Franklin Basin snow report
Franklin Basin at a glance
How the snowpack at Franklin Basin looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Franklin Basin reports 1.0″ of new snowfall today, raising snowpack levels to 2 inches. Snowpack depth is 200% of normal, which is well above normal for this time of year. The mountain is perched in Idaho at an elevation of 8,170ft, where the air temperature is about 75°F right now.
Seasonal average snowpack on this calendar day is 1 inches across the station's full record. Above-normal snowpack like this builds the seasonal water bank for downstream rivers and reservoirs through spring runoff -- a good sign for the watershed.
Over the next 5 days, the snowpack at Franklin Basin is expected to hold near today's 0.6 inches of snow-water equivalent, toward roughly 0.3 inches by 2026-07-20.
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.
Franklin Basin
Franklin Basin in Idaho is located in the Wasatch Range of the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of 8,000 to 10,000 feet. The area experiences an average annual snowfall of 450 inches, with an average peak snowpack of 150 inches in late March. The nearby ski resorts of Beaver Mountain and Cherry Peak benefit greatly from this abundant snowpack.
Climate trends in Franklin Basin show a slight increase in temperature and a decrease in snowpack over the past few decades. This trend may be attributed to global climate change. The area is also important for hydrology, as it contains the headwaters of the Logan River, which flows downstream to provide water for agriculture and drinking water for nearby communities. Additionally, the area's snowpack contributes to the Bear River Basin, which supplies water for irrigation and hydropower production. Overall, the snowpack in Franklin Basin plays a critical role in sustaining the local ecosystem and supporting human activities in the surrounding communities.
1. Hiking: Franklin Basin is surrounded by numerous hiking trails offering a range of difficulty levels and scenic views. One popular hike is the Franklin Basin Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and wildlife sightings. 2. Fishing: Franklin Basin is located near several lakes and rivers that are known for their excellent fishing opportunities. Visitors can try their hand at catching trout, bass, and other freshwater fish in the area. 3. Mountain biking: The Franklin Basin area has many mountain biking trails that cater to riders of all skill levels. From leisurely rides through scenic forests to adrenaline-pumping downhill descents, there is something for every mountain biker to enjoy in the area. 4. Camping: Franklin Basin is a popular destination for camping enthusiasts, with several campgrounds located nearby. Visitors can enjoy sleeping under the stars, roasting marshmallows over a campfire, and waking up to the sounds of nature in this picturesque setting. 5. Wildlife viewing: Franklin Basin is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, moose, and various bird species. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the area and keep an eye out for these animals in their natural habitat. 6. Horseback riding: Horseback riding is a popular activity in Franklin Basin, with several trails suitable for equestrians. Visitors can explore the area on horseback, taking in the scenic beauty and enjoying a unique perspective of the landscape.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Franklin Basin's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Franklin Basin | 2 in |
| Nohrsc Franklin Basin | 2 in |
| Klondike Narrows | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Klondike Narrows | 0 in |
| Logan Summit | 2 in |
| Tony Grove Lake | 0 in |
Recreation near Franklin Basin
Ski areas, reservoirs, paddle runs, campgrounds, and fishing access within driving distance.
Reservoirs
See all →
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 Franklin Basin in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Franklin Basin reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Franklin Basin
Where does the snow data for Franklin Basin come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 484. 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 Franklin Basin report
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