Howell Canyon Snow Report
Howell Canyon at a glance
How the snowpack at Howell Canyon looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Howell Canyon reports 0.0″ of new snowfall today, raising snowpack levels to 0 inches. Snowpack depth is % of normal, which is very low for this time of year. The mountain is perched in Idaho at an elevation of 7,980ft, 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 Howell Canyon is expected to hold near today's 0.0 inches of snow-water equivalent, toward roughly 0.0 inches by 2026-07-23.
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.
Howell Canyon
Howell Canyon, located in the Bitterroot Mountains of Idaho, boasts an average elevation of 7,500 feet above sea level. With an average annual snowfall of 200 inches, the peak snowpack in the area can reach up to 10 feet in depth. This snowpack provides vital water resources for the nearby Lost Trail Powder Mountain and Chief Joseph Ski Area, which rely on the snowpack for their winter recreation activities. However, recent climate trends have shown a decrease in snowpack accumulation and earlier snowmelt, leading to concerns about water availability in downstream rivers, creeks, and reservoirs such as the Selway River and Lake Como. Hydrology constituents in the area are greatly impacted by the snowpack, with changes in snowmelt timing and quantity affecting water availability for irrigation and municipal use. Ongoing monitoring and management of the snowpack are crucial for informed decision-making and sustainable water use in this region.
1. Hiking: Howell Canyon offers numerous hiking trails for all skill levels. Visitors can explore the diverse terrain, wildlife, and scenic views of the area. Popular trails include the Howell Canyon Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and the Big Elk Creek Trail, which leads to a beautiful waterfall. 2. Fishing: Howell Canyon is home to several creeks and rivers that provide excellent fishing opportunities. Anglers can try their luck at catching trout, bass, and other native fish species. Popular fishing spots include Big Elk Creek and Howell Creek. 3. Camping: There are several campgrounds and dispersed camping areas near Howell Canyon where visitors can enjoy a night under the stars. Campers can experience the peacefulness of the wilderness and have easy access to hiking trails and fishing spots. 4. Mountain biking: The rugged terrain of Howell Canyon is perfect for mountain biking. There are numerous trails that offer challenging climbs and thrilling descents. Popular mountain biking trails include the Elk Mountain Trail and the Howell Canyon Ridge Trail. 5. Wildlife viewing: Howell Canyon is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and various bird species. Visitors can take a leisurely walk or hike to spot these animals in their natural habitat. Birdwatchers may also be able to see rare bird species such as golden eagles and peregrine falcons. Overall, Howell Canyon offers a wide range of outdoor recreational activities for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. Whether you enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, mountain biking, or wildlife viewing, there is something for everyone to experience in this beautiful area.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Howell Canyon's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Howell Canyon | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Howell Canyon | 0 in |
| George Creek | 0 in |
| Nohrsc 13h05 - George Creek | 0 in |
| Bostetter R.S. | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Bostetter R.S. | 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 Howell Canyon in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Howell Canyon reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Howell Canyon
Where does the snow data for Howell Canyon come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 534. 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 Howell Canyon report
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