Bear Basin Snow Report
Bear Basin at a glance
How the snowpack at Bear Basin looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Bear Basin 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 5,350ft, where the air temperature is about 86°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 Basin is expected to hold near today's 0.0 inches of snow-water equivalent, toward roughly 0.0 inches by 2026-07-25.
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 Basin
Bear Basin, located in the Salmon River Mountains of Idaho, boasts an average elevation of 7,100 feet and receives an average of 300 inches of snowfall annually. The peak snowpack typically occurs in late March or early April and averages around 100 inches. Several nearby ski resorts, including Brundage Mountain and Tamarack Resort, rely heavily on the snowpack in Bear Basin for their winter operations.
In terms of climate trends, Bear Basin has experienced slight warming temperatures over the past few decades, which has led to earlier snowmelt and a reduction in the overall snowpack. This has affected downstream rivers, including the Salmon River, and local reservoirs, such as the Cascade Reservoir, which rely on the snowpack for their water supply.
The hydrology of Bear Basin is also important to note, as it serves as a critical source of water for the surrounding area. The Little Salmon River and Bear Creek are two main waterways that flow out of the area and provide important habitat for fish and wildlife. Overall, the snowpack in Bear Basin plays a critical role in the local ecosystem and economy.
1. Hiking: Bear Basin offers numerous hiking trails with varying difficulty levels, perfect for both casual walkers and avid hikers. Popular trails include the Bear Basin Trail and the Roaring River Trail, both offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and wildlife. 2. Mountain Biking: The rugged terrain of Bear Basin makes it a prime destination for mountain biking enthusiasts. The area boasts a network of challenging trails, such as the Bear Basin Loop Trail and the Elk Meadows Loop, offering adrenaline-pumping descents and technical obstacles. 3. Fishing: The nearby Roaring River and Bear Creek are popular spots for fishing, with opportunities to catch various species of trout. Anglers can try their luck fly fishing in the pristine waters of Bear Basin while enjoying the peaceful surroundings. 4. Camping: Bear Basin offers several designated campgrounds, such as the Bear Creek Campground and the Roaring River Campground, for those looking to spend a night under the stars. Campers can immerse themselves in nature and enjoy the tranquility of the wilderness. 5. Wildlife Viewing: Bear Basin is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elk, deer, and various bird species. Nature enthusiasts can explore the area on foot or by vehicle to catch glimpses of these creatures in their natural habitat. Overall, Bear Basin provides 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 Bear Basin's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Bear Basin | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Bear Basin | 0 in |
| Mccall | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Brundage Reservoir | 2 in |
| Brundage Reservoir | 2 in |
| Shaw Twin | 9 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 Basin in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Bear Basin reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Bear Basin
Where does the snow data for Bear Basin come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 319. 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 Basin report
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