
| Nohrsc Cool Creek | 2 in |
| Cool Creek | 3 in |
| Hemlock Butte | 0 in |
Recreation near Crater Meadows
Ski areas, reservoirs, paddle runs, campgrounds, and fishing access within driving distance.
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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 Crater Meadows in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Crater Meadows reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Crater Meadows
Where does the snow data for Crater Meadows come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 425. 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 Crater Meadows report
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- Full history & forecasts — plus the free iPhone app